Collaboration in the Southwest BY APRIL REESE Stories of "unlikely bedfellows" hashing out local solutions to natural resource issues are becoming increasingly common. Collaborative groups have become bigger, better organized, less fractious and more politically savvy. They are settling into a new level of trust and efficacy, forging closer relationships with federal land managers, and in some cases, they have even managed to enlist the help of Congress.   SEE FULL STORY >> COLLABORATION IN THE NORTHWEST >> Timber groups, motorized-use advocates, and conservationists are finding that they can work together.   Finding uses for "junk" wood Combining environmentalism with enterprise, Gila WoodNet helps thin and restore forests by creating markets for wood too small for sawmills. Gila WoodNet hopes to make it economically viable to do what, unchecked, nature would otherwise accomplish with forest fires: READ MORE >> Timber, conservation groups reach deal on forest plan Saying they're tired of the decades of fighting that's stalled everything from timber sales to new wilderness designations, a group of timber industry leaders and conservationists unveiled their vision for the future management of Montana's largest national forest. READ MORE >> Snowy middle ground Lately, Lincoln, MT snowmobilers have recognized that environmentalists are part of their largely conservative community. On a snowy day in December, as snowmobilers meet with Forest Service staff, they’re joined by leaders of Montana’s wilderness movement. READ MORE >> Building better bridges A recent project undertaken in Colorado studies whether collaborative processes provide beneficial social outcomes to individuals, groups, agencies, and communities and how participants can actively engage in activities and take actions to encourage development of strong relationships. REPORT SUMMARY >> FULL REPORT >> Blackfoot Challenge adds 11,300 acres to public forests “This is great news for the Blackfoot because it puts in public ownership lands that local residents wanted to see continued public access on,” said Hank Goetz, the lands director for the Blackfoot Challenge. SEE FULL STORY >> MORE ON THE BLACKFOOT CHALLENGE >>

Working group doesn't work Linda Baker ruefully states that the Pinedale Anticline Working Group is a spectacular failure in "Cooperative Conservation." and that the BLM had no intention of cooperating, especially to enable conservation. READ MORE >> PINEDALE HISTORY >> BLM DRAWS FIRE >> WILDLIFE IN PERIL? >> SPORTSMEN FIGHT FOR HABITAT >> BLM, environmentalists accused of grazing plot The Bureau of Land Management unlawfully awarded livestock grazing rights to environmentalists who were determined to reduce grazing in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, according to a federal lawsuit filed by ranchers and local governments. READ MORE >> Helping save prickly victims of development The operation began military-style at the crack of dawn. Bearing welders' gloves, shovels and tweezers for medical emergencies, the brigade of 40 moved across the desert, undaunted by rattlers, in single-minded pursuit of their well-defended targets. READ MORE >> CONTACT US Ross Johnson 32 South Ewing, Suite 326 Helena, Montana 59601 Phone: (406) 495-1069 Toll Free: (888) 495-0757 Fax: (406) 495-1074   The Red Lodge Clearinghouse is a program of the Liz Claiborne Art Ortenberg Foundation. HOME PAGE INDEX To view an index of past home pages from our site, click here.

CONTACT US | GO TO NEW SITE | PHOTOS