Notes from the Field

Striving to further strengthen the proactive and precautionary approach of the GNA’s existing Water Program, the Water Quality Adaptive Management Plans seek to maintain baseline water quality in groundwater and surface water, while going above and beyond state and federal requirements to ensure the East Boulder and Stillwater Rivers remain healthy and pristine.

For years, Northern Plains members fought against Stillwater Mining Company to protect water quality and the communities in Stillwater and Sweet Grass Counties. In 2000, spurred by action taken by Northern Plains members, the two sides worked together and negotiated an agreement to extend protections beyond state requirements to protect property, water, and area communities, while allowing platinum and palladium mining to proceed. The Good Neighbor Agreement has protected land with conservation easements, instituted a busing program to vastly reduce traffic on winding valley roads, and provided for independent environmental audits.