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.

recent editorial from the Helena IR:

A diverse group of sportsmen, conservationists, loggers and ranchers is encouraging the state's congressional delegation to sponsor an ambitious grass-roots management plan for the Blackfoot and Clearwater drainages.

Considering that the plan appears to have something for almost everyone, it would be difficult for them to refuse.

Click here to read the full editorial.

Workgroup member Jack Rich, recently guided members of the media and key decision makers over the upper Blackfoot Valley. Photo by Yogesh Simpson

On Wednesday May 9th, members of the press and key decision makers flew over areas of the Upper Blackfoot Valley that would be affected by the Blackfoot Clearwater Landscape Stewardship Project.

The Landscape Work Group developed a proposal for public review in November 2006 and has taken this Cooperative Landscape Stewardship Pilot Project to the Blackfoot communities and other interested partners and stakeholders.

Appropriations requests for a boiler for the co-generation facility and funds to support planning, restoration and monitoring on USFS lands in the Blackfoot were submitted to the MT Congressional Delegation in February and March of 2007.