Central Montana Resource Council

Central Montana Resource Council is a community organization based in Fergus, Judith Basin, and Wheatland Counties that focuses on protecting family ranches, building a vibrant localized food system, increasing accessibility of clean energy, and protecting our water resources.

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 Bronya at bronya@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
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS...

Check out these upcoming events in your area!​

GTRC’s Annual Meeting and Potluck

GTRC’s Annual Meeting and Potluck

Our Mission Central Montana Resource Council is a community organization of concerned citizens dedicated to...

Thursday, June 15th from 5:30 pm-8:00 pm

Cottonwood Resource Council Farm Tour and Work Day

Cottonwood Resource Council Farm Tour..

With summer upon us, now’s a great opportunity to get outside and get our hands dirty supporting local agriculture! Please join Cottonwood Resource Council (CRC) on Saturday, June 17th for a Farm Tour and Work Day at Living Soil Farms!

Saturday, June 17th from 10:00 am-3:00 pm

Our Team

Jackson Newman

Community Organizer

Effy McEldowney

Grassroots Fundraising Coordinator

Michael Skinner

GNA Manager and Community Organizer

Jeanie Alderson, Birney

Past Chair

Emma Kerr-Carpenter, Billings

Affiliate Representatives- Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council

Kris Glenn, Billings

Affiliate Representatives- Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council

John Gayusky, Livingston

Affiliate Representatives- Yellowstone Bend Citizens Council

Joan Kresich, Livingston

Affiliate Representatives- Yellowstone Bend Citizens Council

Tom Heyneman, Fishtail

Affiliate Representatives- Stillwater Protective Association

Edward Barta, Billings

Vice-Chair & Affiliate Representatives - Stillwater Protective Association

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