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!​

Billings Premiere of Murder in Big Horn

Billings Premiere of Murder in..

Co-hosts Western Native Voice and Northern Plains Resource Council are proud to present the Billings premiere of Murder in Big Horn, a new docuseries from Showtime about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women epidemic that indigenous communities have been battling since colonization.

Saturday, April 15th from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Solarize Golden Triangle Launch Event

Solarize Golden Triangle Launch Event

Golden Triangle Resource Council is hosting a launch event for their Solarize Golden Triangle campaign. It will be held on Saturday, April 22nd (Earth Day!) at 2 PM at Annie’s Taphouse in Great Falls (112 Central Avenue).

Saturday, April 22nd from 2:00 pm-4:00 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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