Cottonwood Resource Council
Safeguarding Big Timber and Sweet Grass County's high quality of life for future generations.
Our Mission
For over 20 years, Cottonwood Resource Council (CRC) members have been working together to help protect Sweet Grass County's clean air, water, and abundant wildlife, while encouraging cooperation among neighbors by
- Involving Sweet Grass County citizens in local issues impacting our environment
- Educating ourselves and others about responsible resource development
- Monitoring industry's extraction practices
Being a Good Neighbor
Cottonwood Resource Council, the Northern Plains Resource Council, the Stillwater Protective Association, and the 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 by
- Regular reviews of water quality to maintain the health of the Boulder River Watershed
- Traffic reduction
- Limiting the mine's footprint on the Beartooth Plateau
- Providing for the clean-up of mine waste and other industrial hazards
Involving Local Citizens
We help Sweet Grass County residents participate in maintaining a healthy environment by
- Encouraging an informed citizenry through reliable and timely information about resource issues important to the community
- Inviting participation in monitoring events at the Stillwater Mine
- Responding to potential natural gas development
You Can Help
By becoming a member of the Cottonwood Resource Council, you can
- Join with your neighbors to help protect our way of life, our property values, and Sweet Grass County's natural resources
- 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
- Join us in Helena during the Montana Legislature to advocate for legislation that protects our clean air and water
As an affiliate of the Northern Plains Resource Council, the CRC enjoys access to a well-trained staff and three decades' worth of experience working to keep Montana a good place to live and work.
The Cottonwood Resource Council meets the first Thursday of each month at the Carnegie Public Library in Big Timber. For more information, please email cottonwoodrc@gmail.com or call 406-248-1154.
