DENVER – The Center for Western Priorities this week debuts its newest documentary, which explores the balance between energy development and conservation in Montana.
Balance Under the Big Sky looks at bipartisan efforts to protect the North Fork of the Flathead River, then explores the unprecedented energy boom currently transforming Eastern Montana, and examines the unique collaboration to balance resources and protection along the Rocky Mountain Front.
The half-hour documentary airs on CBS affiliates statewide on Sunday, December 8, 15, 22 and 29, from 6 to 6:30 a.m. The documentary also airs on NBC affiliates in western Montana (KECI, KTVM, KCFW) on Saturday, December 14, 21 and 28, from 4 to 4:30 p.m.
Watch Balance Under the Big Sky HERE.
The program features numerous Montanans—from outdoorsmen to ranchers to elected leaders—discussing, in their own words, the challenges and successes of working across party lines to balance resource development with land protection across Montana.
“Balance Under the Big Sky takes folks on a journey across Montana for an honest discussion about where we are, where we’ve been and where we’re going when it comes to natural resources,” said Trevor Kincaid, executive Director of the non-profit Center for Western Priorities. “We’re excited to share this discussion with all Montanans because it’s so important to our future.”
The documentary features interviews with the following Montanans:
- U.S. Senator Max Baucus, D-Montana
- Lex Blood, Mining Engineer
- Bob Brown, Former Secretary of State (R)
- Smoke Elser, Outfitter
- Jennifer Ferenstein, Rocky Mountain Front Coordinator
- Randy Gray, Former Great Falls Mayor
- Reed Gregerson, ZaneRay Group
- Mark Haggerty, Headwaters Economics
- Roy Jacobs, Rancher
- Gerry Jennings, Great Falls
- Dan Peters, President, Sidney Chamber of Commerce
- Erin Sexton, Flathead Lake Biological Station
- Mayor Bret Smelser, City of Sidney
- Gene Sentz, Guide
- Tim Stevens, National Parks Conservation Association
- Frank Vitale, Backcountry Horseman
- Mike Wilson, Rancher
- Pat Wilson, Rancher