Along this stretch of the Upper Yellowstone River in Montana, various dynamics exist. Hear from a rancher, a river restoration professional, an outdoor recreation business owner, and a Traditional Ecological Knowledge educator who are all deeply connected to this river. Whether the challenge is drought, flood, impact from river recreation, development, or otherwise, witness how approaches that are guided by local communities and by the river itself can create greater resiliency for the people and place here. This is Part 2 of 2 of our episodes on the Upper Yellowstone River, focusing on the impact from increased river recreation, a community-guided response to this pressure, and the impacts of land use changes, rural community disconnects, and the challenges and value in collaborative approaches. This episode pairs with the film Life in the Land: The Upper Yellowstone River. The Life in the Land project is a series of films that hears from folks around Montana speaking to the value in community-guided and holistic approaches within the landscape. The content is available for free at LifeintheLand.org LINKS: The Upper Yellowstone Watershed Group Montana Freshwater Partners Project Indigenous Dan Bailey's Outdoor Co. Park County Environmental Council Give Back to the Yellowstone Campaign Wild Livelihoods Business Coalition Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to spark positive action for people and place. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction     #yellowstone #montana #rivers #upperyellowstone #paradisevalley #recreation #flyfishing #fishing #montanarivers #montanafishing #rafting #community #rural #watershedgroup #climatechange #wyoming #yellowstonenationalpark #nationalpark #bozeman #livingston

Along this stretch of the Upper Yellowstone River in Montana, various dynamics exist. Hear from a rancher, a river restoration professional, an outdoor recreation business owner, and a Traditional Ecological Knowledge educator who are all deeply connected to this river. Whether the challenge is drought, flood, impact from river recreation, development, or otherwise, witness how approaches that are guided by local communities and by the river itself can create greater resiliency for the people and place here. This is Part 1 of 2 of our episodes on the Upper Yellowstone River, focusing on the historic floods in 2022, the aftermath, and looking forward for resiliency for people and place. This episode pairs with the film Life in the Land: The Upper Yellowstone River. The Life in the Land project is a series of films that hears from folks around Montana speaking to the value in community-guided and holistic approaches within the landscape. The content is available for free at LifeintheLand.org   LINKS: The Upper Yellowstone Watershed Group Montana Freshwater Partners Project Indigenous Dan Bailey's Outdoor Co. Park County Environmental Council Give Back to the Yellowstone Campaign Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to spark positive action for people and place. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction   #yellowstone #montana #rivers #upperyellowstone #paradisevalley #flooding #climatechange #rural #montanarivers #flyfishing #yellowstonenationalpark #river #bozeman #livingston

Wildlife and humans have a need to move across the landscape. But our modern modes of travel have put those necessary pathways at odds with one another. Our highways create barriers for animals to carry out the daily movements and seasonal migrations that are necessary for their survival. For people, crossing paths with an animal on the highway is also a threat to our own safety and a cause for collisions that cost around $8 billion in damages in the U.S. every year. The topic of wildlife-vehicle collisions lies at the literal intersection of human needs and wildlife needs. In this episode, we take a look at how our approaches to this topic can relate to all areas of planning how our human needs and communities advance, in a way that acknowledges our place within our environments. We will hear from members of Yellowstone Safe Passages, a community-guided coalition in Southwest Montana that is taking a holistic approach to mitigate this issue. We will hear from a road ecologist about what this work looks like on the ground and the jaw dropping costs of continued conflict. And a policy expert will share how this topic creates bipartisan engagement and a model for productive legislative action. In this episode, WE HEAR FROM:  Marcel Huijser, Western Transportation Institute Liz Fairbank, Center for Large Landscape Conservation Max Hjortsberg, Park County Environmental Council Peter Brown, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Erin Sito, Wildlands Network Members of Yellowstone Safe Passages Other LINKS: Yellowstone Safe Passages Yellowstone Safe Passages Facebook Yellowstone Safe Passages Instagram Download the ROaDS app to contribute data as a citizen scientist! Follow directions on the linked document. Paradise Valley Online Dashboard of Citizen Science Data Montanans for Safe Wildlife Passage Wildlands Network Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes Wildlife Crossing, Flathead Reservation Upper Yellowstone Watershed Group Ben Goldfarb's book on road ecology, Crossings Ologies podcast episode with Ben Goldfarb on Road Ecology ARTICLES: Introducing Yellowstone Safe Passages Montana Projects Receive $9 million for Wildlife Crossings Report calls for highway improvements to lessen wildlife-vehicle collisions (in Montana) Mandating Wildlife Crossings in Mexico’s Infrastructure U.S. Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program   This episode is part of the Life in the Land project, which is a series of films and podcasts produced by Stories for Action. The series hears from folks that interact with the complexities of Montana's landscapes, speaking to the value of locally-led work and the holistic approaches needed for the health of communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Find out more about the project and watch the films at LifeintheLand.org. Reach out if you would like to host a free screening of the content for your community, organization, or classroom! Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to spark positive action for people and place. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction   #Yellowstone #wildlife #roadecology #ecology #sustainability #montana #environment #ruralamerica

Today we will hear from Patrick Yawakie-Peltier, co-Founder of Red Medicine LLC, an Indigenous civic engagement service based in Montana. Patrick was present throughout Montana's legislative session this year, advocating for and against policy that will impact the state's tribal members. Patrick will share with us his personal experience in the session as an Indigenous person and community advocate, and also his calls for improved engagement and approaches in our state legislative process. Patrick shares messages intended for tribal members to gain information and entry points for advocacy, and also for non-Native folks to gain valuable insight and perspective. Like many of our episodes attempt to do, I hope that no matter your demographic, you can gain some insight about others or even yourself through these conversations…as I believe, whether you agree with someone or not, it benefits us to be more informed about the challenges, and humanized perspectives of those we share our world with. This episode also shares some context and introductory information on Montana's unique tribal communities and a few specifics that contribute to the field of Indian Law. We encourage you to continue your research on these topics. Below are a few links for starting points. LINKS: Red Medicine LLC on Facebook People's Food Sovereignty Program Native American Influences on U.S. Government Montana Indigenous Tribes: Their History & Location (from Office of Public Instruction) Montana Indian Education for All - curriculum & information for all ages Info on Indian Child Welfare Act: National Indian Child Welfare Association Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968 American Indian Movement: AIM "The 1950's plan to erase Indian Country" piece from American Public Media Land Status of Indian Country in Montana: Policy Basics House Bill 163 to extend task force for MMIP - Missing & Murdered Indigenous Persons Indigenous language revitalization What the session means for Indian Country: Char-Koosta News article Article on funding for internet access for rural and tribal communities This episode is made possible with support from Headwaters Foundation, working side-by-side with Western Montanans to improve the health of our communities. Headwaters is committed to supporting the health and sovereignty of Native Americans through their grants and partnerships. Learn more at www.headwatersmt.org, or find them on Instagram and Facebook. Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. Learn more at StoriesforAction.org  Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction #tribalsovereignty #legislation #policy #tribalpolicy #indianlaw #montana #montanalegislators #democrat #republican #indigenous #indigenousvoices #nativevoices #advocacy #community #reservation #policymaker #senator #congressperson #helenamontana #mmip #mmiw #icwa #stategovernment #aclu #flatheadreservation

It seems like these days, if you spend even the slightest amount of time tuned into public events and rhetoric, you become aware of growing divisions...that there is a silent, or sometimes very loud pressure to “pick a side”, narratives and messaging coming from higher levels of public messaging, social media, policymakers, to align, to pit us against them, and sometimes this narrative can grow louder than the moral compass inside our own head. This episode with Marissa Hackett touches on a lot of things, and I hope that one of them sparks an answer for you on how we can humanize one another again, individualize the real stories behind our actions and bandwagons. This conversation is about respecting the sacredness of a connected community and connection to place...it’s about sharing story, removing stigmas, and normalizing the hard conversations, and empowering us to allow human connection to rise above political divides.  Marissa Hackett speaks to her connection to the people and places of Montana, her work with the Human Resource Development Center in Park County and the realities in rural areas of folks needing support with housing, food, safety from abuse, or other vulnerabilities. She also touches on her experience growing up in what she terms as a cult, and parallels she sees with divisive messaging tactics that are growing today. LINKS: Marissa Hackett's blog "Breaking the Cycle" on Substack Human Resource Development Center (HRDC) Southwest Chemical Dependency Community Health Partners Leadership 49 program - MSU Park County Extension Montana Veteran's Affairs Division Livingston Food Resource Center ASPEN - Abuse Support Prevention Education Network Park County Library Article: MSU Extension & MT Dept of Ag join new USDA regional food business center partnership Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center This episode was made possible through support from Meadowlark Guide Co, which hosts river trips and retreats that embrace the mountains, prairies, and rivers of Montana and Wyoming. They weave together elements of personal development, healing modalities, and adventure with the intent that you will find deeper and meaningful connection to place, self, and community. _______________________________ Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. Learn more at StoriesforAction.org  Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction     #community #Montana #homeless #rural #foodbank #foodinsecurity #affordablehousing #polarizing #divisive #nonpartisan #roymasters #breakingthecycle #healing #communityhealth

Helene Gaddie is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Generations Indigenous Ways (GIW). This community based Native nonprofit organization is dedicated to empowering American Indian youth with the knowledge of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education enhanced by Oglala Lakota values and way of life using Indigenous Sciences, operating in the Pine Ridge Reservation area. They host camps in all seasons, which consist of hands on learning that integrates traditional Lakota values and Indigenous Science with Western science, touching on everything from geology, astronomy, ecosystem health, learning modern technologies such as GIS or learning about physics through archery, with bows they construct themselves. Helene’s story and messages provides great insight for anyone already leading a community-guided organization, anyone who sees a need in their community but doesn’t know where to start to take action, anyone working in the spaces of youth outreach, education, science, and for anyone in the Oglala Lakota Nation or beyond, who want to hear about some inspiring and impactful work.   This conversation with Helene took place at the Strengthening the Circle gathering, hosted by Hopa Mountain in Bozeman in April 2023. This gathering aims to build the capacities of experienced and emerging Native-led nonprofit organizations that are working to improve economic development, education, and social services on or near reservations. LINKS: Generations Indigenous Ways Native Science Field Center National Science Foundation Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples Hopa Mountain Strengthening the Circle, gathering This episode is part of the Life in the Land project, which is a series of films and podcasts produced by Stories for Action, which hears from folks that interact with the complexities of Montana's landscapes, speaking to the value of locally-led work and the holistic approaches needed for the health of communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Find out more about the project and watch the films at LifeintheLand.org Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. Learn more at StoriesforAction.org  Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction   #Lakota #Oglala #Indigenousleadership #indigenousnonprofit #traditionalecologicalknowledge #tek #indigenousscience #sciencefoundation #nativescience #southdakota #montana #youth #STEM

Alma McCormick is the Executive Director of Messengers for Health, an organization which holds a mission to foster and support trusted community leaders to improve the health of Apsáalooke (Crow) men, women, and children using solutions that respect and honor Apsáalooke strengths, culture, stories, and language. Messengers for Health began with a focus in cancer prevention for women of the Crow Nation, but their work has expanded to serve Crow women, men, and children, in various aspects of health outreach.  Alma will speak to breaking through cultural stigmas about speaking about cancer and how important it is to have medical care advocacy be made up of and guided by the community itself. She also speaks about the healing power of forgiveness and by sharing her own story, she gives inspiration on how to take the path of helping others in the wake of tragedy. This conversation with Alma took place at the Strengthening the Circle gathering, hosted by Hopa Mountain in Bozeman in April 2023. This gathering aims to build the capacities of experienced and emerging Native-led nonprofit organizations that are working to improve economic development, education, and social services on or near reservations. LINKS: Messengers for Health State of Montana Cancer Screening Program MT State University's College of Education, Health and Human Development (Dr. Suzanne Held) Hopa Mountain, organization Strengthening the Circle, gathering This episode is part of the Life in the Land project, which is a series of films and podcasts produced by Stories for Action, which hears from folks that interact with the complexities of Montana's landscapes, speaking to the value of locally-led work and the holistic approaches needed for the health of communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Find out more about the project and watch the films at LifeintheLand.org Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. Learn more at StoriesforAction.org  Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction   #Health #cancer #americancancersociety #crownation #breastcancer #cancerawareness #indigenousadvocacy #nativehealth #indianhealthservices #native #nativenurse #crowagency #hardin #billings #montana #indigenousleadership #cancerprevention

Daniel Kemmis has divided his public career between democratic theory and practice. He has been an active politician, author, and thought leader on the topics of community guided governance and decision making based upon citizens’ rooted connection to place. Kemmis grew up on a small family farm in Eastern Montana, attended Harvard University, and the University of Montana’s School of Law. Kemmis served in the Montana House of Representatives from 1974 to 1984, rising to be Speaker of the House. He went on to become the Mayor of Missoula from 1990-96. Utne Reader recognized Kemmis as one of its “100 Visionaries” in 1995, he was awarded the Charles Frankel Prize for “outstanding contribution to the field of the humanities” by President Clinton, and honored with the Wallace Stegner Prize from the Center of the American West. Kemmis has authored the books Community and the Politics of Place, The Good City and the Good Life, and This Sovereign Land. His most recent book, Citizens Uniting to Restore Our Democracy, was published in 2020. In this book, by examining the historical and current context of American society, Kemmis reminds us that when we bring our problem-solving skills to bear as engaged members of collaborative communities, we can rise above the divisive partisanship and polarization so common today, and move onto the truly democratic ground of the common good. We speak about these topics and more, and joining Daniel and I in this conversation is Bill Milton. Bill is a cattle rancher in the community of Roundup, Montana and is engaged in a variety of entities on a local, state, and national level, as an advocate for finding symbiotic relationships between people and the landscapes they're a part of.  LINKS: Citizens Uniting to Restore Our Democracy   This episode is part of the Life in the Land project, which is a series of films and podcasts produced by Stories for Action, which hears from folks that interact with the complexities of Montana's landscapes, speaking to the value of locally-led work and the holistic approaches needed for the health of communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Find out more about the project and watch the films at LifeintheLand.org Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. Learn more at StoriesforAction.org  Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction   #Montana #missoula #politics #bipartisan #nonpartisan #polarization #dividednation #collaboration #danielkemmis #mayor #howtoheal #howtoconnect #createcommunity

This episode hears from Alex Kim, a Korean American, who in 2020 founded the social enterprise Here Montana. Here Montana works to increase representation and inclusivity for People of Color and intersecting communities in outdoor spaces and recreational activities in Montana. It also works to develop personal and professional leaders in these spaces. Here Montana operates on the values of community, education, engagement, and joy to create opportunities for connection, fun, and healing that nature can provide. This episode has messages for those seeking community, those who may need a perspective shift, and folks interested in starting up their own social enterprise. Find out more at HereMontana.org or on Instagram @Here_Montana. This episode is generously sponsored by the Patagonia Outlet in Dillon, Montana. Patagonia's work is now guided by the following words from the company's founder, Yvon Chouinard, "Earth is now our only shareholder. If we have any hope of a thriving planet - much less a business - it is going to take all of us doing what we can with the resources we have. This is what we can do." Stories for Action is a media company working in audio, film, and photography and holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to share human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. You can find out more about our work at StoriesforAction.org or on Instagram or Facebook.   #Montana #outdoorrecreation #getoutside #publiclands #recreation #diversity #equity #diversityintheoutdoors #keepitpublic #community #ski #run #hike #hunt #fish #rafting #socialjustice #outsidejoy

For this episode of Stories for Action, we did an "episode swap" with the Reframing Rural podcast, hosted and produced by Megan Torgerson. While they graciously are airing one of Stories for Action's episodes on their feed, we are airing this first episode of Reframing Rural's third season. In it, Megan speaks with Sarah Vogel, attorney and author of "The Farmer's Lawyer: The North Dakota Nine and the Fight to Save the Family Farm." Sarah shares about her experience taking on the U.S. Government in a class action lawsuit brought forward by 240,000 farmers who were facing foreclosure in the 1980's farm crisis. This episode touches on the pressures facing local farms and ranchers, which we still see today, but also reminds us to be involved with our democracy, to use our voices, and to hold our elected officials accountable. It reminds us that relatively recently, the public was less concerned with political party loyalty and tearing down one another and more concerned with choosing leaders who selflessly got things done for the betterment of their constituents. We hope you enjoy this episode from Reframing Rural, and checkout their previous two seasons which share stories of people and places in rural America in an effort to cultivate curiosity and conversation across geographic, class, and cultural divides. LINKS: Reframing Rural Podcast "The Farmer's Lawyer: The North Dakota Nine and the Fight to Save the Family Farm," Sarah Vogel More on the 1980's farm crisis National Farmers Union Farmers' Legal Action Group Native American Agriculture Fund "Country" film by Richard Pearce (1984) “Going Under: North Dakota Lawyer Sarah Vogel Fights to Save Family Farms” feature story in Life Magazine (1982) USDA Equity Commission Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction   #reframingrural #familyfarm #northdakota #southdakota #montana #rural #farmlife #ranchlife #bipartisanship #nonpartisan #community #lawyer #usda #farmserviceagency

Elk are essential components to a healthy ecosystem, and food source for many. They can also create some very complex dynamics, some that can get tense. In this episode we are focusing on the intersection of ranchers and landowners, elk populations, hunters, and wildlife biologists and agencies involved in guiding management of wildlife herds. This episode is for those directly involved (ranchers, agency, hunters, wildlife enthusiasts) and beyond as there are messages that speak to anyone involved in getting folks in a room together to work out problems, or who may be jaded with our polarized society and need some renewed faith that when we work together, we can move mountains, as a guest today says. We are speaking with four longtime members of the Devil's Kitchen Management Team, which focuses on the Beartooth Wildlife Management Area north of Helena in Montana. This collaborative working group came together over 30 years ago, as ranchers, agency, and sportsmen who saw tensions around local elk herds building and did not want to end up in angry commission hearings. They took it upon themselves to begin managing the area, not only the elk herds but the greater ecosystem, in ways that worked for everyone, including the land and wildlife. Hear about the challenges, the methods of success, and why they have now become a model for collaborative groups on the landscape. Guests: Bill Long (Solid Ground Consulting), Chase Hibbard (Sieben Livestock), Cory Loecker (Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Region 4 Wildlife Manager), and Dave Cole (Hunter & Sportsman)   Other LINKS: Article: Hunting for elk management solutions in Devil's Kitchen Article: Groups overlap on some ideas for improving elk management in Montana Article: Citizens group holds virtual public meeting on Montana elk management plan Montana Land Reliance One Montana Montana Master Hunter Program Montana Citizens' Elk Management Coalition This episode is part of the Life in the Land project, which is a series of films and podcasts produced by Stories for Action, which hears from folks that interact with the complexities of Montana's landscapes, speaking to the value of locally-led work and the holistic approaches needed for the health of communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Find out more about the project and watch the films at LifeintheLand.org Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction #elk #elkhunter #hunter #bowhunting #huntingseason #montana #ranching #rancher #wildlife #wildlifemanagement #collaborativeconservation #conservation #foodsystems #publiclands public lands

It could pop up in that field next to your home, or kid’s school, or elk migration corridor…and newly passed laws in Montana have made it that much easier for it to happen without input or transparency with the public. Gravel pits, or open cut mines…they may seem benign, but when you hear about how much this could effect you, your health, your well water, aquifers, the wildlife, it may make you wonder why more people aren’t talking about them. This episode will inform you about the impacts of open cut mines and inform and equip you with the information to take action if you find yourself impacted, or better yet, how to take action now to prevent the current system from operating as it does. This episode is also great for legislators and decision makers to hear, as well as agency and the Department of Environmental Quality.  Hear from Anne Hedges and Melissa Nootz of Montana Environmental Information Center, whose mission is to advocate for the public on issues that impact environmental and human health. We will also hear from two residents of Arlee, Montana, Jennifer Knoetgen and Shelly Fyant, who are now involved in grassroots efforts to mobilize their community in response to a gravel pit and asphalt plant proposed in their neighborhood (Friends of the Jocko).  LINKS:  Montana Environmental Information Center Friends of the Jocko Map of Open Cut Mine Sites in Montana   Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction   #Montana #gravelpits #environmentaljustice #mining #environment #propertyrights #water #cleanair #pollution #hb599 #meic

Today we are speaking with Cole Mannix, one of the founders of Old Salt Co-op, a Montana entity with growing avenues of operations to rebuild infrastructure for Montana’s meat…but their work goes well beyond the meat itself with a mission to connect customers and producers in a shared purpose; to be stewards of the land, and to strengthen community. This conversation with Cole will touch on so many larger concepts that go well beyond meat and well beyond Montana…because what the team of ranchers, chefs, butchers, and entrepreneurs behind Old Salt are building, centers around something much deeper. They are proving what can be possible when a business entity leads with respect for the land and people it is connected to, and the shaping of Old Salt is dictated by the holistic connections of people and place. This episode will speak to ranchers, policymakers, food consumers in all locations, those concerned about wildlife and their habitats, those concerned with community well-being, and entrepreneurs & small business owners of all kinds. In the face of so many pressures; of wild and agricultural lands being bought up and fragmented, rural and urban divides, environmental and social impacts of delocalized food systems, and a fading in human connections, our discussion today shows how Old Salt is creating the energy and impact to touch on all of these concepts. LINKS: Old Salt Co-op This episode is part of the Life in the Land project, which is a series of films and podcasts produced by Stories for Action, which hears from folks that interact with the complexities of Montana's landscapes, speaking to the value of locally-led work and the holistic approaches needed for the health of communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Find out more about the project and watch the films at LifeintheLand.org Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction

Mike Ruggles is the Region 5 Supervisor for Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. Mike has spent much of the last 10+years in the field working with wildlife and communities connected to the Musselshell River in Central Montana. The 350 miles of the Musselshell River flows through a great deal of agricultural lands, supports migratory birds and a variety of aquatic species, and has experienced a great deal of channelization over the past 150 years due to infrastructure for highways, mining, railroad, and irrigation. Mike will speak with us about the significance of agency positions creating relationships with folks on the ground and having them help guide the work, the value in honest dialogue and the need to break habits of making assumptions about different sectors or demographics on the land. He has great insight for folks working both in government agency, as well as landowners. He shares on his work with the Musselshell Watershed Coalition; a watershed group that brings together a variety of stakeholders to restore the natural floodplain of the river, and create communication around the needs of the river and water users. Mike also speaks to the value in connecting communities to their own environments, and an exciting project that MT FWP is partnering on with Musselshell County. LINKS: Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks Musselshell Watershed Coalition Connect to your local Conservation District This episode is part of the Life in the Land project, which is a series of films and podcasts produced by Stories for Action, which hears from folks that interact with the complexities of Montana's landscapes, speaking to the value of locally-led work and the holistic approaches needed for the health of communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Find out more about the project and watch the films at LifeintheLand.org Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction

We are on the Walsh Ranch, speaking with Bud and Sheila Walsh, in Central Montana on the edge of the Fort Belknap Reservation. Many elements are dependent on the health of these grasslands; they provide key wildlife corridors, are key for regional watersheds, carbon sequestration, and the health of this region supports hardworking communities largely centered around cattle ranching. These folks take great pride in producing quality food for the world, in ways that can also steward the land. Here in Central Montana, there are several partnerships being formed, many non-traditional, which Bud and Sheila Walsh are involved in and will be speaking to today. To put it nicely, and vaguely, the world of ranching landowner and conservation non-profits or government agencies have not always had histories of working well together. But Bud and Sheila Walsh will share with us how these partnerships can be done with established trust, communication, and when the needs and knowledge of the ranchers on the ground are truly listened to and respected.  They will share with us about being involved with The Nature Conservancy’s Matador Ranch grassbank and the Rancher’s Stewardship Alliance, where rancher's are leading work, through partnerships, that benefit communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Bud also speaks to his involvement with the Agricultural Committee for the Island Mountain Development Group, an Indigenous-led entity working to create self-sustaining economies and opportunities for members of the Aaniih  and Nakoda Nations. This is a great episode for ranchers, folks in conservation, community development, or great insight for those who think their lives may not relate to those of ranchers at all, because I’m sure in some way you will find that it does. Bud and Sheila share insight on building trust and the values in listening, learning together, creating opportunities for the next generation, and the involvement of local communities.  LINKS Ranchers Stewardship Alliance The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Island Mountain Development Group This episode is part of the Life in the Land project, which is a series of films and podcasts produced by Stories for Action, which hears from folks that interact with the complexities of Montana's landscapes, speaking to the value of locally-led work and the holistic approaches needed for the health of communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Find out more about the project and watch the films at LifeintheLand.org Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction

Joe and Kathy Kipp, of The Blackfeet Nation, Amskapi Piikani, are always on the move; always busy with a variety of things, as cattle ranchers, advocates, parents, grandparents, and so much more. They live outside of Browning, Montana in the heart of Blackfeet Country, on the Blackfeet Reservation in Northwest Montana. As they are involved in so much, you will hear about a variety of topics in this episode. Joe will speak with us about the importance of stewarding native grasslands, as a rancher and as Amskapi Piikani, his people’s connection to this land, and his experience working in predator/livestock conflict. Kathy will share with us about connecting to traditional foods and her berry orchard, and the value in having community representation. They will both speak to the realities of trauma endured, and the continued strength of their people, and their own messages they have for those within and outside of the Blackfeet community in how to communicate and move forward in a good way.    LINK: Blackfeet Nation Stockgrowers Association Piikani Lodge Health Institute (includes outreach for producers) Farm Service Agency, Montana Directory USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services Food Access & Sustainability Team FAST Blackfeet This episode is part of the Life in the Land project, which is a series of films and podcasts produced by Stories for Action, which hears from folks that interact with the complexities of Montana's landscapes, speaking to the value of locally-led work and the holistic approaches needed for the health of communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Find out more about the project and watch the films at LifeintheLand.org Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction #Blackfeet #Indigenousleadership #blackfeetnation #amskapipiikani #browning #ranching #regenerativeranching #stewardship #resiliency #NativeLeadership #NativeVoices

Bill Milton and his wife Dana run a cattle ranch just northeast of Roundup in Central Montana. Bill and Dana have always strived to find symbiotic relationships amongst all life on the land, and this means being involved in a lot of efforts that involve collaboration between agriculture, agency, and conservation interests. Bill will share with us about the realities of what ranchers are up against and ways he sees resiliency being built for people and place. He speaks to the value and urgency in working collaboratively, creatively, and having honest dialogue around the shared challenges and successes. He will speak specifically to his work with the Musselshell Watershed Coalition, Winnett ACES, and an exciting new project, the Rangeland Monitoring Group, which involves rancher guided research and data collection of the rangeland ecosystem. Bill has great information for fellow ranchers, agency, conservation groups, and those who may see themselves as distant to agricultural communities, expressing shared needs of humanity and resiliency. We will also hear from Natalie Berkman, apprentice at the Milton Ranch through Quivira Coalition's New Agrarian Program. LINKS: Musselshell Watershed Coalition Winnett ACES Quivira Coalition's New Agrarian Program Rangeland Monitoring Group Montana DEQ's Abandoned Mine Land Program Ranchers Stewardship Alliance Montana Conservation Districts BioRegions International WWF Sustainable Ranching Initiative The Nature Conservancy Montana Bird Conservancy of the Rockies Northern Great Plains Joint Venture This episode is part of the Life in the Land project, which is a series of films and podcasts produced by Stories for Action, which hears from folks that interact with the complexities of Montana's landscapes, speaking to the value of locally-led work and the holistic approaches needed for the health of communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Find out more about the project and watch the films at LifeintheLand.org Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction #regenerative #regenerativeranching #ranching #ranchlife #drought #montana #resilience #collaborativeconservation

Pedro Marques, who has an ecology and landscape-scale restoration background, is Executive Director of the Big Hole Watershed Committee (BHWC). This organization brings together a variety of stakeholders; ranchers, anglers, agencies, scientists, community leaders, and more to collectively address challenges and benefit the health of the communities and ecosystems of the Big Hole Watershed in Southwest Montana. Pedro speaks with us about the importance of bringing varied perspectives together, and how local solutions can address relatable pressures that are being felt around the world; droughts, increased demands on waterways, sustainability of local agriculture, wildlife habitat loss, and land development. He also shares the value in letting nature and local voices guide the work. LINKS: Big Hole Watershed Committee Montana Watershed Coordination Council High Divide Collaborative Heart of the Rockies Initiative Western Aspen Alliance This episode is part of the Life in the Land project, which is a series of films and podcasts produced by Stories for Action, which hears from folks that interact with the complexities of Montana's landscapes, speaking to the value of locally-led work and the holistic approaches needed for the health of communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Find out more about the project and watch the films at LifeintheLand.org Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction

Laura Nowlin grew up on her family’s ranch in Winnett, MT, in the prairies and coulees of Central Montana. After a decade away, Laura returned home and continues her family's tradition as a cattle rancher. Her passion and heart is clearly tied to not only the land and waters here, but the community of Winnett. Laura speaks to her involvements with locally led organization Winnett ACES, whose holistic approach touches on everything from ranch viability, ecosystem health, and reviving old buildings to serve the needs of the community.   She also speaks to her work with the Musselshell Watershed Coalition and the value in partnerships and local voices leading the work. In this conversation, Laura offers inspiration and insight for others who may be looking to push forward a locally-driven group in their own communities, from boosting Main Street to the health of your watershed. This segment also features Aaron Clausen, Senior Program Officer of World Wildlife Fund's Sustainable Ranching Initiative. LINKS: Winnett ACES Musselshell Watershed Coalition World Wildlife Fund's Sustainable Ranching Initiative The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch grassbank This episode is part of the Life in the Land project, which is a series of films and podcasts produced by Stories for Action, which hears from folks that interact with the complexities of Montana's landscapes, speaking to the value of locally-led work and the holistic approaches needed for the health of communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Find out more about the project and watch the films at LifeintheLand.org   Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction

Jim Magee is a biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program in the Big Hole Valley of Southwest Montana. The Partner Program provides free technical and financial assistance to landowners, managers, tribes, corporations, schools and nonprofits interested in improving wildlife habitat on their land.  For the past 28 years, Jim has been an active part of the Big Hole Watershed Committee, which brings together a variety of voices from the Valley to lead programs and provide resources to benefit the land and communities of the Big Hole Watershed. Jim shares about creating productive relationships between agency and private landowners, the exciting work that they have been able to implement to benefit both wildlife and ranchers in the Big Hole, and the collaboration to successfully keep the Arctic grayling fish from being listed as an endangered specie. This is great information for both agency and landowners alike. LINKS: USFWS Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program Big Hole Watershed Committee This episode is part of the Life in the Land project, which is a series of films and podcasts produced by Stories for Action, which hears from folks that interact with the complexities of Montana's landscapes, speaking to the value of locally-led work and the holistic approaches needed for the health of communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Find out more about the project and watch the films at LifeintheLand.org Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction