40404040

Basin State Bank…………………...…Stanford

Circle S Seeds of Montana, Inc..…..Three Forks

J & L Fencing & Pitliners, Inc.……...Sidney

MacIntyre Law Office………………...Helena

Missoula Conservation District…….Missoula

Montana DEQ…………………….……..Helena

Montana DNRC.………………….……..Helena

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks……..Helena

Montana Natural Heritage

Program…………………………………...Helena

Montana Livestock Ag Credit, Inc. …Helena

MSU-Undaunted Stewardship

Program…………………………………..Bozeman

Montana Watercourse………………..Bozeman

Northwest Farm Credit

Services…………………………………Spokane, Wa.

USDA Natural Resource

Conservation Service………………….Bozeman Water & Environmental

Technologies………………………..……Butte

CONVENTION CONVENTION CONVENTION CONVENTION SPONSORSSPONSORSSPONSORSSPONSORS

Many thanksMany thanksMany thanksMany thanks to our sponsors to our sponsors to our sponsors to our sponsors for their generosity.for their generosity.for their generosity.for their generosity.

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

The Montana Association of Conservation Districts

68th Annual Convention

From Old-

Frontiers

to

New Horizons

1949 - 2009

November 18th & 19th, 2009 Yogo Inn

Lewistown, Montana

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Welcome to Lewistown and MACD’s 68th Annual Convention!

Welcome to the 2009 Annual Convention! As I end the second year as your President, I want to thank all of the people that have made my short time with you interesting and enjoy-able. I especially enjoyed the Area Meetings and the chance to visit with many of you. We have a great group of people. Another year has passed, and Montana’s Conservation Districts once again played a major role in protecting what many think is the best of America. Montana’s air, water, and land provide the basis for our pros-perity, our families, and our growth. Our role in protecting and en-hancing these natural resources is recognized across Montana. We are gathering in Lewistown to celebrate our successes, and to look for-ward to the known and unknown challenges ahead. The convention has a variety of speakers from many backgrounds ad-dressing many topics. Our keynote speaker is here to tell us how he cleaned up parts of the Mississippi River - one piece of trash at a time. Others will speak about pollution, changing plant regimes, noxious weeds, bison, navigability, and the State Water Plan. The variety of natural resources we deal with every day continues to amaze me. Enjoy the convention, brag a little about the good things that you did for conservation in the last year, and enjoy the camaraderie of your fellows who have devoted much of their lives to conservation. Let me or Pete Woll, your incoming President, know about things that concern you, about your ideas for the future, and ways that we can continue to improve the way we do business. Thanks to all of you for the work that you do to make Montana a bet-ter place. Sincerely,

Steve Hedstrom

Steve Hedstrom

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The MACD Board

of Directors & staff

say a big

THANK YOU,

especially to our

speakers and Area

hosts for making this

meeting a success!

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Nelle Jean St. Cyr Nelle Jean St. Cyr Nelle Jean St. Cyr Nelle Jean St. Cyr Nelle Jean was born on January 12, 1923, in Beach, ND. She was raised on a farm near Wibaux, MT. Jean attended a one room school, skipped the 6th grade, and consistently won the county spelling bees. She graduated from Wibaux High School in 1940. Instead of following her original plan to go to Iowa State University to study home economics, she studied at the new junior college nearby, Dawson County Junior College in Glendive, MT. After her husband Bob died in 1970, Jean worked at the Sidney Soil Conservation Service where she was the indispensable district clerk. She enjoyed her years at the SCS office working in agriculture. Jean made friends wherever she went. She had a gentle soul, a joyful heart, and an engaging laugh. Jean died peacefully in her sleep Wednesday morning, September 30, 2009, at the Rosetta Assisted Living in Helena, MT.

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KEYNOTE SPEAKER

CHAD PREGRACKE Growing up just 67 feet from the Mississippi River, Chad Pregracke grew outraged as countless aban-doned items floated by and lodged in the riverbed be-hind his house. One weekend he decided to do some-thing about it, hauling out junk by hand until his back-yard was filled. A passing fisherman contacted the local news station, saying they needed to get out there quickly to see what one motivated teenager was doing with his spare time. Eleven years later, Pregracke’s team and volunteers across the country have removed more than a thousand tons of garbage from the big-gest rivers in the U.S.

Pregracke has delivered more than 300 presentations to corporate, public, and student audiences worldwide, emerging as a strong, articulate, and passionate voice for making a difference, one person at a time.

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MACD Leadership, Staff & Associated Organizations

F or nearly 70 years, the Montana Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) has been contributing to the success of Districts all across Montana.

Created in 1942, MACD is a private nonprofit association, governed by a statewide Board of Directors who simultaneously serve as District supervisors in their own districts. The current board is shown at the right during their June 2009 Board Meeting in Havre. The MACD officers and staff are listed below. The MACD Employee’s organization (MACDEO) and the MACD Auxiliary officers are also identified.

MACD OFFICERS President Steve Hedstrom Vice President Pete Woll Treasurer Jack Judisch

MACD STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS District Operations Shirley Parrott Education Marieanne Hanser Soil Resource & Land Use Jim Buckley

Water Resources Ann Schwend MACD STAFF Executive Director Jeff Tiberi Administrative Assistant Jan Fontaine Newsletter Writer Vicki Woodrow Legal Advisor (contract) Don MacIntyre MACDEO OFFICERS President Lori Zeiser Vice President Julie Ralston Secretary Chris Evans Treasurer Pat Johnson MACD AUXILIARY OFFICERS President/Treasurer Deloris Dawson Vice President Marilyn Breipohl Secretary Tonya Merryman

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Memoriam

It is with great honor that this section is dedicated to recognizing those in the CD community who have passed away during the previous year.

Roger E. NedensRoger E. NedensRoger E. NedensRoger E. Nedens An active conservationist and former supervisor of the Big Horn Conservation District, Roger died unexpectedly at his home October 23, 2008. He became an associate supervisor of the Big Horn Conservation District in 1990, was elected supervisor in 1993, and served until 2001. During his tenure on the board he served as its treasurer for five years. Roger put much thought and effort into conservation farming, continuing to work with the conservation district and the Natural Resources Conservation Service to implement many of his ideas. Many in the South Valley of the Bighorn River enjoyed watching Roger and members of his family install several large irrigation systems that not only improved their farming operation, but increased irrigation efficiencies and reduced seepage on other farmland as well. Roger taught his family well, as Nedens Farms Inc. continues his conservation legacy.

Kent NatheKent NatheKent NatheKent Nathe

Kent passed away on December 26, 2008 after waging a courageous battle against cancer. He was born during a freezing winter storm that helped earn him the title in the newspaper of “blizzard baby”. Kent majored in Agricultural Economics at Montana State University and later served in the army. He always wanted to be a farmer and rancher and challenging as it was at time, he did live his entire life on the same farm, the Five-Bar-Diamond. Throughout the years, Kent was active in many community organization including the Sheridan County Conservation District.

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Edgar Charles Drogemuller Edgar Charles Drogemuller Edgar Charles Drogemuller Edgar Charles Drogemuller Ed was born in Marble Rock, Iowa and passed away on May 20th in Shelby. He served in the US Navy and graduated from the Univer-sity Wisconsin River Falls. Ed was a US Department of Agriculture district soil conservationist and after his retirement was an Ag Ed substitute teacher. He was a board member of the Pondera County Conservation District. While in Conrad Ed was involved with plan-ning and executing Montana Range Days.

John MetcalfJohn MetcalfJohn MetcalfJohn Metcalf John died at his home in Stanford. He was a 54-year member and supervisor for the Judith Basin County Conservation District. He was born in Faribault, Minnesota and the family moved to Montana where he received his education. John worked on the ranch northeast of Stanford until he retired for good in 2006.

Robert Walter Criswell Robert Walter Criswell Robert Walter Criswell Robert Walter Criswell Mr. Criswell passed away at Horizon Hospice Home on April 6, 2009. Bob was born in Hysham and attended school there graduating in 1951. Following school he joined the United States Navy and after his honorable discharge he returned to Hysham. He served on the Treasurer County Conservation District board from 1976.

In Memoriam

It is with great honor that this section is dedicated to recognizing those in the CD community who have pass

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MACD BOARD OF DIRECTORS Area 1 Area 2 William Bernard Tony Barone Dean Rogge Walter Borntrager Jeff Wivholm Jim Kane Area 3 Area 4

Bob Breipohl Jerry Lunde Steve Hedstrom Shirley Parrott Mark Suta Don Youngbauer Area 5 Area 6 Bill Naegeli Janet Endecott Steve Vogt Ann Schwend Pete Woll Daryl Stutterheim

Back Row L to R: Bob Breipohl, Jack Judisch, Janet Endecott, William Bernard, Jerry Lunde, Jeff Wivholm, Walter Borntrager, Mark Suta, Buzz Mattelin, Front Row L to R: Shirley Parrott, Tony Barone, Marieanne Han-ser, Don Youngbauer, Steve Hedstrom, Pete Woll, Ann Schwend, and Jeff Tiberi. THIS PHOTO WAS TAKEN AT THE JUNE BOARD MEETING

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MACD Convention & Ancillary Meetings

2009 Schedule

Tuesday, November 17th 10:30-11:30 MACD Executive Committee Meeting Judith Mountain Room 11:30-12:30 MACD Board of Directors Executive Session Snowy Mountain Room MACD Board, Staff & Invited Guests Only Please 12:30-3:30 MACD Board of Directors

& Committee Chairpersons Meeting Snowy Mountain Room 1:00-4:00 Missouri River Conservation Districts Council (MRCDC)

Meeting

Moccasin Room 2:00-4:00 Yellowstone River Conservation District Council

(YRCDC) Meeting

Judith Mountain Room 1:00-4:00 Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Meeting

Sapphire B Room 4:00-6:00 MACD Employee Organization (MACDEO) Meeting Snowy Mountain Room 4:00-6:00 Supervisor Training by DNRC Judith Mountain Room 6:15-8:30 Montana Salinity Control Association (MSCA) Meeting

Sapphire A & B Rooms

35353535 Wow ! That’s Wow ! That’s Wow ! That’s Wow ! That’s 1,140 1,140 1,140 1,140 years of service!years of service!years of service!years of service!

Alan Rollo Cascade County CD Jay Stuckey Green Mountain CD Joe Weatherwax Glacier County CD Jeff Wivholm Sheridan County CD Alice Wolff L. Musselshell CD Janet Zieg Meagher County CD

20 YEARS OF SERVICE

Monte Billing Garfield County CD Tim Bruner L. Musselshell CD Jamie Dogget Meagher County CD Judi Knapp Treasure County CD Tom Miller Beaverhead CD Rod Oraw Liberty County CD Shannon Sattleen Blaine County CD

25 YEARS OF SERVICE Charley Bumgardner Custer County CD Stark Ickes Treasurer County CD Patsy Meredith E. Sanders County CD Kent Nathe Sheridan County CD Conrad Nystrom Hill County CD Ronald Schatz Lewis & Clark CD Luther Waterland Carter County CD Michael Wendland Hill County CD

30 YEARS OF SERVICE Bruce Bradley Glacier County CD Tom Johnson Glacier County CD Jack Knobloch Rosebud CD Bruce Wright McCone CD

35 YEARS OF SERVICE Joe Bronec Chouteau County CD Tara Comfort Missoula County CD Sonny Obrecht Blaine County CD Richard Rohde Valley County CD

40 YEARS OF SERVICE

Leo Depuydt Phillips CD

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Service Longevity Awards & HonorsService Longevity Awards & HonorsService Longevity Awards & HonorsService Longevity Awards & Honors

10 YEARS OF SERVICE

Steve Ahrens Toole County CD Mike Bay Lewis & Clark CD Allen Bunk Valley County CD Tom Carey, Jr. Jefferson Valley CD Chris Evans Lewis & Clark CD Julie Goss Richland County CD Lanny Jones Liberty County CD Mike Justus Lincoln CD Gary Knudsen Phillips CD Jim Lane U. Musselshell CD Dillion Lee Green Mountain CD Renee Nelson Wibaux CD Gary Passmore Teton County CD Sharon Patterson Mineral County CD Leo Pfendler Granite CD Julie Ralston Bitterroot CD Alan Rollo Lewis & Clark CD Cal Ryder Green Mountain CD Tom Sanders Granite CD Sara Shepard Toole County CD Matt Simonson Phillips CD Fred Skierka Liberty County CD Steve Story Stillwater CD Daryl Stutterheim Park CD Duane Ullman Richland County CD Danette Watson Beaverhead CD

15 YEARS OF SERVICE W. Mike Cobb Lewis & Clark CD Clay Crawford Teton County CD David Davenport Rosebud CD Martin Davis Park CD Shirley Galovic Ruby Valley CD Tim Hall Missoula County CD Bob Hoppe Broadwater CD Wayne Maahs Lincoln CD Libby Maclay Missoula County CD Greg Martinsen Missoula County CD

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Wednesday, November 18th 6:30-2:45 Convention Registration Table Open

Front Lobby 7:00-9:00 Resource Conservation Advisory Council Meeting Snowy Mountain Room 8:00-9:00 Continental Breakfast Centermark 9:00-9:50 Opening Ceremony & Welcome

Sapphire A & B Rooms Presiding Steve Hedstrom, MACD President Posting of the Colors by the Fergus FFA National Anthem sung by Fergus High School Girls

Quartet Old Glory Poem by Lane Nordlund

Welcome from Dan Stilson, Fergus Conservation District Chair, and Kevin Myhre, Lewistown City Manager

9:50-10:00 Joint Forestry MOU Signing

Rob Ethridge, Chief, Forestry Assistance Bureau DNRC Sapphire A & B Rooms

10:00-10:30 Farm Bill, Watershed Team, and other NRCS News Joyce Swartzendruber, State Conservationist Sapphire A & B Rooms 10:30-10:45 Break Sponsored NORTHWEST FARM CREDIT

SERVICES and MISSOULA CONSERVATION

DISTRICT Centermark

10:45-11:15 How will Animals and Plants Adapt to a Changing Climate? Ann Schrag, World Wildlife Fund Sapphire A & B Rooms

11:15-11:35 MACD Update, including Funding and BMPs

Jeff Tiberi, Executive Director Sapphire A & B Rooms

11:35-noon Update from our Congressional Delegates Sapphire A & B Rooms

12:15-1:30 Lunch Centermark

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Wednesday Continued 1:30–2:45 MACD Standing Committee Meetings

Attend one of the meetings listed below and listen to--or participate in--deliberations regarding resolutions passed at the Area Meetings, which may be seen in this program, as well as others that may be presented at the Committee Meetings. After Committee consideration, the next stop in the process for resolutions is action by the whole body at the MACD Business Session on Thursday.

DISTRICT OPERATIONS COMMITTEE chaired by Shirley Parrott, recorded by Alice Wolff, technical advice provided by Tim Ouellette (NRCS), Laurie Zeller (DNRC) and Karl Christians (DNRC) Gypsum Room Agenda: Consideration of Resolutions and any other issues raised.

EDUCATION COMMITTEE chaired by Marieanne Hanser, recorded by Lori Zeiser, technical advice provided by Dave Martin (DNRC) and Ivy Allen (NRCS) Moccasin Mountain Room Agenda: Consideration of Resolutions and any other issues raised.

WATER RESOURCES COMMITTEE chaired by Ann Schwend, recorded by Julie Goss, technical advice provided by Laurie Zeller (DNRC), Warren Kellogg (Liberty County Conservation

District), Steve Becker (NRCS), George Mathieus (DEQ), and Mark

Bostrom (DEQ)

Snowy Mountain Room Agenda: Consideration of Resolutions and any other issues raised. LAND AND SOIL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

chaired by Jim Buckley, recorded by Teresa Wilhelm, technical advice provided by Heidi Olbert (DNRC), Scott Kaiser (DNRC), Carrie Mosley (NRCS), and Chuck Gordon (NRCS)

Judith Mountain Room Agenda: Consideration of Resolutions and any other issues raised. 3:00 Buses to Train

Meet in Front Lobby 3:30-6:30 MACDEO Food, Fun & Social: Mystery Train Ride

Charlie Russell Chew-Choo 6:30-8:00 Dessert & Birthday Party

Centermark

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In order to assist Montana Districts in a variety of ways, MACD maintains an office and small staff in Helena. These efforts, along with reimbursement for Directors to attend Board-related meetings, are financially supported almost exclusively by annual dues paid by Conservation Districts.

The amount your district is assessed each year in MACD dues is calculated using the formula below. Your mill levy income, as identified by your county assessor, is the basis for the formula. Other District income is not used in the calculation.

As conscientious managers of your budget, you often review expenditures to determine if you are getting the biggest bang for your buck. This undoubtedly includes a review of your MACD dues. MACD welcomes the evaluation because it gives the organization an opportunity to highlight recent activities as well as hear feedback on what else we could be doing for your area. Contact the MACD office or any Board Member if you have any questions or ideas regarding the MACD Budget or your dues. And thanks again to the Districts that pay their dues!

CD Mill Levy

Income

Percentage

Assessed

for MACD Dues

Less than $10,000 5%

$10,000—$30,000 6%

More than $30,000 7%

MACD Dues MACD Dues MACD Dues MACD Dues Assessment ProcessAssessment ProcessAssessment ProcessAssessment Process

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T he Montana Association of Conservation Districts extends a special “Thank You” to the Districts listed below for paying 100% of their MACD dues this year. This year all but one District helped MACD deliver services to the Districts.

MACD Dues: 100% PaidMACD Dues: 100% PaidMACD Dues: 100% PaidMACD Dues: 100% Paid

Big Horn Big Sandy Bitterroot Blaine County Broadwater Carter County Cascade County Chouteau County Custer County Daniels County Dawson County Deer Lodge Valley Eastern Sanders County Fergus Gallatin Garfield County Glacier County Granite Green Mountain Hill County Judith Basin Lake Lewis & Clark Lincoln Little Beaver

Lower Musselshell Madison McCone Meagher County Mile High Mineral County North Powell Petroleum County Phillips Pondera Powder River Prairie Richland County Roosevelt County Rosebud Ruby Valley Sheridan County Stillwater Sweet Grass County Teton County Toole County Treasure County Upper Musselshell Valley County Wibaux

Your Support is Your Support is Your Support is Your Support is

Greatly Appreciated!

Greatly Appreciated!

Greatly Appreciated!

Greatly Appreciated!

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Thursday, November 19th 6:30-5:00 Convention Registration Table Open Front Lobby 7:30-9:00 Education Breakfast Centermark 9:00-10:30 MACD Auxiliary Meeting Judith Mountain Room 9:15-11:00 SWCDMI & MACD Business Meetings

Sapphire A & B Rooms Budget approval, consideration of resolutions, 2011 convention meeting location. 11:00-11:20 Remarks from Steve Guertin, Regional Director, US Fish and Wildlife Service 11:20-12:10 Partner Reports, introduced by President Hedstrom Sapphire A & B Rooms Department of Natural Resources & Conservation Director Mary Sexton Natural Resource Conservation Service State Conservationist Joyce Swartzendruber Department of Environmental Quality

George Mathieus Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Jim Darling Missouri River Conservation Districts Council

Vicki Marquis Montana Extension Dr. James Knight NACD Update

Deb Bogar RC&D

Tim Ouellette Yellowstone River Conservation Districts Council

Nicole McClain Undaunted Stewardship

Cindy Selensky Environmental Protection Agency John Larson 12:15-1:30 Lunch - Mississippi River Clean Up with Chad

Pregracke introduced by Buzz Mattelin Centermark

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Thursday Continued 1:45-2:45 Concurrent Sessions (Select 1 of 5)

1. Huntable, Wild Bison - are they in Montana’s future? Sapphire A Room 2. Healthy Streams & Rivers with DEQ Sapphire B Room 3. DNRC Update Judith Mountain Room

4. Managing Key Invasion Plants

Snowy Mountain Room

5. Treasured Water Listening Session Moccasin Room

2:45-3:00 Break Sponsored by BASIN STATE BANK AND J&L FENCING

AND PITLINERS, INC.

Centermark 3:15-4:15 Concurrent Sessions (Select 1 of 5)

1. Huntable, Wild Bison - are they in Montana’s future? Sapphire A Room 2. Questions and Answers with DEQ Sapphire B Room

3. DNRC Update Judith Mountain Room

4. Managing Key Invasive Plants

Snowy Mountain Room

5. Bridger Plant Material Center Update, including a special

presentation on the Important Role of Improved Native Plants

for Enhancing Conservation District Goals: The Deer Lodge Valley

Example

Moccasin Room

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Congratulations

Congratulations

Congratulations Congratulations to to to to

the 2009 Winners!

the 2009 Winners!

the 2009 Winners!

the 2009 Winners!

ENVIROTHON 1st Place: Missoula FFA 2nd Place: Missoula Hellgate 3rd Place: Cascade County 4-H Highest Test Scores: Cascade County 4-H

SCHOLARSHIP Brad Duncan, Joplin Lauren Klempel, Joliet

POSTER CONTEST Grades K-1: Daisen Fox Hill County CD Grades 2-3: Kaden Stradley Wibaux CD Grades 4-6: Shannon Dimond Eastern Sanders CD

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M ACD sponsors various competitions and programs throughout the year that educate Montanans about

conservation and wise use of our natural resources. Attend the Education Breakfast on Thursday to hear details and how your District can become more involved. A summary of the past 12 months of activities is listed below.

MACD Scholarship Program

In 2009, two $500 scholarships were awarded to high school seniors Brad Duncan of Joplin and Lauren Klempel of Joliet. The money for these scholarships is the interest earned on the Memorial Fund account at DA Davidson.

Montana Envirothon The 2009 Montana competition was held in Lewistown on April 20-21. There were 35 teams registered. The topic was “Biodiversity in a Changing World”. The team from Missoula FFA took 1st place. The Missoula Hellgate team took 2nd and the Cascade County 4-H team took 3rd place. The Cascade County 4-H team received the award for the highest test scores. The Canon Envirothon competition was held August 2-8 in Asheville, North Carolina. Montana’s Envirothon continues to be coordinated by Fergus Conservation District staff person, Shonny Nordlund. Thank you to Shonny for her hard work at making this program a success!

MACD Poster Contest

During the Montana competition in June, 25 posters from five districts were judged by the MACD Board. The winners of that event will be highlighted at Thursday's Education Breakfast and advance to the national competition in Orlando, Florida in January, 2010.

Your Association’s Your Association’s Your Association’s Your Association’s EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION PROGRAMS PROGRAMS PROGRAMS PROGRAMS

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5:00 Social Begins

Centermark 6:00 MACD Awards Dinner

A Celebration of Montana’s Conservation Districts Centermark

Master of Ceremonies Ray Beck

Conservation and Resource Development Division

Slideshow

Laurie Zeller

Presentation of Awards Steve Hedstrom, MACD President

MACD Auction

Centermark This is your chance to go home with a unique & fabulous item while helping raise funds for a great cause, MACD’s Legislative and Education Fund!

Friday, November 20th 8:00-9:00 Board of Directors & Committee Chairpersons Meeting Snowy Mountain Room

HAVE A SAFE TRIP HOME!HAVE A SAFE TRIP HOME!HAVE A SAFE TRIP HOME!HAVE A SAFE TRIP HOME!

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2009 MACD Convention

DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE PRESENTATIONS

(See page 10 for Concurrent Sessions times and room details) THURSDAY

Huntable, Wild Bison - Are they in Montana’s Future? Arnold Dood from the

Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks is in a listening mode to hear thoughts about the feasibility of a wild herd of bison somewhere in Montana that would be hunted just like any other big game animal. Is this idea something that would work in Montana? What are the issues that come to mind? Where would they be located? How would they be managed? What about disease issues? Mr. Dood wants to hear all the thoughts that come to mind.

Arnold Dood has worked for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks for more than 30 years. He has B.S. and Master’s degrees in Fish and Wildlife Manage-ment from Montana State University. He started his career with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in 1978 in Miles City. He is currently the Endangered Spe-cies Coordinator for the Department, and is responsible for coordinating all aspects of recovery programs for the following species: grizzly bear, wolf, bald eagle, peregrine falcon, piping plover, interior least tern, black-footed ferret, and whooping crane. Additional responsibilities include working with fisheries staff to develop programs for bull trout, pallid sturgeon, and grayling which negate the need to list these species or assist in recovering those that are listed. He played a major role in the successful recovery and delisting of the peregrine falcon, bald eagle, grey wolf (currently under litigation), and grizzly bear in the Yellowstone Ecosystem, as well as achieving recovery ob-jectives in Montana for piping plover and least terns.

Water Quality Standards for Nitrogen and Phosphorus: the Science behind Healthy Stream and Rivers How do we know when a stream is healthy? Is it

“normal” for a river to have a certain amount of nitrogen and phosphorus? How do Montana’s rivers and streams compare to other streams around the world? How should we set standards? Dr. Suplee’s presentation will provide a background for the science behind healthy streams and rivers.

Dr. Michael Suplee has worked for the Montana Department of Environ-mental Quality since 1998, and in the Water Quality Standards Section in particular since 2000. He completed his doctoral degree — on reservoir phosphorus cycling — in 2000, from Texas A&M University. In the DEQ Water Quality Standards Section, Dr. Suplee has primarily been working on nitrogen and phosphorus criteria for Montana rivers and streams. In 2008 he released a draft set of criteria for wadeable streams in Montana, and continues to refine these criteria and the criteria-derivation process.

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Update Topics include HB 40 (water rights application process), navigable waterways, state water planning process, watershed groups, and funding for Conservation District

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Already looking forward to the 69th Annual

MACD Convention? Start planning now

to attend the November 17-18, 2010 meeting at the Crown

Plaza in Billings!

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MACD Area MembershipMACD Area MembershipMACD Area MembershipMACD Area Membership Area 1—Daniels, Garfield, McCone, Petroleum, Roo-sevelt, Sheridan, and Valley Conservation Districts Area 2—Carter, Dawson, Little Beaver, Custer, Pow-der River, Prairie, Richland, and Wibaux Conservation Districts Area 3—Big Sandy, Blaine, Cascade, Chouteau, Fer-gus, Glacier, Hill, Judith Basin, Liberty, Phillips, Pon-dera, Teton, and Toole Conservation Districts Area 4—Big Horn, Carbon, Lower Musselshell, Rose-bud, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Treasure, Upper Mussel-shell, and Yellowstone Conservation Districts Area 5—Bitterroot, Deer Lodge Valley, Eastern Sand-ers, Flathead, Granite, Green Mountain, Lake, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula, and North Powell Conservation Dis-tricts Area 6—Beaverhead, Broadwater, Gallatin, Jefferson Valley, Lewis & Clark, Madison, Meagher, Mile High, Park, Ruby and Valley Conservation Districts

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projects. Mary hopes to be able to announce the name of the person selected to fill John Tubbs’ position as the new Administrator of the DNRC Water Re-sources Division.

Originally from Great Falls, MT, Mary Sexton has degrees from Stan-ford University and the University of Montana. She taught high school in Hamilton, MT and was administrator of The Nature Conservancy’s Pine Butte Swamp Preserve, west of Choteau. She has also been in-volved with agriculture and tourism businesses. Sexton was a Teton County Commissioner from 1999- 2004, and is currently Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).

Managing Key Invasive Plants in Montana - Celestine Duncan, Consult-ant, Helena, MT. and Jim Story, Western Agricultural Research Center, Corval-lis, MT. The status and future direction of biological and chemical control of noxious weeds in Montana will be discussed. Emphasis of the presentation will be on noxious weeds of particular concern, including spotted knapweed, leafy spurge, Dalmatian toadflax, houndstongue, Canada thistle, and cheat-grass. Weeds newly-targeted for biocontrol will be mentioned, and new herbi-cides will be discussed.

Celestine Duncan is a consulting weed scientist in Helena, Montana specializing in noxious weed research and management in the Pacific Northwest. Her research has focused on testing and screening new herbicides for control of key invasive weeds in western states, and integrating herbicides with other management techniques such as biocontrol agents, grazing livestock, and mowing. Celestine has 25 years experience working with public and private land mangers on invasive plant programs.

Jim Story is a research entomologist with Montana State University

who has conducted research on the biological control of spotted knap-weed for 35 years. His research emphasis is on the biology/behavior, establishment, augmentation, and efficacy of the introduced insects, and the integration of biological control with other weed management practices.

Treasured Water Listening Session Almost every economic endeavor in Montana relies on a stable supply of water. Informed water resource decision making requires the development of specific information on supply/demand imbalances and the ability of water resource infrastructure to meet all current and future needs. As Conservation District representatives, water users and land managers, Paul Azevedo and Ann Schwend would like to hear your thoughts on DNRC’s effort to assess Montana’s water supply in the context of future demands brought on by economic growth and explore opportunities to meet these demands within the framework Montana’s water right law.

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Paul Azevedo is the Bureau Chief of the Water Management Bureau in the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Paul oversees a staff of seventeen, hydrologist, planners, and education special-ist dedicated to providing Montana’s citizens with the information and knowledge needed to make informed water resource management deci-sions. Paul received his Masters Degree in geology from Montana State University, Bozeman in 1993. Prior to joining the Department of Natural Resources in 1999, he worked as a groundwater hydrologist for the private sector. Ann Schwend is a Water Resource Planner in DNRC’s Water Management Bureau. She is also a supervisor with the Ruby Valley Conservation District for the past 12 years, and is currently the Chair of the Water Resources Committee. Ann earned a BS in Plant and Soil Science & MS in Land Reha-bilitation. She has worked in natural resource research, management and conservation for the past 21 years, and actively promotes locally-led deci-sion making.

Questions and Answers from DEQ Join Mark Bostrom from the Montana De-partment of Environmental Quality in an open session and dialogue about some of DEQ’s programs. This session has no structure, and is an opportunity for the audi-ence to ask Mark about the variety of issues that DEQ is involved with.

Originally from Steamboat Springs Colorado, Mark Bostrom has worked for DEQ since 2003, and is the new bureau chief for the Water Quality Planning Bureau (WQPB). Mr. Bostrom received his degree in Business Administration from Western State College in 1987. Prior to accepting the bureau chief position, Mr. Bostrom was the Quality Assurance Officer for the WQPB. He designed and documented a quality assurance and quality control system for the WQPB (WQPBQMP-001) and a separate broader quality system for department programs funded by the department's Per-formance Partnership Agreement with the USEPA. Prior to coming to Mon-tana, Mr. Bostrom worked for 10 years in private analytical laboratories in Colorado and Utah.

Bridger Plant Materials Center Update Since 1959, the Bridger Plant Materials Center has provided plant solutions for the diverse ecosystems of Montana and Wyoming. The Center has released a number of conservation plants including ‘Rimrock’ Indian ricegrass, ‘Critana’ thickspike wheatgrass, ‘Bridger-Select’ Rocky Mountain juniper, ‘Trailhead’ basin wildrye and Old Works Germplasm fuzzytongue penstemon. The Center has developed new plant solutions for extending livestock grazing periods; low-water landscaping; restoring woody plants to native range; propagating threatened species and culturally significant plants; and reclaiming dis-turbed areas from mining, wildfire and road construction. Roger Hybner will give an update of their activities, followed by a special presentation by Beth Graham entitled: The Important Role of Improved Native Plants for Enhancing Conservation District Goals: The Deer Lodge Valley Example

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WHEREAS, a mosaic of areas of reduced fuel loads and previous burns can diminish the spread of forest fires and reduce their negative impact on watersheds; and WHEREAS, the potential creation of jobs and the recovery of forest products are worthwhile goals; and WHEREAS, major forest fires can contribute significant quantities of carbon dioxide and particulates to the atmosphere thereby effecting air quality; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Montana Association of Conservation Districts at its November 19, 2009 annual meeting shall support common sense conservation measures by Federal agencies in their efforts to initiate fuels reduction projects (and/or en-courage such measures) that utilize a variety of methods such as hand thinning, commercial thinning, and planned fires. Submitted by Cascade County Conservation District Approved in Concept at Area III ; Assigned to Soil Resources and Land Use Committee

Resolution 09-11 Cooperation With Montana Association of Realtors

WHEREAS, administering the streamside protection act, commonly referred to as the 310 law, is one of the major responsibilities of Montana’s Conservation Districts; and,

WHEREAS, many Montanans want to protect the rivers and streams of our great state; and,

WHEREAS, many Montanans are not aware of the 310 law; and,

WHEREAS, Montana Realtors are often the initial contact for prospective landowners that may not be familiar with the responsibilities associated with properties containing perennial streams; and

WHEREAS, the Montana Association of Realtors provides a model Buy/Sell Agreement for use by realtors;

WHEREAS, realtors often use the model agreement in their day-to-day transactions with people interested in owning land;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that MACD work with the Montana Association of Realtors to include a disclosure outlining the 310 law and riparian protection in the model Buy/Sell Agreement.

Submitted by Ruby Valley Conservation District Approved in Concept at Area VI Assigned to Education Committee

SPECIAL NOTE: AS OF 12TH NOVEMBER MACD UNDERSTANDS THAT AT LEAST ONE ADDI-TIONAL RESOLUTION WILL BE SUBMITTED AT CONVENTION. UNFORTU-

NATELY, DETAILS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT PRINT TIME.

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WHEREAS, water quality monitoring activities benefit all users of water in Montana from irriga-tors to factories to fishermen and the availability of comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date infor-mation obtained through monitoring programs that everyone can use will be the key to sound, future management of Montana’s increasingly precious water resources; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Montana Association of Conservation Dis-tricts aggressively pursues additional funding to support existing Montana USGS gauging stations and additional funding for the expansion of the Montana monitoring program. Submitted by Cascade County Conservation District Passed Area III Assigned to Water Resources Committee

Resolution 09-09 Conservation District Subdivision Reviews

WHEREAS, subdivisions in Montana are having a great impact on Montana’s natural resources; WHEREAS, Conservation Districts acknowledge the duty to sustain or improve water quality and prevent or improve soil erosion as set forth in legislative policy; WHEREAS, Conservation Districts may provide resource education, advice, or offer assistance regarding soils, vegetation, water resources, grazing management, and initial consideration for livestock/horses; WHEREAS, many approved subdivisions remain vacant or undeveloped creating weed infesta-tions; WHEREAS, Conservation Districts should serve as a liaison between the community and authoriz-ing agencies in the planning process for approving subdivisions. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Montana Conservation Districts seek legislation to pro-vide discretionary authorization to consult with developers, Home Owners’ Associations, and subdivision owners to assist with the maintenance of their weed management plan or creation of a weed management plan; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Montana Conservation Districts seek legislation to provide discretionary authorization to advise and review subdivision plans and offer recommendations regarding natural resource concerns to the planning and permitting agencies. Submitted by Gallatin Conservation District Passed Area VI Assigned to Education Committee

Resolution # 09-10 FUELS REDUCTION PROJECTS ON FEDERAL FOREST LANDS

WHEREAS, severe and extended drought, drought conditions and destructive insect population explosions have stressed and killed many trees over the last few years; and WHEREAS, many federal forested lands are badly in need of fuels reduction measures to retard the spread of wildfires; and WHEREAS, commercial thinning projects undertaken on private forest lands have demonstrated their value in maintaining healthy forests and reducing the spread of forest fires; and

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Roger Hybner was raised on a dryland farm/ranch north of Rudyard, MT. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy and a Master’s in Adult Education, both from MSU-Bozeman. From 1986 to 2004, he was the Director of the University of Wyo-ming’s Sheridan Research & Extension Center before moving to Miles City to become the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Lower Yellowstone Area Conservation Agronomist. From November of 2006, he has been the Manager of the NRCS Bridger Plant Materials Center. Roger will speak to you today on the research and other activities currently ongoing at the BPMC.

Beth Graham is the Project Leader for a grant sponsored by the Deer Lodge Valley Conservation District, Deer Lodge, Montana, in coopera-tion with the USDA-NRCS Plant Materials Center in Bridger, Montana. The Development of Acid and Heavy Metal Tolerant Releases (DATR) project, was initiated in 1995 to address the need for adapted native plants for future restoration and conservation efforts in and around the Anaconda Smelter Superfund Site in Anaconda, Montana. Beth has more than 15 years of experience in study, construction oversight, design, remedial implementation and project management at contami-nated industrial sites and Superfund projects around the U.S. After a 10-year career break staying at home with her three children, she is now applying her experience in the plant restoration field. Beth holds a BS in Environmental Engineering from the University of Vermont, and is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Montana.

SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTSHIGHLIGHTSHIGHLIGHTSHIGHLIGHTS NOT TO MISS

Legal Aid open most days Come and visit with Legal Counsel Don MacIntyre in his specially prepared booth. When life serves you lemons – make some lem-onade. If those lemons are legal questions, then stop by the Lemonade, er …Legalade Stand. You may feel a little bit like Charlie Brown stopping by to see Lucy for psychiatric counseling, but your legal question might earn one lucky district a $50.00 donation from the MacIntyre Law Office. WHAT! An attorney giving you money for asking a legal question - now that is turning a lemon into lemonade. Don will be available for one-on-one discussions with Supervisors and staff.

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Don MacIntyre Don was the Chief Legal Counsel for the DNRC prior to opening a private law practice in 2003 emphasizing in conservation district law and water law. For many years he provided legal services to the Con-servation District Bureau in Helena. Don served as an adjunct professor of law at the University of Montana School of Law for over 10 years. He au-thored his own water law text for use by the students taking his water law class. The text included materials on water and soil management and farmland preservation. Don currently provides legal services to the conser-vation districts through an agreement with the Montana Association of Con-servation Districts.

How will Animals and Plants adapt to a Changing Climate? Anne Schrag, World Wildlife Fund, will present this topic at a general session on Wednesday. Too hot, too cold; too wet, too dry. If you are out there on the land you know that the climate is not the same as when you were growing up. Humans can adjust to the changes, but how are plants and animals adjusting to the changes? We rely on them for our existence. What are possible future scenarios?

Anne Schrag joined the staff of the World Wildlife Fund’s Northern Great Plains Program as the Climate Research Program Officer in 2007, where she has investigated the impacts of climate change on species of conserva-tion concern. Currently, she focuses her time on integrating climate-change adaptation into on-the-ground management throughout the North-ern Great Plains of the US and Canada. Prior to joining WWF, she worked as an ecologist for the National Park Service Inventory and Moni-toring Program, setting up long-term monitoring programs in the parks of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. She completed her graduate degree at Montana State University, where she studied the impacts of climate vari-ability on upper treeline forests in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. After completing her graduate education, she spent time working as an ecologist at Argentina’s Instituto Nacional de Technología Agropec-uaria, researching impacts of biofuel-based agriculture on biodiversity in the Argentine Pampas.

Steve Guertin is the Regional Director for the 8-state Mountain-Prairie Region. Before this assignment, he led national level efforts to prepare, justify and exe-cute the Service’s $2.3 billion annual budget, including constant interactions with senior agency and Departmental leadership, OMB staff and Congressional appropriations staffs. During his nine year tenure in the Department of the Inte-rior Office of Budget he recommended funding and policy options for the Ser-vice and the Bureau of Land Management. He earned a bachelors degree from Norwich University in Vermont and a Master’s of Public and International Af-fairs from the University of Pittsburgh; and was a Senior Executive Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Before join-ing the Department of the Interior, he served for eight years in the United States Marine Corps in Hawaii, California, Virginia, and overseas.

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Resolution 09-07 RESOLUTION OPPOSING EFFORTS TO CREATE A

MULTI-MILLION ACRE WILDLIFE RESERVE WITH BISON IN NORTH CENTRAL MONTANA

WHEREAS, the planned conversion of millions of acres by the American Prairie Foundation from cattle ranching to a prairie wildlife reserve featuring bison will have a significant affect on the customs, culture, environment and economy of local communities in north central Montana; and WHEREAS, brucellosis affects a substantial number of bison and elk in the state of Montana and poses a health threat to area cattle; and WHEREAS, the conversion of State and Federal grazing permits from cattle to bison that are managed as part of a wildlife reserve and not a traditional livestock operation will threaten the sustainability of local ranches and the local economy; and WHEREAS, the natural migration of bison may create containment issues and threaten public safety; and WHEREAS, an assessment of the cumulative impact that a multi-million acre wildlife reserve would have on the natural resources, economy, and communities of north central Montana has not been conducted; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Montana Association of Conservation Districts pursues and supports a temporary moratorium on the conversion of State and Federal grazing leases from cattle to bison; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that based on a study and assessment, a uniform guidance be developed on how to proceed with bison restoration efforts and grazing conversions in Montana. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Montana Association of Conservation Districts stands opposed to the conversion of millions of acres in north central Montana to a wildlife reserve with bison until a study of the social acceptability and an assessment that studies the cumulative impacts of a multi-million acre wildlife reserve on the natural resources, economy, and communities are completed. Submitted by Phillips County Conservation District Passed Area III Assigned to Soil Resources and Land Use Committee

Resolution 09-08 Montana Monitoring Funding

WHEREAS, water provides for domestic, agricultural, commercial, recreational, aesthetic, and wildlife uses that are at the foundation of Montana’s economy; and WHEREAS, in recent years, competition for clean water in Montana has been rapidly increasing as a result of human population growth. Various water uses are coming into conflict as increasing demands collide with our long-standing drought and dwindling surface and groundwater water supplies; and WHEREAS, monitoring is critical to determining trends; identifying existing and emerging problems and potential solutions; and to determining the effectiveness of restoration efforts; and WHEREAS, most long-term information on Montana’s rivers and streams has traditionally come from a statewide network of streamflow and water quality monitoring stations operated by the USGS and funding for operation of these stations has been significantly curtailed and the number of operational monitoring stations is declining at an alarming rate; and

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Resolution 09-05 Supporting Off-Stream Water Storage

WHEREAS, Eastern Montana watersheds are known for extreme high and extreme low water flows; WHEREAS, producers in this area need a more dependable source of irrigation water to support a viable agricultural community; WHEREAS, a steady, live stream flow would benefit recreation, wildlife, livestock, and producers; WHEREAS, high flows leave the area with little beneficial use made of them; WHEREAS, some producers have participated in farm programs, spending considerable amounts to implement improved irrigation practices, thus a more dependable water source would justify these expenditures. WHEREAS, State Law charges “Each conservation district within the state shall seek and may select at least one off-stream water storage site for the construction of a reservoir.” THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the MACD will support and encourage Districts in any possible off-stream storage projects in this area. THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the MACD will do all in its power to encourage state agencies and state government to help with funding of such projects. Submitted by Petroleum County Conservation District Passed Area I Assigned to Water Resources Committee

Resolution 09-06 Declaring the Month of June "Rangeland Awareness Month"

WHEREAS, Montana is 70% rangeland, amounting to 65 million acres, WHEREAS, rangeland is the greatest renewable resource in the state, WHEREAS, livestock grazing is a major portion of the economy of Montana, WHEREAS, rangeland provides habitat for the majority of big game species, WHEREAS, healthy rangeland equates to healthy watersheds, WHEREAS, many rangeland related educational events occur annually in or around the month of June including Montana Range Days, Wheatland County Range Ride, Ag Lenders School, Sheridan County Conservation District Froid Research Farm Tour, Judith Basin County Range School, and Montana Youth Range Camp, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the month of June be designated Rangeland Awareness Month. Submitted by Judith Basin Conservation District Passed Area III Assigned to District Operations Committee

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Poets Corner Written in the van traveling to and from the Area Meetings

There once was a young boy named Ray Who went to the Capitol each day

With wild gyration He talked conservation

Until that was all theytheytheythey would say

There once was a young boy named Steven Got elected - the ranch he’d be leavin’

He traveled the state Said the meetings were great!

And the Districts - they soon will be grievin’

There once was a young girl from Maine Drove Montana - but not on a train

Without reservation She talked conservation

And claimed she would dance to make rain

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Here is an update of MACD's work on these important issues.

Resolution Number: 08-01 Title: INCREASED COOPERATION BETWEEN DEQ & CDs Sponsoring District: McCone Conservation District Update: A draft MOU was prepared with basic concepts. In addition, a list of topics for the annual work plan (as required in the draft MOU) was sent to the Districts for comments. Resolution Number: 08-02 Title: OPERATIONAL FUNDING FOR CONSERVATION DISTRICTS Sponsoring District: Glacier, Pondera and Liberty Conservation Districts Update: In the short term, and as a basis to keep the Districts at current levels in difficult economic times, MACD focused on securing and protecting existing dollars from the Legislature during the 2009 Session. In addition, MACD unsuccessfully pushed for additional funding through the stimulus package. As a result of DNRC, MACD and partner efforts, there is a slight increase in the dollars available to the Districts over the current biennium. Districts were asked for ideas to identify new funding sources. A list of nine ideas was prepared and sent to the Districts to review before the Area Meetings. The plan is to prioritize the options so that MACD can begin preparing for the 2011 Session. Resolution Number: 08-03 Title: RESOLUTION OPPOSING SPLIT STATE STATUS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF BRUCELLOSIS IN THE STATE OF MONTANA Sponsoring District: Phillips County Conservation District Update: The Resolution was delivered to the Governor’s Office. In addition, the National Park Service, the Gallatin National Forest, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Montana Department of Livestock, and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspections Service have been notified. Resolution Number: 08-04 Title: CONTROL OF HOUNDSTONGUE (Cynoglossum officinale) Sponsoring District: Lewis & Clark Conservation District Update: We made initial contacts with scientists in Canada and North Dakota about this issue. We are continuing to research this issue, and will prepare a draft report once additional information is found. We were informed at the MACD Spring Board Meeting that the insects used to control this species has been verified in Montana. Resolution Number: 08-05 Title: CHARGING AN INSPECTION FEE TO ADMINISTER THE NATURAL STREAMBED & LAND PRESERVATION ACT OF 1975 Sponsoring District: Park Conservation District Update: This resolution did not pass because the Districts already have the ability to charge fees. The Districts needed guidance on the details of how to charge fees. Consequently, a detailed “Question and Answers” sheet was prepared and sent to the Districts. It provides a guideline for Districts interested in charging fees. To date no Districts have begun charging fees.

MACD’s 2008 Resolution Watch MACD’s 2008 Resolution Watch MACD’s 2008 Resolution Watch MACD’s 2008 Resolution Watch

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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Clean Water Act will remain as is with the term Navigable waters. Education and implementation of conservation practices will continue to be the driving force for Conservation Districts to continue working with and educating landowners and produces on the importance of conservation practices and good stewardship. Conservation Districts will continue educating the public and private entities encouraging them to continue to play their important role in the protection and stewardship of the water. Agricultural will remain an important commodity and necessary factor in the economy and livelihood of the United States. Submitted by the Rosebud Conservation District Passed Area IV Assigned to Water Resources Committee

Resolution 09-03

310 Application Fee WHEREAS, Montana’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts have been long been leaders in the conservation movement and can work cooperatively with producers, landowners and entities in Government. WHEREAS, Montana’s Soil & Water Conservation Districts are becoming concerned with the 310 Application process. All Montana’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts have their own rules governing the 310 Rules & Procedures. WHEREAS, the process for Montana Soil & Water Conservation Districts to change their rules is a time consuming and legal process through the DNRC. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Montana Association of Conservation District take the necessary measures to ensure that all Montana’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts have a blanket wide amendment to all Montana’ Soil and Water Conservation District’s 310 rules& procedures in the ability to charge a 310 Application Fee. Submitted by Roosevelt County Conservation District Passed Area I Assigned to District Operations Committee

Resolution 09-04 Government Programs

WHEREAS, Montana’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts have long been leaders in the conservation movement and can work cooperatively with other entities across governmental boundaries;

WHEREAS, Montana’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts are becoming concerned with the complexity of Conservation Programs being administered through government entities. The complexity of Conservation Programs is limiting the numbers of producers and landowners to apply for Conservation Programs.

WHEREAS, Montana’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts are becoming involved in controversial issues that arise between the producer, landowner and government entities that are administering the Conservation Programs. This is causing much turmoil and frustration which creates distrust.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Montana Association of Conservation Districts take the necessary measures to ensure our Conservation Programs continue and address the needs of the producer/landowner in limiting how much personal information is needed for Conservation Programs and end the repeated information process when applying for one/all Conservation Program(s).

Submitted by Roosevelt County Conservation District Passed Area I Assigned to District Operations Committee

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2009 Resolutions

The 2009 MACD Area Meetings produced eleven resolutions

Resolution 09-01 Allowing practice payments on watering facilities in cropland through the Natural Resource

Conservation Service Programs WHEREAS, the farm and grazing lands of the state of Montana are among the basic assets of the state WHEREAS, Conservation Districts (CD) and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) share a commitment to the conservation of the natural resources at the local level and advocate comprehensive resource management planning: WHEREAS, both parties agree to use the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) and other science based technical standards as appropriate for planning and application of conservation practices. The local FOTG can be revised or supplemented based on local conditions or new technology; WHEREAS, this will aid in the resting of native rangeland resources. Save energy due to feeding of cattle on cropland allowing the waste to be applied directly to the fields and not have to be hauled out of corrals. Help in the control of weeds by grazing. Remove risks of planting alternative crops that could be grazed if not of harvest quality. WHEREAS, CD’S are encouraged to periodically review the FOTG and recommend changes; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Montana Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) work with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to clarify and draft a consistent policy in the FOTG on providing payment practices on placing watering facilities in or near cropland. Submitted by Richland Conservation District Passed Area II Assigned to Soil Resources and Land Use Committee

Resolution 09-02 Opposition to S.787, Clean Water Restoration Act

WHEREAS, striking the term “navigable waters” and inserting “waters of the United States” will extend the reaches of the federal government into private property and business. WHEREAS, the permitting process would become a burdensome and expensive for landowners, ag producers, and all water users. WHEREAS, the Clean Water Restoration Act will compromise the good standing relationship between Water & Soil Conservation Districts as a regulatory state agency and the Federal Government, as the act directly under minds the conservation districts protection and conservation of water. WHEREAS, The federal regulating agency will be overwhelmed and unable to handle the permitting process in a timely, efficient manner, and without clouded judgment. WHEREAS, private landowners will find themselves in legal battles with environmental and wildlife advocates, and face losing water that is pertinent to sustaining their agricultural livelihoods.

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Resolution Number: 08-06 Title: MOU WITH REGIONAL and/or STATE USFWS OFFICES Sponsoring District: Garfield Conservation District Update: SJ 19 was prepared and introduced at the request of MACD and MRCDC by Senator Jim Peterson. It sailed through the Senate, but ran into troubled waters in the House. Fortunately, Representative Tony Belcourt blasted SJ 19 out of the committee where it had stalled, and was able to garner enough votes to pass it on the floor of the House. It passed both houses and is filed with the Secretary of State. Copies have been sent to the appropriate people, and it was discussed in detail on a recent visit to Washington, DC. Preliminary inquiries have been made to USFWS concerning the appropriate person to contact regarding who would negotiate and sign a MOU on their behalf. A draft MOU has been prepared and needs additional internal review. Resolution Number: 08-07 Title: READOPT RESOLUTION 22 FROM 1989 Sponsoring District: Beaverhead Conservation District Update: This resolution was sent to DNRC. Time constraints have limited additional action on this resolution. Resolution Number: 08-08 Title: Opposition to H.R. 2421 Sponsoring District: Rosebud Conservation District Update: A resolution addressing this issue was introduced to the Montana Legislature by Senator John Brenden. SJ 7 passed the Senate on a 32-18 vote, but died in the House Natural Resources Committee where it was tabled. MACD supported SJ 7 at each stage, but it did not have enough support and turned into a partisan issue at the committee level. At a meeting with Senator Baucus’ staff in late April, MACD distributed the MACD resolution and asked that it be given to the Senator. Shortly after that, thanks in part to a variety of entities that had contacted his office about this issue, Senator Baucus proposed a different legislative approach to address this issue. It appears that Senator Baucus is trying to take into account concerns expressed to him by the agricultural community. There has been no recent activity on this issue at the federal level. Resolution Number: 08-09 Title: REVISING THE COOPERATIVE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ACT of 2008, SENATE BILL 3085, AS PROPOSED BY SENATOR JOHN TESTER Sponsoring District: Rosebud Conservation District Update: The CWMA passed through Congress and was signed by the President into law in March. It was part of a larger omnibus public lands bill (S.22). The CWMA passed as drafted without amendments. Since then, meetings have been held with Senator Tester and senior staff regarding the role of Districts. Senator Tester assured MACD that Districts were included in the bill. In addition, MACD sent language to Senator Tester regarding the rules that must be drafted to enact the bill. No funds were appropriated for federal fiscal year 2010. MACD will support an appropriation for this bill for FY11.

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