Carlton Protection Trust
Carlton Protection Trust, a recognized not-for-profit 501(c)(3) since 2024, works to protect and inform citizens of potential hazards that may affect their health, their quality of life and the environment. We strive to educate to protect health, water sources, air and soils quality, and the Bitterroot River. And we speak for the voiceless: the elk herds, grizzly bears and their corridors, the abundant wildlife, and our aviary friends. We own no assets, we operate with volunteers and on donations from generous citizens such as yourself. 100% of your donation supports our grassroots public involvement, outreach and education.
Our First Project
An industrial gravel pit operation growing in a residentially zoned area. It was wrongfully granted a permit in 1993 bypassing zoning laws including years of what appears to be abuse of authority from Missoula County allowing it to expand in clear contradiction to County laws. Crystalline silica dust emitted from a gravel pit can cause silicosis; when respirable silica dust enters the lungs, can cause inflammation and scarring, which reduces the lungs ability to take oxygen and has no cure. Asphalt production and concrete production can produce harmful carcinogenic emissions to health and the environment. Concrete production also produces crystalline silica dust and also damages the most fertile layer of earth, the topsoil; with a half dozen organic farms and beekeepers nearby, there is a large concern for the food supply in this area. What affects humans, also affects the environment, the wildlife and the Bitterroot River, all whose habitats are being degraded by this industrial operation.
Update: Carlton Protection Trust Files Appeal
On September 5, 2024, Carlton Protection Trust filed an appeal to Missoula County’s use variance approval to expand the gravel pit owned by Western Materials located within Citizen Initiated Zoning ZD 40.
Support Carlton Protection Trust
Support Carlton Protection Trust by giving a tax deductible donation via our Go Fund Me page