The Beartooth Front Community Forum (BFCF) is a grassroots, nonpartisan organization that seeks to retain and enhance the quality of life in the Red Lodge, Montana, area. The front range of the Beartooth mountains is in the northeast corner of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, home to wildlife including black and grizzly bears, elk, deer, moose, and wolves. Red Lodge, the Carbon County seat, is a former coal-mining town with recreation-based tourism and a character-filled history. BFCF focuses on public education and involvement, and particularly seeks to promote thoughtful, constructive dialogue on issues affecting the region. BFCF seeks to identify areas of consensus, and complete projects that achieve widely-held goals. With miniscule operating budgets, BFCF frequently takes a low public profile, supporting existing nonprofit and governmental organizations in their efforts to serve the public. Past BFCF efforts have assisted in the creation of the first Red Lodge master land use plan, the creation of the Boys and Girls Club of Carbon County, and a bearproof garbage container program designed to reduce human-bear conflicts. Forums have also given local residents a chance to learn about and shape responses to issues including living with wildlife, economic development, motorcycle tourism, technology infrastructure, and strengthening the link between schools and the community.
