Next Community Meeting:
Thursday January 22nd, Location TBD
Last Community Meeting Was Packed!
Thanks OddPitch Brewery for welcoming us on January 22nd for a packed house!
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The Blackfoot-More Precious Than Gravel
A 64-acre gravel pit, complete with a crushing mill and hot-mix asphalt plant, has been proposed by Riverside Contracting, Inc. at 14815 Highway 200 about 3.5 miles upstream of Bonner, Montana and 6.5 miles downstream of Johnsrud Fishing Access in the Blackfoot River corridor. This industrial project, now under review by Missoula County, would bring major impacts to one of Montana’s most iconic river valleys polluting air and water, increasing truck traffic and noise, and threatening wildlife and community health. The project also risks degrading the river’s serenity, deterring recreation and tourism, and repeating the costly mistakes of the Berkeley Pit and Milltown Dam.
Next Community Meeting
Thursday January 22nd at 5:30pm, Location TBD
Latest News
Proposed Blackfoot Gravel Pit Developer Responds To Missoula County Commissioners’ Letter
KPAX – December 15, 2025
Read the Article →
The Blackfoot-More Precious Than Gravel
Join our grassroots effort to protect the Blackfoot River corridor from a proposed Asphalt Plant and Gravel Pit. We’re working to preserve clean water, healthy habitat, and the natural character of this iconic river
A 64-acre gravel pit, complete with a crushing mill and hot-mix asphalt plant, has been proposed by Riverside Contracting, Inc. at 14815 Highway 200 about 3.5 miles upstream of Bonner, Montana and 6.5 miles downstream of Johnsrud Fishing Access in the Blackfoot River corridor.
This industrial project, now under review by Missoula County, would bring major impacts to one of Montana’s most iconic river valleys polluting air and water, increasing truck traffic and noise, and threatening wildlife and community health. The project also risks degrading the river’s serenity, deterring recreation and tourism, and repeating the costly mistakes of the Berkeley Pit and Milltown Dam.
We support responsible development, but this special waterway demands the highest level of protection- there is plenty of gravel elsewhere.
As Robert Redford once said, “It’s not about opposing mining everywhere, just not here”. The risks to our river and community are too great.
Why This Matters
Water & habitat: Industrial extraction and asphalt emissions risk sediment, runoff, and habitat harm in a cold-water fishery.
Air & health: Dust and asphalt plant emissions can travel, affecting nearby homes, schools/Bonner elementary, and recreation areas.
Traffic & safety: Heavy truck trips on HWY 200 E increase crash risk and noise; turning/pull-out lanes often shift costs to taxpayers.
Quality of life & economy: The corridor’s beauty and quiet are core to recreation and local businesses; once industrialized, it’s hard to reverse.
“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.”
— Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It
What You Can Do
The Blackfoot River needs your voice.
Together, we can protect one of Montana’s most cherished wild places.
1. Read Our Open Letter to the Missoula County Commissioners
Learn more about what’s at stake and why this fight matters.
Read the Letter →
2. Speak Up for the Blackfoot
The Blackfoot River belongs to all of us. Let the Missoula County Commissioners know how much this place means to you.
Urge them to hold an emergency zoning hearing to protect the Blackfoot River corridor from industrial development and share your own story of what the river means in your life.
Whether it’s fishing at sunrise, floating with friends, or watching your kids play along its banks, your story reminds our leaders what’s truly at stake.
4. Sign the Petition
Add your name to call for immediate action.
Sign the Petition →
We’re asking the Missoula County Commissioners to:
• Immediately schedule an emergency zoning public hearing focused on the Blackfoot River corridor near the proposed industrial site.
• Initiate the county’s interim or emergency zoning process to safeguard public health and safety, protect clean water and wildlife habitat, and preserve the unique character of this community while long-term land-use solutions are developed.
3. Spread the Word
Help raise awareness in your community.
Download the Flyer (PDF) →
Print and post it at local businesses, community boards, and river access points.
5. Write a Letter to the Editor
Share why you oppose the proposed asphalt plant and gravel pit and why you love the Blackfoot River. Personal stories make a powerful impact and help our community stand together for what we value most.
Submit Your Letter →
6. Get Our Newsletter
Sign up for updates on the fight to protect the Blackfoot River plus upcoming events and ways to take action.
Join Us →
7. Documents
Read key documents, letters, and reports related to the project.
Read Key Documents →
Every Voice Matters.
The Blackfoot River is part of who we are.
Let’s stand together to keep it wild, clean, and healthy.