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Digging Deeper

“Digging Deeper” is a blog dedicated to exploring the multifaceted issues surrounding the proposed gravel pit in Gallatin Gateway, Montana. Through in-depth analysis and community insights, this blog delves into the media coverage, public concerns, and the broader implications of this local development.

Gallatin Gateway Environmental Activist

Unintended Consequences

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How Misguided Environmental Activism Can Backfire and Harm Communities As I reflect on the latest lawsuit celebrated by the Gateway Conservation Alliance, I can’t help but wonder what the true outcomes of their efforts will be. They parade around as champions of environmental protection, but beneath the surface, what are… Read More »Unintended Consequences

Gallatin Gateway Montana Property Values

Property Values

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Irony in Action: How False Claims Could Be Lowering Your Property Values The objections from the Gateway Conservation Alliance of our gravel pit project are primarily based on concerns that seem to unravel when closely examined for concrete evidence or consistency. Over time it has become obvious that the driving… Read More »Property Values

Gateway gravel pit wolves in sheep's clothing

Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing

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“Measures are too often decided, not according to the rules of justice and the rights of the minor party, but by the superior force of an interested and overbearing majority.” James Madison Our well-funded opponents at the Gateway Conservation Alliance have initiated legal action against the Gallatin County Commissioners for… Read More »Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing

Common Ground Gallatin Gateway Gravel Pit Montana.

Common Ground

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Throughout this challenging process, I’ve had many enlightening interactions with my neighbors, revealing that we share many common concerns. These discussions often begin with skepticism and distrust toward myself and the gravel pit project. This reaction is understandable, given the largely one-sided media narratives and the tactics employed by some… Read More »Common Ground

Gateway Rocks Gravel Pit Enemies

Choose Your Enemies Wisely

Environmental activism is a field ripe with passion and purpose, aimed at safeguarding our habitat for future generations. Yet, it’s not without its controversies. Increasingly, some activist groups are wielding exaggerated environmental claims as a weapon, purportedly to protect nature, but also, we argue, to manipulate public opinion and stymie… Read More »Choose Your Enemies Wisely

Gallatin Gateway Gravel Pit Gallatin River Environmentalist.

Environmentalish

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In the complex dance of environmental advocacy, intentions matter as much as the arguments themselves. Sometimes, what appears as a noble pursuit of ecological preservation can cloak more self-serving or misinformed aims. A recent squabble involving the Gateway Conservation Alliance’s opposition to a new gravel pit near Montana’s Gallatin River… Read More »Environmentalish

The hypocrisy of the Gateway Conservation Alliance.

The Great Deception

I remember vividly the moment of revelation at the Gateway Conservation Alliance meeting in July 2023, when the leadership unexpectedly confessed that their publicly voiced environmental concerns were merely a facade to oppose the location of our gravel pit project. This admission was a jolt, revealing that the arguments about… Read More »The Great Deception

Gateway Rocks Gallatin Gateway Montana Gravel pit Environmentalist

Loving Nature to Death

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In the heart of the Gallatin Gateway, a contentious debate unfolds over the future of a local gravel pit, viewed by critics as a disruptive element in the natural landscape. These opponents, who identify strongly with environmental conservation, have voiced strong opposition against the project. However, a closer look reveals… Read More »Loving Nature to Death

Kayaking the Gallatin River from Digging Deeper Blog in Gallatin Gateway Gravel Pit, Montana.

Troubled Waters

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The Gallatin River is the subject of The Montana Headwaters Legacy Act pending now in Congress. It would designate much of the Gallatin as a wild and scenic river. Montana Department of Environmental Quality probably shouldn’t approve any permit for an invasive activity on land adjacent to the river at this time. And… Read More »Troubled Waters

Imagine Image from Digging Deeper Blog in Gallatin Gateway Gravel Pit, Montana.

I Can Only Imagine

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Imagine, just for a moment, what if the lens through which some of our opponents view the gravel pit and its implications for the Gallatin Gateway community shifted from one of skepticism to one of informed understanding? The persistent chorus of concerns coming from activist groups—ranging from the pit drying… Read More »I Can Only Imagine

Conservation Easement Image from Digging Deeper Blog in Gallatin Gateway Gravel Pit, Montana.

Conservation Chaos

In recent discussions, some have suggested that our farm ground should be placed under a Conservation Easement, a decision that requires careful consideration of several often-overlooked factors. Conservation Easements, voluntary agreements between landowners and land trusts or other entities, have been a cornerstone in the growth of the land trust… Read More »Conservation Chaos

Development Image from Digging Deeper Blog in Gallatin Gateway Gravel Pit, Montana.

Would You Rather?

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In the ironic tale of Montana’s small farms, our beloved farmers and ranchers face a conundrum that would baffle even the wisest of sages. Picture this: a quaint farm, where the tractors are more expensive than a house, costing an arm and a leg. Operating expenses continue to rise. It’s… Read More »Would You Rather?

Planting trees of promise from Digging Deeper Blog in Gallatin Gateway Gravel Pit, Montana.

Who Cares?

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In the midst of fervent debates surrounding the development of our gravel pit, the chorus of passionate accusers has raised a multitude of concerns, ranging from environmental degradation to negative impacts on local wildlife, community health, water quality, road safety, and property values to mention a few. It’s a narrative… Read More »Who Cares?

Elk Hunt Image from Digging Deeper Blog in Gallatin Gateway Gravel Pit, Montana.

Saving Elk, One Bullet at a Time

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Responding to GCA’s Paradoxical Wildlife Conservation Efforts In this assisted elk hunt, you will be given access to the beautiful Baden-Baden Ranch in Gallatin Gateway. John Baden and his wife Ramona Marotz-Baden are retired professors who own and operate the ranch, and they have graciously offered their ranch for this… Read More »Saving Elk, One Bullet at a Time

Christian Image from Digging Deeper Blog in Gallatin Gateway Gravel Pit, Montana.

We’ve Already Won

How we’ve kept optimism in the face of opposition and deceitful tactics. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 – ESV In the face of relentless opposition, our journey towards establishing the gravel… Read More »We’ve Already Won