Distinctly Montana Magazine
Issue link: https://digital.distinctlymontana.com/i/20776
“I AM A PART OF CHIEF MOUNTAIN, AND IT IS A PART OF ME.” ~ Andy Blackwater SOME OPTIONS AND STRATEGIES FOR THINKING AND ACTING REGIONALLY The strategies emerging in the Crown involve landown- ers, com¬munities, agencies, and advocacy groups work- ing through various means to address a number of issues related to the natural and human environment. The report highlights a number of strategic options to move forward. The options are not presented as a consen- sus-based set of recommendations; rather, they are more like trailheads, a place to begin exploring paths to sustain the natural and cultural heritage of the Crown. Some of the options build on existing initiatives; in such cases, the intent is to amplify and seek additional support for them. Some options may be new, some just being explored. The report presents 15 specific options that seek to: (1) coordinate policy and planning; (2) expand conservation funding and finance strategies; (3) facilitate scientific and public learning; and (4) build regional capacity. If you are interested in learning more about these efforts, or getting involved, contact Shawn Johnson at shawn@cnrep.org. 26 THE ROLE OF THE ROUNDTABLE ON THE CROWN OF THE CONTINENT Both the report and conference were organized with the input and advice of people who have participated in one or more Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent events. The Roundtable is an ongoing forum to bring together people who care about the Crown of the Conti- nent. It is co-convened by the Center for Natural Resourc- es and Environmental Policy, the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, and the Sonoran Institute. Like any partnership, participation in the Roundtable is based on self-interest. People participate for their own benefit and to develop their own work. The Roundtable therefore tends to have fluid membership; people move in and out of the activities of the Roundtable based on how much they personally benefit from participating. As people exchange ideas, learn together, and develop a com- mon sense of purpose, they increase their individual and collective capacity and commitment. Recent Roundtable conversations have focused on ways to build upon the energy and connections generated DISTINCTLY MONTANA • WINTER 2011