STATEWIDE CD PROGRAMS
WATER RESERVATIONS
In 1978, the Board of Natural Resources and Conservation granted water reservations to 14 Conservation districts (CDs) in the Yellowstone River basin. Ten CDs were granted reservations in the upper Missouri River basin in 1992, and eleven CDs were given reservations in the lower and Little Missouri River basins in 1994. Some CDs have reservations in more than one basin. Each of these CDs administers its reservation for use by individuals within the district. Applications for reserved water use can be obtained from the applicable conservation district. |
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SALINE SEEP RECLAMATION
What is a saline seep? You may have seen white, powdery-looking spots in the low areas of fields. These spots are seeps, and they have adverse effects on water quality,
wildlife, agriculture production, and other resources. Conservation district supervisors in 33 counties make up the member of the Montana Salinity Control Association.
This internationally recognized organization headquartered in Conrad, Montana provides expert technical assistance in the reclamation and control of saline seeps in
agricultural areas.
RIVER COUNCILS
Milk River Watershed Alliance ... Lifeline of the Highline The Milk River Watershed Alliance is a locally led organization of conservation districts working together to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural resources within the Milk River watershed, while maintaining the quality of life
The U.S. St. Mary & Milk River Project Story Map
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AG SHORT VIDEORehabilitation of St Mary's Diversion is Crucial to the Milk River and Agriculture This water is crucial to Agriculture and is literally the Life Line of the Hi Line. When this system fails, it will be over a $2 Billion impact to the Hi Line and the State of Montana. FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE SHORT VIDEO Rehabilitation of St Mary's Diversion is Crucial to the Milk River Fisheries and Wildlife This water is crucial to fisheries, wildlife and recreation on the Milk River which is the Life Line of the Hi Line in Montana. MUNICIPALITIES SHORT VIDEORehabilitating the St Mary Diversion needed to provide water to Hi Line cities in Montana This diversion supplements the Milk River which provides water to Municipalities along the Milk River in Montana. The St Mary's Diversion is over 100 years old and is critical to the Milk River in Montana. The St Mary's diversion is over 100 years old and failing. This diversion supplements the Milk River, which would go dry in 6 out of 10 years without the diversion. This water is crucial to Agriculture and is literally the Life Line of the Hi Line. Each day is one day closer to failure. When this system fails, it will be over a $2 Billion impact to the Hi Line and the State of Montana. Get involved now and help protect the Life Line of the Hi Line. |
Missouri River Conservation Districts Council ... Devoted to conservation of the Missouri River's natural resources through grassroots collaboration, education, inventives, and voluntary action
The Missouri River corridor extends for 725 miles across Montana passing through the 14 counties and 15 conservation districts that form the Missouri River Conservation Districts Council. Each of the 15 conservation districts in the Missouri River corridor has one supervisor as a voting member of the Council. Conservation districts, through public elections, represent local residents' views and concerns regarding natural resources - giving this Council a true grassroots perspective of Missouri River issues.The river corridor is divided into reaches that contain unique geographic, social and economic features that create conservation priorities for the region.
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Yellowstone River Conservation Districts Council ... Providing leadership & guidance for the wise use of the Yellowstone River's natural resources
The Yellowstone River stretches over 670 miles and is the longest free flowing river in the lower 48 states. Originating in Yellowstone National Park, it drains 70,000 square miles of land before it joins the Missouri River northeast of Sidney, MT. In addition to an abundance of fish and wildlife, the Yellowstone River supports a wide variety of agricultural,domestic, industrial, and recreational uses. The Council made up of representatives from eleven conservation districts bordering the main stem of the Yellowstone River. Explore Yellowstone River Features Reach Details & Recommendations Story Map
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ORAL HISTORY PROJECT . . YOUR COMMUNITY HAS A STORY TO TELL . . . .
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From the Ground Up, Montana Women and Agriculture is an oral history project sponsored by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and Montana's conservation districts. The role of women in agriculture is an essential thread in the fabric of Montana's settlement and history. The statewide oral history project honors farm and ranch women by preserving the stories of their life on the land.
You can record the stories of the remarkable women who are your friends, neighbors, or relatives. Their memorable and unique experiences are a vital component of Montana’s agricultural heritage. Once an oral history is completed, it will go into the oral history collection at the Montana Historical Society and be placed on the DNRC website. This will allow people from all over the world to read the histories. Women in Agriculture Stories & Transcripts
DNRC can help you capture and record the stories. Interview questions and digital recorders are available and transcription services can be provided for a fee.
Oral History Toolkit & Resources
For more information, contact Linda Brander, Project Director, (406) 444-0520. |
COAL BED METHANE PROTECTION ACT (CMBPA Program)
The Coal Bed Methane Protection Act established the Coal Bed Methane Protection Program as provided for in Title 76, Chapter 15, part 9 of the Montana Code Annotated
(MCA).
This act assigns administrative authority over the Program to conservation districts (CDs), established
under MCA 76-15-101, that have coal beds within their exterior boundary, or whose water sources may be
adversely affected by the extraction of coal bed methane. The Program was established by the 2001
Legislature for the purpose of "compensating private landowners and water right holders for damage to
land and to water quality and availability that is attributable to the development of coal bed methane
wells." Beginning in July 1, 2011, compensation became available for landowners or water right holders
who can demonstrate other CBM related damages such as loss of agricultural production or the reduction
in quantity or quality of water that affects the beneficial use of that water.
Purpose
CBMPA PROGRAM INFO PAGE
PHOTOS
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The CBMPA CommitteeIt is comprised of members of eight CDs in Southeast Montana. The CDs are Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Powder River, Rosebud, Treasure, and Wibaux. These members have developed an application form for an emergency loss of water in springs or wells directly resulting from CBM development. |