SigMT

Rae has been instrumental in raising awareness about the NHA proposal through her opposition group's Facebook page and a multitude of community presentations. e opposition group has contended that the BCSNHA has failed to be transparent throughout the NHA planning process. ey further argued that the group claims to want to protect the local culture, but that their tactics have actually disregarded the culture of farming and ranching in Central Montana – the pride of stewarding the land and of preserving the heritage of local families. "Whether you oppose or not, you need to at least be aware that there is something going on with these designations on your land," Rae said. She said she is also concerned about feedback she has received from many of the entities the BSCNHA board listed as "Key Partners" in the feasibility study. According to Rae, a multitude of the entities listed in the study as supporters have told her they actually oppose the effort. First Bank of Montana Lewistown Branch President Dean Comes said the bank had no idea they were listed in the feasibility study and said they "do not support federal designation of Montana land," according to Rae. Montana's largest banking entity, Stockman Bank, was also surprised to learn it had been listed without its permission or knowledge, she said. Northwest Energy representative Rick Edwards confirmed the company initially kicked in funding for the feasibility study, but said they no longer support furthering the designation, according to Rae. e Great Falls Development Authority contributed to the study and also had a member on the BSCNHA board, but have since pulled their support due to the board's plan to include private property in spite of opposition from landowners, according to Rae. eir representative, Bre Doney, has since le the BSCNHA board, and the company has asked the board to refund its latest $1,000 donation, she noted. Other groups listed as partners in the feasibility study who have since expressed their opposition to the project include the Belt Performing Arts Center, the Montana Grain Growers Association, the towns of Belt and Cascade, and the commissioners of Cascade and Chouteau Counties, according to Rae. Meanwhile, Jane asserted the BSCNHA board has received "positive reviews about the Feasibility Study from individuals and organizations who understand the purpose" of such designation. SiG MT 64 Trailing cattle to the summer pasture. "If one of the key advantages of the NHA is citizen voice and resident voice, and only 1.7 percent of the residents have said yes…and we have twice as many in a much, much, much shorter timeframe that have said, resoundingly, no – how is that 'citizen voice?'" Janet asked.

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