Missoula Co. Pauses Blackfoot Gravel Pit Zoning
Coverage by NBC Montana stated that the Missoula County Commissioners have paused the zoning review for a proposed gravel operation along the Blackfoot River corridor until the developer provides more detailed project information. The move came after sustained pressure from nearby residents and a grassroots group, Blackfoot River Community, who raised concerns about the lack of clear plans and potential impacts on the river, wildlife habitat, and community safety. Commissioners said they want more specifics on the scale, design, and effects of the proposal before determining whether it complies with county rules, and they have declined to sign the land-use zoning compliance form needed for a future state permit application at this time.
The Pits
Look for a feature story in the spring issue of the Montana Quarterly Magazine on gravel mining in Montana. Thank you to the Montana Quarterly and Laura Lundquist for sharing this story. The article can be found in the documents section on our website
November Updates
MEPA: November 7th marked 7 months since Judge Leslie Halligan heard our case involving the complaint filed in June 2023 in the 4th District Court for Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) violations by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
A decision is still pending. District Courts have no specific timeline to provide a ruling.
BER: The last step in the 2-year BER (Board of Environmental Review) appeal is filing for a Petition for Judicial Review (PJR) to challenge the permitting process. The case can now be heard before an actual judge (instead of an administrative committee). A hearing set for Tuesday, November 18, 2025, was postponed and will be held at a later date.
Support The Blackfoot Community
At Protect the Clearwater, we are proud to stand alongside the incredible Blackfoot River Community. Together, you’ve helped surpass 2,150 petition signatures in the effort to protect the Blackfoot River corridor, a powerful reminder of what community action can achieve.
This momentum is real because of your advocacy, your care for this place, and your commitment to safeguarding Montana’s rivers and landscapes. Let’s keep this energy going.
If you haven’t yet, please sign and share the petition. You’ll also find information on how to contact the Missoula County Commissioners on the petition page below.
From all of us at Protect the Clearwater: thank you for showing up for this river, this valley, and each other. Together, we’re protecting what matters most.
WELCOME SHAWN HUSEBY BAUCUS INSTITUTE CLIMATE SCHOLAR INTERN
Montana native Shawn Huseby has joined PTC as a 2025 Climate Scholar through the Max S. Baucus Institute. He recently graduated from Montana State University with degrees in Marketing and Hispanic Studies and is passionate about combining strategic communication with meaningful environmental work. His background as a hunter and outdoor enthusiast along with his knowledge of the business world will help us to grow community awareness, strengthen our brand, and expand our network of supporters. He supports PTC’s mission of protecting the local waterways and wild landscapes for future generations.
CINNABAR FOUNDATION AWARDS $5,000 GRANT TO PTC
The Cinnabar Foundation board had voted to award a $5,000 Program/Project Grant to fund PTC's ongoing efforts to preserve the Blackfoot and Clearwater Watersheds and Wildlife Corridor. Thank you so much for the continued support of the Cinnabar Foundation.
4TH DISTRICT COURT HEARS PTC MEPA AND CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGE
On Monday, April 7th at 1:30, Judge Leslie Halligan heard oral arguments in the case filed by Protect the Clearwater against the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The courtroom seats were full with some folks standing to listen.
Our attorneys argued that the DEQ failed in its’ duty to provide an opportunity for public input, did not take a “hard-look” at evidence to prevent harm to the environment, and that because the mine site is located near the lake and river, and may actually not be a "dry-land" operation at all.
The DEQ argued that they did not have time to release a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for public comment, that animals affected by mining would “go somewhere else”, and that the DEQ can rely on the mining company’s declaration that their operation will not affect ground and surface water.
The story was covered by the:
ELK HERD GRAZING ON WILDLIFE CORRIDOR
Elk herds are an iconic sight in Western Montana, charming residents and attracting tourists and hunters alike. A Greenough resident spotted this herd on February 13, directly across from the Blackfoot Clearwater Wildlife Management Area and adjacent to a proposed gravel mine at mile marker 3 on Hwy 83. A stone’s throw from the Clearwater River and Elbow Lake, this is one stop on a westerly migration route used by elk, grizzly bears, grey wolves, and lynx.
