Distinctly Montana Magazine

e r th fo Love o f. Another Oustanding Montana NonProfit. .. O ne Mo ntana by Lisa Grace W e hear the reports every day in the news: stalemates, lines in the sand, inability to cooperate and get things done. It can seem relentless and daunting, but a Montana organization is tackling this problem head on. Mission One Montana ��� a non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a vibrant Montana by connecting rural and urban communities ��� launches collaborative projects that solve our state���s needs and encourages rural and urban communities to work together in the process. At Two Dot Land and Livestock, one of the ranches that supply Yellowstone grass-fed beef w i n -win- win So l u t i on s fo r hu nt er s, l a n d ow n e r s, w i l d l i fe Poster from The Graying of Montana conference Background The inspiration of Bill Bryan (founder of Off the Beaten Path) and state senator Jim Peterson, One Montana was born with the support of the Montana University system, MSU Extension service, and community leaders across the state. Each chose to support because of their belief that Montana must beef up its sense of statewide community and connection to make positive impacts. Services In 2012 One Montana made significant strides with multiple projects including a collaborative conference with the Wheeler Center on the Graying of Montana, the successful launch of a pilot Rural-Urban Exchange program between Bozeman and Harlowton, a well-received survey on Block Management and the first of several Common Ground meetings around landowner/ sportsman issues. Says MSU President Waded Cruzado in her letter of support: ���We need to work together as ���One Montana��� to forge a healthy and sustainable future for our state ��� one that can serve as model for other states.��� In 2013 One Montana is expanding their work with several projects including: ��� The One Montana Collaboration Center: A customized and unique online database that provides the resources, tools, and expertise people need to successfully work together and solve problems; ��� A feasibility study on a Montana meat processing facility and ��� Expanding their Rural- Urban Exchange and Common Ground programs. One Montana ensures communities and organizations throughout the state have the tools and opportunities they need to work together, bridge the rural-urban divide, and make a difference for Montana. This group worked at the wind farm on the rural-urban exchange with Bozeman and Harlowton. Learn more about OneMontana at: CONTACT You can learn more at their Web site: www.onemontana.org or contact them at info@onemontana.org or (406) 522-7654. DISTINCTLY MONTANA | DIGITAL www.distinctlymontana.com/onemontana132 w w w. d i s t i n c t ly mo nt a na .co m 53

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