Our Mission
Central Montana Resource Council is a community organization of concerned citizens dedicated to the sustainability of our water, land and food production for ours and future generations.
Meetings
Meetings are held via Zoom until further notice, on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6:00 – 7:30 pm.
Current Campaigns
Solarize Central Montana
We are bringing together community members from Fergus and Judith Basin Counties to get more solar energy in Central Montana. Solarize Central Montana is working to select expert installers and gathering information you need to consider going solar on your home or business.
Country-of-Origin Labeling
We’re working to raise awareness about Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) and get Mandatory COOL passed to support our local farmers and ranchers.
The Green Share Garden Project
The Green Share Garden Project is an initiative created by CMRC members to grow fresh, organic produce to donate to the community, and to educate fellow Central Montanans on how to grow their own food, as well as how to prepare it. If you’re interested in volunteering at the project’s community garden, please email Jackson at jackson@northernplains.org.
Isssues We Work On
Clean Energy
We strive to increase clean energy installations and awareness for area non-profits, businesses, ranchers and homeowners.
Clean Water
Our members are dedicated to preserving the quality and quantity of our water that supports farming, ranching and recreation in Central Montana.
Food Sustainability
We work to raise awareness and access to locally grown foods, country of origin labeling, and soil health practices.
History and Accomplishments
Central Montana Resource Council was formed in 2013, originally around protection of the Madison Aquifer and local foods. Since then, there’s a lot we’re proud of:
- Successfully secured funding for baseline water tests for 20 Central Montana ranches and households near oil & gas operations. Tests included screening for volatile organic compounds, and were sponsored by Fergus County Conservation District and funded by a grant from Montana Department of Natural Resources.
- Assisted Lewistown Art Center and Fergus County Fairgrounds to successfully apply for Northwestern Energy USB grants for solar installations, and worked with Fergus Electric Cooperative to install Phases 1 and 2 of a Cooperative Solar Project.
- Turned a 1,000 square foot neglected lot into Green Share Project Garden, a thriving community garden. Since 2014, the Garden has provided over 7,000 pounds of organic produce to our senior center, food bank and others in need. In 2020, in response to the pandemic, we introduced Tuesday Garden Shares, where fresh produce was given away for free to any community member in need.
- Produced pocket-sized Cow Calf Record Books in support of Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) that were distributed free to Montana ranchers. CMRC members used these books to promote COOL to Montana legislators and decision makers.
- Presented almost 20 free community educational seminars to raise awareness on topics including Baseline Water Testing, Climate Change in Montana, Composting & Soil Health, Mineral Rights, Responsible Oil & Gas Extraction, Solar 101 & Community Solar, and Stockwater Quality. In total we have planned almost 50 events.
Leadership
Chair
Alan Shammel
Vice-Chair
Laurie Lohrer
Secretary
Marita Valencia
Treasurer
Linda Roche
Northern Plains Board Representatives
Peter Mickelsen
Ken Siroky
Community Organizer
Jackson Newman
jackson@northernplains.org
