Looks like the Greater Yellowstone Coalition (GYC), and other non-governmental organizations (NGO) have slipped themselves further into the High Divide area, convincing ranchers into a collaborative relationship. The area is primarily Montana but just eeks over into Idaho along the Centennial mountains. Partners of the Centennial Valley Association (CVA) includes the GYC, Nature Conservancy (TNC), Future West, Heart of the Rockies/High Divide Collaborative, several federal agencies, a Tribe, and several other NGOs. Other "friends" include the international organization, Earth Concerns International. Protecting this area is critical to these groups as it is "linking Yellowstone to the Salmon-Selway Wilderness and Crown of the Continent". Apparently, besides preventing any subdivision development, this organization works on water and invasive species issues, "wildlife-conflict mitigation", and education for young children so they will know how to take care of the land, at least in the view of NGOs, international organizations, and the government.
While all of this sounds great and wonderful, the question becomes, why did the communities in this area not come together on their own for the same purpose? Neighbor to neighbor sharing of ideas and projects. Is it not concerning there is some level of involvement by an international group? Or is it just the access to more money? Has the CVA taken on the mission of these NGOs? It is disheartening to know that Idahoans have chosen to join these groups. With 30 x 30 will it be a matter of time before private land owners are encouraged to turn over their land into conservation easements? Or do they understand the U.S. Forest Service is proposing a reduction in family operations for eventually deherding of stock? All of these good activities could be accomplished by citizens in each state. Don't be led astray by other groups who often have hidden motives.
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