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!​

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

Laurel Deserves Better than Methane Community Meeting

Laurel Deserves Better than Methane..

Northern Plains Resource Council is holding a community meeting in Laurel. This will be an opportunity for residents to learn more about the harmful impacts of NorthWestern Energy’s methane-fired power plant and to have a say in important decisions regarding the health, safety, and vitality of our community.

Sunday, April 23rd 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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