CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
Conservation districts are political subdivisions with broad power and authority under the law to carry out programs that conserve soil and water, protect streams
and rivers, improve soil health, as well as improve wildlife habitat, improve the tax base, and protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the state.
Conservation districts are governed by a non-paid, nonpartisan board of elected supervisors. If a city falls within a conservation district boundary, two supervisors are appointed by the city government to represent urban interests. Funding for operations comes from a small tax levied on real property within the boundaries of the conservation district.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR DISTRICT BOUNDARIES AND CONTACT INFORMATION.
To find out more about your local conservation district and the programs they offer or to find out how to serve, contact them directly using the link Montana Conservation Districts Directory.
- Big Horn County
In the early 1930's, along with the greatest depression this nation ever
experienced, came an qually unparalleled ecological disaster known as
the Dust Bowl. Following a severe and sustained drought in the Great
Plains, the region's soil began to erode and blow away; creating huge
black dust storms that blotted out the sun and swallowed the
countryside. On Capitol Hill, Congress unanimously passed legislation
declaring soil and water conservation a national policy and priority. In 1937,
President Roosevelt wrote the governors of all the states recommending
legislation that would allow local landowners to form soil conservations.
The first conservation districts were formed in Sheridan and Wibaux Counties
in 1939 and today, most land in Montana is within a boundary of our 58
conservation districts.
Today, conservation districts promote education, incentive-based and
voluntary approaches to conservation. They serve as non-regulatory,
trusted, local partners helping people care for natural resources.
Conservation districts may:
+ Rent out a wide array of equipment for conservation practices to land users.
Equipment may include tree planters, fabric layers, weed sprayers, weed
badgers, conservation tillage drills, grass seeders, and tree chippers;
+ Create and maintain interpretive trails and pollinator gardens;
+ Lead and work on local and regional river basin or watershed issues;
+ Educate urban homeowners on small acreage management;
+ Manage projects throughout the state
+ Lead, sponsor or promote workshops throughout the state
- Ladies Day on the Range - Photo: Carter County Conservation District