Conflict Might Sell, But Consensus Lasts

While presidential nominee hopefuls take turns slinging mud at one another and an armed militia declares a war on public lands, the Blackfoot Challenge and partners continue to work below the headlines, finding lasting solutions by working together. As this onslaught of “political theater” grabs the attention of the media, I’m reassured by the alternative approach many are taking, and have been for decades, to solving conflicts.

I’m reminded of the 80/20 rule, coined by third-generation Helmville rancher David Mannix and Blackfoot Challenge Board member, that suggests we focus on the 80 percen...