Stillwater Protective Association

Since forming in 1975, Stillwater Protective Association has supported local citizens in preserving Stillwater County’s rural and agricultural quality of life.

Our Mission

We educate and equip ourselves and our community to preserve our rural and agricultural quality of life while encouraging responsible growth.

To do that we:

  • Hold government agencies and industry accountable to local citizen concerns.
  • Encourage development that preserves the agricultural integrity and health of Stillwater Valley.

Our Members

  • Protect our ranchers and farmers from being exploited by the meatpacking industry.
  • Encourage responsible development projects that keep the valley a good place to live and work by involving the community in decision-making, respecting the needs of agriculture and other businesses.
  • Help maintain the ecological and aesthetic qualities of the valley by participating in regular clean-up efforts on its roads and waterways.
  • Work with local and state officials to encourage responsible growth that respects the valley’s rural and agricultural integrity.

Issues We Work On

Good Neighbor Agreement

Stillwater Protective Association, Northern Plains Resource Council, Cottonwood Resource Council, and Stillwater Mining Company negotiated and continue to maintain the Good Neighbor Agreement (GNA). It is the only legally binding agreement between citizen groups and a hard-rock mining company in the world. Since 2000, the GNA has promoted socially responsible business practices and protected two pristine Montana rivers through the following:

  • Developing Water Quality Adaptive Management Plans (AMP) for each mine site, which implement a proactive and precautionary approach that goes above and beyond state and federal requirements to keep the Stillwater and East Boulder Rivers healthy and pristine.
  • Regularly reviewing water quality data to monitor and advocate for the maintenance and health of the Stillwater River watershed.
  • Coordinating with the mine to reduce traffic.
  • Limiting the mine’s footprint on the Beartooth Plateau.
  • Providing for the clean up of mine waste and other industrial hazards.

Benefits of Membership

By joining you can:

  • Advocate for clean air and water, family farms and ranches, and responsible development.
  • Help us identify and work on issues of concern in our community.
  • Receive reliable and timely information through newsletters, e-mail alerts, fact sheets, reports, and more.
  • Help assure the continuing success of the Good Neighbor Agreement.

Leadership

President

Tom Heyneman

Vice-President

Burt Williams

Secretaries

Deb Griffin
Lee Wilder

Treasurer

Cindy Merriam

Stillwater Oversight Committee Representatives

John Beers
Kaite Howes

Stillwater Technical Committee Representative

Kitty Thomasos

Stillwater Oversight Committee Alternates

Doxey Hatch
Burt Williams

Northern Plains Board Representatives

Edward Barta

Jane Moses

Community Organizer
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS...

Check out these upcoming events in your area!​

Urban Forestry: A Difference Maker in Billings (Info Session)

Urban Forestry: A Difference Maker..

Join us to learn more about urban forestry in Billings at our info session on October 25th at Billings Public Library!

Tuesday, December 12th from 6:00 pm-7:30 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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