Superior, MT – Mineral County has a lot of public land—at least 87% of the county is either state or federally owned—and the County was recently awarded $50,000 to help the residents and public land managers look at economic development opportunities that benefit residents while sustaining these lands.  The money will come from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) and will enable the County to move forward with its plans for the “Mineral County Challenge,” a spin-off of the statewide “Montana Challenge” that began in 2001. 

       A unique feature of the Mineral County Challenge will be active participation by local communities, the county, and state and federal resource management agencies with the explicit recognition that economic and environmental goals and interests must complement one another rather than conflict.

       “Input from the local community is essential to managing our public lands,” said Montana Congressman Dennis Rehberg. “The Mineral County Challenge is a welcome resource for bringing county organizations, government agencies, and local folks to the same table to map out a land management plan for the future. These federal funds will help the program get on its feet, and I’m glad to see the EDA is recognizing the efforts of Mineral County leaders.”

       The Mineral County Challenge is the first on-the-ground application of the Montana Challenge.  It will help the County and its communities identify their assets and available resources and consider how they might be used to help communities adapt and develop in the face of changes occurring around them.  The project is a county and community partnership with Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), represented by both the Lolo National Forest and the Rocky Mountain Research Station. 

      The project is expected to take place over 18 months. . Community stakeholders will generate economic development ideas that will be investigated by researchers. Land managers and community members will then evaluate and prioritize the proposals for their ability to bring profit to the County while maintaining public land values. The result will be a prioritized list of economic development strategies that have high potential to boost the County economically.  Kevin Chamberlain from the Mineral County Extension says the Mineral County Challenge “will pair the wishes and challenges of the public residing in Mineral County with the parameters under which our public land managers are required to operate.”

       U.S. Senator Max Baucus, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said “The Mineral County challenge is about protecting Montana’s outdoor heritage and boosting the economy to create good-paying jobs at the same time.  That’s a powerful combination.  I’m committed to finding innovative solutions that take advantage of the resources we have under the Big Sky. Economic development is the key to building a bright future and keeping our economy strong- this is a big step in the right direction for Mineral County.”

        The $50,000 from EDA is being matched with money from Mineral County and in-kind contributions from Montana FWP, Mineral County Economic Development Corporation, and Mineral County Extension Office.   The USFS will provide staff time and resources, along with research and analytical expertise. 

      Mineral County sits on the Montana/Idaho border with a population of approximately 4,000.  In the mid 1990s the Crown Pacific lumber mill shut down, significantly affecting the community and its industrial base.  The grant money will be used to hire a consultant to coordinate the groups involved, facilitate meetings, compile data, and write a final strategy document.  The Challenge began in December 2008.  For more information, contact Kevin Chamberlain, Mineral County Extension Office, at 406-822-3435.