Rosebud Protective Association

One of the founding affiliates of Northern Plains, Rosebud Protective Association organizes in the Colstrip and Forsyth areas on coal issues to protect the water and agricultural viability of Rosebud County.

Issues We Work On

Colstrip Ash Pond Cleanup

The ash ponds associated with the Colstrip power plant have been leaking since their inception. We are working to ensure there is effective cleanup, which is necessary to protect the permanent health and well-being of the surrounding community members, businesses, and the environment. The aquifers that are impacted by the Colstrip Units 1&2 and Units 3&4 coal ash ponds support the springs, wells, and creeks that make agricultural livelihoods in this area possible. These water sources are irreplaceable.

Agriculture

Farming and ranching in southeast Montana has been a tradition for generations. We are working to ensure the land and water are protected so that we pass them on to future generations unimpaired.

History and Accomplishments

Our members have been instrumental in the following accomplishments:

  • 1972 & 1975: Shaping and passing Montana’s landmark environmental laws.
  • 1977-2016: Winning an outright dismissal of the construction permit for the Tongue River Railroad, a major coal infrastructure project. A diverse campaign, dogged persistence, and effective strategy won this 38-year campaign in April 2016.
  • 2020: Played a key role in a ruling by the Department of Environmental Quality to fully excavate the leaking ash ponds associated with Colstrip Power Plant Units 1 & 2, and move the ash to a new, lined landfill that is separated from groundwater.
  • 2010-2021: Played a major role in the struggle to stop six massive coal ports from being developed, bringing the voice of Montana into an otherwise Washington state-centric fight.

Leadership

Chair

Clint McRae

Treasurer

Kim McRae

Northern Plains Board Representative

Clint McRae

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

Leaking Coal Ash Ponds The coal ash storage ponds at the Colstrip Power Plant have...

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

Sign up to receive important email updates!

Stay informed about the work we are doing across Montana to protect our air, water, agriculture, and natural resources.

WordPress Lightbox