fter two years of extensive dialogue, a diverse group of conservationists, loggers, snowmobilers, outfitters, and local landowners have crafted a pioneering vision for the upper Blackfoot Valley. The Blackfoot Clearwater Landscape Stewardship Project uses a landscape-level focus to achieve the goals of:
- 1) restoring and protecting the integrity of the landscape;
- 2) while at the same time, stimulating and diversifying the economies of rural communities located within it.
This pioneering local proposal has already received a wide cross section of support from local governments, individuals, and organizations who agree the proposal's ultimate goals work to conserve wilderness and wildlife while maintaining and enhancing a traditional way of life. Ultimately, this project represents a common-sense approach for doing the right things on the ground for the right reasons.
An economic analysis released in April 2008 shows that the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Project would provide a variety of direct benefits annually to local communities and businesses; including 35-52 new jobs, increased small business income, and at least $1.19 million in new wages – while continuing long-term benefits to the region from healthier lands, cleaner water, better habitat, and continuing or improved recreation.