The Montana Grass Conservation Commission (MGCC) is a governor-appointed board whose mission is to conserve, protect, restore, and facilitate the proper utilization of grass, forage, and range resources in the state of Montana. The MGCC does this by organizing and administering the state grazing districts and promoting cooperation between agencies and the state grazing districts.
Commission Members
The MGCC is composed of five members which include: two officers or directors of state grazing districts, two active holders of grazing preferences to a state grazing district and an ex officio member appointed by the MGCC.
- Richard Stuker – Chairman – Chinook, MT
- Craig French – Vice Chairman – Malta, MT
- Audra Ortega – Director – Glasgow, MT
- Travis Brown – Director – Sand Springs, MT
- Sig Pugrud – Director – Winnett, MT
Executive Vice President:
Sandra Brown
PO Box 622, Terry MT 59349
Meetings
Upcoming Montana Grass Conservation Commission Meeting:
April 10, 2024, Noon-3:00pm (Online via Zoom, call-in information below)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mt-gov.zoom.us/j/86438526006?pwd=cXVVN2RGeVRMUmhUeHJUUGRsT2M2dz09
Meeting ID: 864 3852 6006
Password: 468734
Dial by Telephone
+1 646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 864 3852 6006
Password: 468734
Find your local number: https://mt-gov.zoom.us/u/keEGescBc
State Grazing Districts
Grazing districts are the result of the 1934 Taylor Grazing Act. Before this act was passed, land that was valued for grazing purposes was unappropriated and unreserved from the public domain. These lands were used, but during the controversy of sustainable grazing practices during the 1930’s Dust Bowl, the rights to use this land led the government to act on grazing issues. The Taylor Grazing Act enabled locals to petition the Secretary of the Interior to create a local grazing district. Upon acceptance, a board would be formed to manage permits for grazing preferences, finances to maintain leases and range improvements, and to generally maintain order of the grazing of the public lands within their grazing district.
Montana’s leading industry is agriculture. Many people in production agriculture rely on public lands for grazing. Many of these lands are within the boundaries of the state’s 27 grazing districts. The grazing districts have maintained strong partnerships with many federal and state agencies and non-government organizations to promote stewardship and administration of public lands. The maintenance of Montana’s public lands is vital to the members of the state grazing districts whose livelihood depends on a healthy relationship between the land and livestock and also the economic success of Montana.
Montana’s leading industry is agriculture. Many people in production agriculture rely on public lands for grazing. Many of these lands are within the boundaries of the state’s 27 grazing districts. The grazing districts have maintained strong partnerships with many federal and state agencies and non-government organizations to promote stewardship and administration of public lands. The maintenance of Montana’s public lands is vital to the members of the state grazing districts whose livelihood depends on a healthy relationship between the land and livestock and also the economic success of Montana.
Resources
- Montana Cooperative State Grazing District Directory
- Grazing Districts in MT
- Montana Law Title 76-16 Grazing Districts
- Check out the MGCC's videos!
- Ranching in Montana
- Grazing Handbook
MGCC Partners
- Montana Association of State Grazing Districts
- Bureau of Land Management
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Montana Stockgrowers
- Public Lands Council
- Department of Natural Resources & Conservation