Cottonwood Resource Council

Cottonwood Resource Council was founded in 1988 by citizens concerned about the impending impact of hard-rock mining (including the East Boulder Mine) and other large-scale development in Sweet Grass County.

Our Mission

Cottonwood Resource Council safeguards for future generations the high quality of life we enjoy in Sweet Grass County, clean air and water, abundant wildlife, and a heritage of cooperation among neighbors.

To do that, we:

  • Monitor existing and potential development of Sweet Grass County’s resources.
  • Organize local citizens to promote a clean and healthful environment and active participation in local issues.

Issues We Work On

Good Neighbor Agreement

Since helping to negotiate the Good Neighbor Agreement with the Stillwater Mine in 2000, Cottonwood Resource Council members have worked to protect the Boulder River Valley by keeping mine traffic low, water quality pristine, and mine operations out of the valley.

Learn more about The Good Neighbor Agreement.

Local Food

Cottonwood Resource Council believes that local food is good for our health and the Big Timber community. CRC members are working to make Montana stronger by supporting producers and eating our uniquely healthy and tasty local food.

History and Accomplishments

  • Participation in negotiation and enforcement of the ground-breaking Good Neighbor Agreement with Stillwater Mining Company.

  • Participation in defending the Hard Rock Mining Impact Act against efforts to weaken it so that local communities will not bear the costs of sudden growth from new mines.

  • Keeping the community informed about East Boulder Mine issues through articles, panel discussions, and public forums.

  • Protecting water quality in Sweet Grass County.

  • Participation in efforts to reform the 1872 Mining Law, with several members going to Washington, D.C. to testify in the past.

  • Worked on better regional planning, including promoting the idea of hiring a county planner; held informational public presentations on examinations of our master plan; worked tirelessly on the master plan.

  • Served as watchdog on the local Lodestar Gold mine and worked with government agencies to hold the mine and mill site accountable to existing laws.

Leadership

Chair

Teri Schlabach

Vice-Chair

Linda Iverson

Secretary

Lisa Wagner

Treasurer

Michael Drye

Good Neighbor Agreement Representatives

Jerry Iverson
Paul Hawks
Betsy Baxter

Northern Plains Board Representative

Charlie French

Community Organizer
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS...

Check out these upcoming events in your area!​

Webinar: Putting the MT Endowment Tax Credit to Work for You

Webinar: Putting the MT Endowment..

Save the date for the second in a series of educational webinars on legacy planning, “Putting the MT Endowment Tax Credit to Work for You.” Join us and Kevin Brown, Associate Vice President of Development for Estate, Trust and Gift Planning at MSU to discover how to best utilize the now permanent Montana Endowment Tax Credit.

Wednesday, September 27th from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm

Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council Annual Meeting and Potluck

Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council Annual..

Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council (YVCC) is celebrating its Annual Meeting and Potluck on Sunday, October 1 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.

Sunday, October 1st from 4:00 pm-6:00 pm

2023 Helena Sun Run

2023 Helena Sun Run

Sleeping Giant Citizens Council’s Eighth Annual Sun Run will be held on Saturday, October 7th at the Central School, 402 N Warren Street in Helena.

Saturday, October 7th from 10:00 am-2:00 pm

Northern Plains’ 52nd Annual Meeting

Northern Plains’ 52nd Annual Meeting

Our Mission Cottonwood Resource Council safeguards for future generations the high quality of life we...

Friday, November 10th at 9:00 am - Saturday, November 11th at 7:00 pm

Our Team

Jack Leuthold

Community Organizer

Jackson Newman

Community Organizer

Effy McEldowney

Grassroots Fundraising Coordinator

Michael Skinner

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

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