CDs Present to WPIC on Water Storage
March 26, 2024
On March 18th, CDs presented to the Water Policy Interim Committee (WPIC) on the topic of water storage. Sheridan, Madison, Phillips, and Lewis & Clark presented ongoing projects, potential projects, and ideas for water storage across the state moving forward. Districts covered a range of topics during their short presentations, including: groundwater monitoring and management, […]
Health Insurance Survey for CDs: Due January 31st
December 28, 2023
The Montana Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) has been working with the Montana Municipal Interlocal Authority (MMIA) to gain access to the MMIA Health Benefits Pool for conservation districts. This would mean that districts could choose to use the MMIA insurance for their employees. Additionally, district supervisors could also be eligible to access the pool [...]Dates for 2024 Comprehensive Water Review – Stakeholder Working Group (SWG)
December 28, 2023
Montana is at a crossroads of new opportunities in water management and administration. We need to protect existing uses while still ensuring reliable supplies for growing communities and economies. The Comprehensive Water Review is the evaluation and reformation of state water administration undertaken by the Department to meet future water needs and protect existing users […]
FWP releases 2023 Montana Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan for public comment
October 23, 2023
Repost from FWP HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on a draft plan and environmental impact statement to guide the agency’s recommendations for the long-term management and conservation of wolves across the state.The draft 2023 Montana Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan (2023 Wolf Plan) incorporates updates in wolf-related research, more […]
FWP seeking comment on proposals for October commission meeting
August 22, 2023
(Reposted from FWP) Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting October 19, comment deadline Sept. 19 HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on several proposals slated to go to the Fish and Wildlife Commission in October. Comment is open through Sept. 19.After public comment, commissioners can offer amendments to the proposals as they […]
Farm Bill Update – From NACD, August 2023
August 15, 2023
From National Association of Conservation Districts: The August recess also allows Congressional staff to focus on the development of the 2023 Farm Bill. There are significant policy decisions that both chambers must address, including how to support the farm safety net and how to handle the conservation investments provided by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). […]
National Park Service releases a draft Environmental Impact Statement for Bison Management at Yellowstone National Park
August 14, 2023
MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – The National Park Service (NPS) released today a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a Bison Management Plan at Yellowstone National Park. The Draft EIS introduces a broad range of actions for managing bison inside the park. This plan allows the NPS to evaluate bison management based on new scientific information […]
Bureau of Land Management seeks nominations to Missouri Basin and Western Montana Resource Advisory Councils
August 14, 2023
BILLINGS, Mont. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public nominations for its Missouri Basin and Western Montana Resource Advisory Councils for existing and upcoming member vacancies. All resource advisory councils consist of 15 citizens with diverse interests in public land management, including conservationists, ranchers, outdoor recreationists, state and local government officials, and energy industry representatives. The […]
License required for training bird dogs using birds not raised in captivity
July 31, 2023
During the 2023 Legislative Session, MACD worked on SB 280, focused on licenses for bird dog training, which related directly to MACD relation Resolution 22-07 from Daniels CD. The season below was determined by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission. (Repost from Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks) Training season with wild birds on public lands […]
Governor Gianforte signs HB 321 – CD Funding Bill
June 1, 2023
At the end of May, Governor Gianforte signed HB 321, which will create and, over the next 5-6 years fill, a $100 million trust for conservation districts. Starting in FY 2024, conservation districts will begin benefitting of interest accrued from the CD Fund. Funds will flow to the existing Conservation District Account, administered by the […]