Advocacy
A Wild Legacy
The GBCA influenced positive conservation language in the first forest management plans, and travel management plans, on both forests in our mission area. The existing plans are among the most progressive in the nation.
The Great Burn is currently closed to motorized and mechanized use on the Idaho side because of our efforts and those of our conservation partners.
Over the past fifty years, we have helped develop and shepherd sixteen different Congressional wilderness bills for the Proposed Great Burn Wilderness. Our work to permanently secure a wild Great Burn continues.
Administrative Protections
The GBCA advocates for strong administrative policies that protect the wildlife and wild lands within our mission area.
Currently, we are especially focused on influencing strong conservation outcomes in forest plan revisions on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests and the Lolo National Forest.
We also regularly participate in planning and comment periods for field projects in our area to ensure that the region’s wildlife and roadless areas are safeguarded.
Permanent Wilderness
Our policy work is not complete until the Great Burn is permanently protected as designated Wilderness.
Together with our coalition partners, GBCA staff work to build a broad coalition of support for wilderness through participation in collaborative groups, grassroots organizing in the Great Burn’s gateway communities, and regular interaction with staff from the Idaho and Montana congressional delegations.
Collaboration
Over the past fifty years, the GBCA pioneered a collaborative conservation movement in Montana, Idaho, and nationally. We work to build a broad community of support for wilderness protection and natural resource conservation by initiating, leading, and participating in collaborative efforts where our work will have a significant impact.
Our staff have provided leadership on successful initiatives including the Lolo Kootenai Accords, Clearwater Elk Collaborative, Roadless Area Conservation National Advisory Committee, two Secure Rural School Resource Advisory Committees, the Clearwater Basin Collaborative, and the Montana Forest Restoration Committee.
Why Wilderness?
GBCA Board President Bert Lindler discusses pace of wild places and the need for wilderness.