fter 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 Stewardship Project uses a landscape-level focus to simultaneously:

• 1) restore and protect the integrity of the landscape;
• 2) stimulate and diversify the rural economies of communities located within it.

This pioneering local proposal has 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.