CONSERVATION NEWS

MCCONE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

10 Reasons Why Fall is the Best Season in Montana 2

2017 Tree Order Form—Information Page 3

2017 Tree Order Form—Deciduous Specimens 4

2017 Tree Order Form—Deciduous & Conifer Specimens 5

2017 Tree Order Form—Conifer Plugs, Vines & Others 6

Featured Noxious Weed: Rush Skeletonweed 7

Events in October 8-9

Inside this issue

2017 Tree Order Form Inside

Hay Producer List from Glendive & Terry

Producer Name Type of Hay Type of Bale

Don Walker (G) Alfalfa Sm. Square

Lorin Larsen (T) Alfalfa Sm. Square

Straw Producer List in Fallon

Producer Name Type of Bale

Doug Hjorth Round

Certified Montana NWSFF Pellet/Cube Products in Miles City

Producer Name Type of Pellet

Muggli Brothers, Inc. Alfalfa Pellets & Alfalfa/Grass Pellets

Yellowstone Feed Co Alfalfa/Oat Cubes

Look for the approved NWSFF markers – orange & blue twine or

tags on hay or straw and a NWSFF label on bagged forage.

Make sure you get a transportation certificate from the producer

with the certified hay or straw.

You are required to use certified forage on public lands, but it is

also a benefit to use certified hay or straw on your own property

to prevent getting a new noxious weed and the expense of

controlling it on your land.

Article source: http://agr.mt.gov/agr/Programs/Weeds/NWSFF/CertifiedForage.html

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 10: OCTOBER 2016

2016 Certified Noxious Weed Seed Free Producers local to McCone County The Range Improvement Loan Program was started

in 1979 as part of the Rangeland Resource Program.

It makes low-interest loans available to Montana's

farmers and ranchers for rangeland improvements

and development, and provides low-interest loans

as an incentive for private landowners to undertake

range improvement practices.

Current interest rate = 3%

Maximum loan amount = $75,000

Repayment is scheduled for a maximum of ten

years with annual installments

Loan applicant can apply initially to the local

conservation district where the application is

reviewed along with the conservation plan.

The application is then reviewed by the Montana

Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

(DNRC), before being forwarded to the Rangeland

Resource Executive Committee. The Director of

DNRC has final approval authority.

For further information and guidelines, please go

to: http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/cardd/

conservation-districts/range-improvement-loan-

program

Contact Information: Bill Herbolich, Loan Officer,

406-444-6668

Fall is a cornucopia of seasonal treats. Colored leaves. Dark beers. Fall sports. Pumpkin in everything you can think of. Even cornucopias. Montana’s climate, people and culture make it a perfect state to enjoy autumn. Here are ten reasons why fall is the best season in Montana.

1. It’s like every other season crammed into one. From start to finish, fall in Montana might bring every kind of weather. It might be

83 degrees and sunny one day, and 20 degrees and snowy next. You might see blue skies, and you might see a thunderstorm.

You’ll see the green grass and leaves of summer and the bare branches of winter. Shorts and t-shirts give way to jackets, hats and

gloves as the season wears on. Unpredictable weather might not always be a great thing, but at least there’s something for

everyone.

2. The colors, children! The colors! Like most states with a cooler climate in the fall, Montana becomes a mosaic of different colors

as soon as autumn rolls around. Bright greens give way to yellows, reds and oranges. Of course, the colors are short lived, as

they fade to brown and grey toward the end of October. But for a few weeks, Montanans get to enjoy the visual spectacle of

nature.

3. Touchdown! Most folks in Montana would agree that when it comes to team sports, football is king in this state. Whether it’s the

Cats and Griz or one of the five Montana NAIA teams in the ultra-competitive Frontier Conference, there’s college football to be

found every weekend. For high school fans, there are dozens of games from Class AA action on a Friday night to six-man slug

fests on Saturday afternoon. The biggest Montana athletic event of the year comes every November when the Cats and the Griz

collide in the Brawl of the Wild. Football is an essential part of the autumn months in Montana.

4. A Surplus of Seasonal Brews. Montana, as you know, is a craft beer haven. Now, every season has its beer. But if

there is one season that is tops for seasonal brews, it’s fall. The changing temperatures mark a surge in dark styles, and

the harvest time means store shelves jam-packed with pumpkin ales. Throw in various Oktoberfest celebrations and

promotions, with each brewery’s take on the traditional Marzen, and you have a season perfectly crafted for beer

enthusiasts. Not into beer? Fall is also the perfect season for cider, and Montana has a handful of breweries making

cider, in addition to a couple of dedicated cideries.

5. Catching Monster Trout. You can absolutely fish any part of the year in Montana. That’s one of the great things about Big Sky

Country. But ask many anglers which season they prefer, and they’ll tell you fall is the best. As the rivers cool, and fish come out

to feed before the winter hits, there’s a good chance of landing a huge brown trout during their fall spawn. Bonus: By late

September, the crowds of people on inner tubes are all gone.

6. Fall Festivals, Parades and Events. Summer may be the time for music festivals and fairs. But fall is certainly not short on

community events. Harvest festivals are held throughout the state this time of year. Bavarian-style Oktoberfest celebrations

highlight the state’s most predominant ethic background. Parades accompany holiday celebrations. Towards the end of the

season, holiday arts and crafts fairs, concerts and galas remind us that the year is coming to an end.

7. Hunting (article didn’t have any comments for this topic)

8. You Can Find Wildlife Everywhere. Autumn is a great season for wildlife watchers because so many animals are out looking to

fatten up before the cold months making foraging difficult. Take a hike through Montana’s forests and along its streams and

lakes, and you’re bound to find all kinds of critters getting ready for winter. It’s also a great time of year to spot migratory birds

passing through on their way south.

9. Pumpkin Picking, Hayrides and Corn Mazes. Throw on a sweater and gather the gang. Montana has the perfect mix of climate

and agricultural industry for fall activities. No matter what part of the state you’re in, you can find a pumpkin patch, apple

orchard or maize maze to take the family to.

10. Holidays. The ‘holiday season’ is generally associated more with the time period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, which

means some of its major holidays technically fall into early winter rather that fall. That said, fall is full of holiday celebrations.

Halloween and Thanksgiving are the obvious ones, but the whole season of autumn is really just a preparation for the end of the

year and the holidays celebrated at that time. Bakers go nuts this time of year. People start putting up all kinds of decorations.

Stores are packed with people looking for gifts. So fall is the holiday season. Montana is perfect this time of year because you

have a decent chance of having a breezy autumn night for trick-or-treating on Halloween, a chilly November afternoon for

Thanksgiving, and a round of snowfall for when Christmas comes the first week of winter.

Article source: 10 reasons why fall is the best season in Montana http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/reasons-why-fall-is-the-best-season-in-montana/collection_af7d510a-d694-5c2c-abf3-7687b77badef.html

Conservation Shrubs & Trees

Order season We are now accepting orders for shrubs and trees for the 2017 planting season. Order fulfillment are based on availability, so we encourage purchasing early to guarantee species and size. Please note prices and specimen sizes may be subject to change without notice due to availability of nursery inventory. Orders will be taken until March 17, 2017. Shipment of trees may be expected by the last week of April 2017 to mid May 2017.

Inventory on Order Form Conservation shrubs and trees are selected for their suitability for wildlife shelterbelts, windbreaks, pollinator habitat and erosion control; and may not be appropriate for home landscaping projects. As such, we will no longer offer gallon-sized plants. Please visit your local nursery for more options.

We will not be offering perennial or native grass plugs this year also, as the nursery we work with will not have any available for sale this season.

When Ordering The minimum order will be one bundle of 25 for conservation grade (CG) and 2’-3’ bare-root deciduous and conifer specimens. Plugs are sold in bundles of 5. We will not split bundles for smaller purchases. Payment A 50% deposit is required at the time of purchase. The remaining balance will be payable upon receipt of products. Cash or check payments only. Please make checks out to McCone Conservation District.

Changes to order Changes to order may be accepted until March 17, 2017.

Cancellation of order Cancellations to order may be accepted until February 3, 2017. Refund of deposit will be subject to Conservation District and/or vendor policies.

Tree Pick-up and Warranty Plants are in a dormant stage and field harvested just prior to shipment. Orders should be picked up as soon as possible after delivery notification. Please note: Although we try to secure the best plants and schedule timely deliveries, plants are a perishable product and therefore, not guaranteed. Replacement and/or refunds will be subject to Conservation District and/or vendor policies.

Ponderosa Pine

Photo source: inthehills.ca

Common Chokecherry

Photo source: slezakag.com

McCone Conservation District 406-485-2744 x100

DECIDUOUS SPECIMEN, BAREROOT

Conservation Grade Bundles of 25

Quantity of CG Bundles

2’-3’ Bundles of 25

Quantity of 2’-3’ Bundles

Total Amount

0001 Almond, Russian $31.25 —

0002 Apricot, Hardy $31.25 $43.75

0003 Ash, Green $31.25 $43.75

0004 Ash, Manchurian $31.25 $43.75

0005 Aspen, Quaking $31.25 —

0006 Boxelder $31.25 —

0007 Buckeye, Ohio $31.25 —

0008 Buffaloberry $31.25 —

0009 Caragana $31.25 $43.75

0010 Cherry, Black $31.25 —

0011 Cherry, Nanking $31.25 $43.75

0012 Cherry, Sand $31.25 —

0013 Chokecherry $31.25 $43.75

0014 Cotoneaster, Pekin $31.25 $43.75

0015 Cottonwood, Native $31.25 $43.75

0016 Cottonwood, Siouxland $31.25 $43.75

0017 Crabapple, Siberian $31.25 $43.75

0018 Currant, Black ‘Riverview’ $31.25 $43.75

0019 Currant, Golden $31.25 $43.75

0020 Dogwood, Redoiser $31.25 $43.75

0021 Elderberry $31.25 —

0022 Elm, Siberian $31.25 —

0023 Hackberry, Common $31.25 $43.75

0024 Hawthorn, Homestead Arnold $31.25 —

0025 Honeysuckle $31.25 —

0026 Juneberry $31.25 $43.75

0027 Lilac, Common (purple) $31.25 $43.75

0028 Lilac, Villosa (lilac-white) $31.25 $43.75

0029 Lilac, White $31.25 —

0030 Linden, American $31.25 —

0031 Maple, Amur $31.25 $43.75

0032 Maple, Silver $31.25 $43.75

0033 Ninebark $31.25 —

Conservation Shrubs & Trees

Conservation Shrubs & Trees DECIDUOUS SPECIMEN ,

BAREROOT (CONTINUED) Conservation Grade

Bundles of 25 Quantity of CG Bundles

2’-3’ Bundles of 25

Quantity of 2’-3’ Bundles

Total Amount

0034 Oak, Bur $31.25 $43.75

0035 Pear, Ussurian $31.25 —

0036 Plum, American $31.25 $43.75

0037 Plum, Red Prairie $31.25 $43.75

0038 Poplar, Hybrid $31.25 $43.75

0039 Poplar, Prairie Sky $31.25 $43.75

0040 Rose, Hansen Hedge $31.25 $43.75

0041 Rose, Woods $31.25 $43.75

0042 Sumac, Staghorn $31.25 $43.75

0043 Walnut, Black $31.25 —

0044 Willow, Golden $31.25 $43.75

0045 Willow, Laurel Leaf $31.25 $43.75

0046 Willow, Sandbar $31.25 $43.75

DECIDUOUS SPECIMEN, TALL BAREROOT

Size Bundles of 10 Quantity Total Amount

0047 Apricot , Hardy 4’ - 5’ $40.00

0048 Ash, Green 3’ - 4’ $35.00

0049 Aspen, Quaking 3’ - 4’ $35.00

0050 Chokecherry, Common 3’ - 4’ $35.00

0051 Cottonwood, Hybrid Male 5’+ $50.00

0052 Cottonwood, Native 5’+ $50.00

0053 Honeylocust, Thornless 3’ - 4’ $35.00

0054 Linden, American 3’ - 4’ $40.00

0055 Maple, Amur 5’+ $50.00

CONIFERS, BAREROOT Size Bundles of 25 Quantity Total Amount

0056 Cedar, Eastern Red 2-0 $31.25

0057 Juniper, Rocky Mountain 2-0 $31.25

0058 Pine, Austrian 2-0 $31.25

0059 Pine, Ponderosa 2-0 $31.25

0060 Pine, Scotch 2-0 $31.25

0061 Spruce, Black Hills 2-2 $31.25

0062 Spruce, Colorado Blue 2-2 $31.25

0063 Spruce, Meyer 3-0 $31.25

0064 Spruce, Norway 3-0 $31.25

CONIFER PLUGS, VINES AND OTHERS Price Quantity Total Amount

CONIFER, PLUG Bundles of 5

0065 Cedar, Eastern Red $15.00

0066 Juniper, Rocky Mountain $15.00

0067 Pine, Austrian $15.00

0068 Pine, Ponderosa $15.00

0069 Pine, Scotch #10 Styro $10.00

0070 Spruce, Black Hills $15.00

0071 Spruce, Colorado Blue $15.00

VINES FOR WILDLIFE Bundles of 25

0072 Bittersweet $31.25

0073 Grape, Riverbank $31.25

0074 Woodbine $31.25

OTHERS Each

0075 6’ x 500’ Fabric Roll $130.00

0076 3’ x 3’ Fabric Square $0.75

0077 4’ x 3’ Fabric Rectangle $1.00

0078 Fabric Staple $0.10

0079 Fabric Staples, Box of 500 $50.00

0080 Plantskydd—1 Quart $22.00

0081 Plantskydd—1 Gallon $59.00

Conservation Shrubs & Trees

ORDER TOTAL

50% DEPOSIT

BALANCE DUE

NAME

CELL PHONE

METHOD OF PAYMENT Cash

McCone Conservation District P.O. Box 276, Circle MT 59215 406-485-2744 x100

Official use only:

Check

Identification tips:

Deep-rooted, perennial forb in the sunflower family (Asteraceae)

Grows 1-4 feet tall and produces milky latex when broken

Highly branched stem, few leaves = ’skeletal’ appearance

Stiff, downward-pointing hairs near the base of stem

Small, yellow flowers at ends of stems, either individually or clusters

Overwinters as rosette which resembles common dandelion

Habitat: Roadsides, rangelands, pastures, grain fields, disturbed sites (e.g., recent wildfire or cheatgrass-invaded sites).

History: Rush skeletonweed is native to Asia, the Mediterranean, and North Africa. It was first reported in the United States near Spokane, Washington in 1938. A small infestation was found in Sanders County, Montana in 1991 and has subsequently been reported in Lincoln, Flathead, and Treasure Counties as well. Most recently, it has been reported in Beaverhead and Ravalli counties. It is listed as a Priority 1B noxious weed in Montana.

Spread: Rush skeletonweed primarily disperses by seeds; established plants are capable of producing 15,000-20,000 seeds. The small, lightweight seeds can spread far distances by wind and water and can also attach to animals and clothing. It can also reproduce vegetatively from fragmented taproots.

Impacts: Rush skeletonweed competes for soil moisture and nutrients with grains in cropping systems and desired plants in rangeland. It rapidly spread through the wheat-growing area of southeastern Australia and caused significant yield reductions. It can form dense monocultures on rangeland, reducing forage for cattle and wildlife.

Management: Rush skeletonweed is a high priority species for Montana due to its limited presence here and our close proximity to large infestations in Idaho. Furthermore, it could have devastating impacts on agriculture in Montana if it becomes well established. Management priorities for rush skeletonweed include monitoring, early detection, and treatment of newly invading plants. Hand-pulling is an option for small infestations, but this requires control 2-3 times per year for more than five years. Integrating various management techniques such as prevention, monitoring, reseeding and herbicides can help reduce the invasion of rush skeletonweed. If you think you have found rush skeletonweed, contact your Extension agent or county weed coordinator immediately.

Article source: http://www.msuextension.org/invasiveplants/documents/extension/

Photo source:s https://www.usu.edu/weeds/plant_species/weedspecies/weed_images/rush_skeletonweed/skeleton_plant.jpg; http://pierceountyweedboard.org; http://sccd.org

Skeleton: http://www.clipartloard.com/wp=contaten/uploads/2015/10/sheleton-monster4.png

Are Noxious Weeds Ranked or Prioritized?

In 2010, the Montana Department of Agriculture revamped the noxious weed priority system. Noxious weeds are now ranked one of 5 priorities.

Priority 1A-These weeds are not present in Montana. Management criteria will require eradication if detected; education and prevention.

Priority 1B-These weeds have a limited presence in Montana. Management criteria will require eradication or containment and education.

Priority 2A-These weeds are common in isolated areas of Montana. Management criteria will require eradication or containment where less abundant. Management shall be prioritized by local weed dis-tricts.

Priority 2B-These weeds are abundant in Montana and widespread in many counties. Management criteria will require eradication or containment where less abundant. Management shall be prioritized by local weed districts.

Priority 3-Regulated Plants-NOT Montana listed noxious weeds. These regulated plants have the potential to have significant negative impacts. These plants may not be intentionally spread or sold other than as a contaminant in agricultural products. The state recommends research, education and prevention to minimize the spread of the regulated plant.

Article source: http://mtweed.org/faq/

FEATURED NOXIOUS WEEDS : RUSH SKELETONWEED

SOIL SUMMIT 2016

Get the dirt on soil…can you dig it?

Register below for our full day workshop and

community conversation on Montana soil health.

October 15, 2016

Billings Hotel & Convention Center

(soon to be Red Lion)

9am—5pm

Conservation swill include innovative

Montana producers, soil health monitoring,

available resources, and policy opportunities.

But most importantly, we want to hear from YOU.

Registration fees include a healthy,

locally-sourced lunch provided

during the seminar.

For more information, please visit:

https://www.northernplains.org/soil-summit-2016/

A fallen leaf is nothing more than a summer’s wave goodbye.

106 10th Street P.O. Box 276 Circle, MT 59215 Phone: 406-485-2744 x100 Email: mcconecd@macdnet.org Website: www.mcconecountycd.com Like us on Facebook! McCone Conservation District

MCCONE CONSERVATION D ISTRICT

Mission Statement—By performing a leadership role in conservation for McCone County, the District will develop a more sustainable and economic resource management plan for the community.

Conservation District Authority– MCA 76-15-102 Declaration of policy. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the legislature to provide for the conservation of soil and soil resources of this state, for the control and prevention of soil erosion, for the prevention of floodwater and sediment damages, and for furthering the conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water and therefore to preserve natural resources, control floods, prevent impairment of dams and reservoirs, preserve wildlife, protect the tax base, protect public lands, and protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of this state.

MCCONE CONSERVATION DISTRICT Mission Statement Conservation District Authority

Conservation District Board & Staff

Steve Wanderaas, Chairman Casey Nay, Vice-Chairman Larry Nagel, Urban Supervisor Brant Quick, Rural Supervisor Josh Murphy, Rural Supervisor Greg Nagel, Rural Supervisor ** Opening **, Rural Supervisor Kirk Haynie, Associate Supervisor Mary Hendrix, Administrator & Editor

Calendar October 2016

6 NWTF Grant Writing Workshop, Helena

10 Columbus Day: Office closed

12 Board Meeting, Circle

13 Windbreak Workshop, Scobey

13 Area 1 Administrators Meeting/Training, Scobey

15 Soil Summit, Billings

20 Interpretative Facilitative and Meeting Management Workshop, Lewistown

24-26 MWCC Symposium, Billings

25-27 Soil Health Workshop, Missoula, Dillon & Livingston

31 Halloween

November 2016

2 Board Meeting, Circle

6 Daylight Savings Time Ends (2am)

8 General Election Day: Office closed

11 Veteran’s Day: Office closed

15-17 MACD Convention, Sidney

24 Thanksgiving Day: Office closed

December 2016

7 Board Meeting, Circle

25 Christmas Day

26 Christmas Holiday Observed: Office closed

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on the Conservation News do not necessarily represent those of McCone Conservation District.

County Landownership Maps for Sale

Wall Map $30.00

Book Map $35.00

Color Book Map $45.00

Equipment Rental

Tree Planter $0.20 per tree

Fabric Layer $0.05 a foot

Post Pounder $95.00 day/$550.00 week

Tree Supplies

Fabric Square 3’ x 3’ $0.75 each

Fabric Rectangle 4’ x 3’ $1.00 each

Fabric Staple $0.10 each

Fabric Staples $50.00 box

4’ Plastic Tree Protector $2.00 each

Plantskydd 1 Quart $22.00

Plantskydd 1 Gallon $59.00