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O. M.Ueland, Editor, School of Mines, Butte, Montana

O F F I Gl A L Kl W S B U L LET I N g

JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 1964

3 0864 1004 5753 3

Frank Thompson

Your Association President Sez: At this time I'd
like to extend my appreciation to all of you that
attended the convention in Great Falls. We had the
largest attendance in some years to take part in an
Annual Convention.

The meeting started out with a bang and you kept
the ball rolling at top speed. Everyone exhibited
a very happy smile and it was expressed in word
and deed.

The resolutions that your supervisors passed,
pointed to the need for more legislative action.
This calls for more work by the supervisors them-
selves. Two years ago most of the supervisors
performed a worthy service to the association and
their districts by contacting their legislators before
the legislature convened. Before the next legisla-
ture meets, it will be necessary for you to work
with your representatives and senators again to keep
them informed. Best wishes for the coming year.

,) There's one trouble with

Russian Roulette - not enough
Russians are playing it.

Governor Babcock Appoints Fred Sanborn

Governor Babcock reappointed Fred Sanborn of
Great Falls to a new four year term on the State
Soil Conservation Committee. He was selected
from a list of five recommended by the MASWCD.

The SSCC met in Helena on January 7, and re-
organized' Fred Sanborn was elected chairman,
John Schroeder, Vice Chairman, and Ole Ueland,
Executive Secretary. Other members are Carl
Hunter, and Wm. O'Ewart. Ex-office members-are
Torleif Aasheim, Joe Asleson, Lowell Purdy, and
Her shell Hurd.

Major items of business were hearing reports and
discussing ways of meeting the serious noxious weed
problem in the State. It was decided the Executive
Secretary should encourage SWCD's to assist in
making surveys, in educational efforts to create an
awareness, to encourage formation of weed districts
and to otherwise work for control and eradication.

Also of very serious concern was the pi'operty tax-
ation problem of private irrigation facilities. Lower
Willow Creek Drainage District Commissioners
and counsel, together with Attorney General, USDA
counsel, FHA, Montana Water Board, met with the
committee to discuss what approach would be best
to take to get relief. It was decided the committee
would assist in bringing this to the attention of other
irrigation and drainage districts, to gain support
for the Lower Willow Creek Drainage District to
take a case to the supreme court to get a declara-
tory judgment stating that irrigation facilities of
Irrigation and Drainage Districts are in effect state
property and therefore not subject to taxation.

Governor Babcock visited with the committee and
volunteered to help as he could, and that he was
sincerely interested in all of our efforts^

Many so-called minds should be
closed for repairs.

SUPERVISORS, LET'S GO TO KANSAS CITY

President Thompson puts out the call: "Come on
Supervisors and your wives, let's go to Kansas City.
The National Association Convention is only a month
away, February 2-6. I am sure we would have a
good time and also return with a better knowledge
of Conservation. "

We need more information. All people who are
interested in taking the bus to Kansas City, we need
your reservations by January 15th.

If we could get twenty eight peole to go, the round
trip would cost about $50.00 per person with just
one night lay over. So send me your reservation,
Frank Thompson, Wolf Creek, Montana.

GOODYEAR AWARDS

Verle Jones received the first place Goodyear Award, He says it will be sort of an inspection trip'. He
a plaque, on behalf of the Dawson SWCD at the con- intends to review each districts long range prog-
vention in Great Falls. Vernon Dillon, Chairman of ram and annual plans of work, as well as make a
the Dawson board of supervisors, and August Sobotka, survey of several other important items,
outstanding cooperator, in addition received and all
expense paid trip to Goodyear Farms in Arizona. They
should be back now, as they left before Christmas.

Yellowstone County Supervisors are planning their
annual meeting for January 31 also, at the Chamber
of Commerce. M

The Upper Musselshell District supervisors are
planning their annual meeting for February 19, and
are planning on Dr. Wilson Clark or Burl Winches-
ter of Extension Service as speakers.

Worry is like a rocking chair; it
gives you something to do but it
doesn't get you anywhere.

Executive SECRETARY TO VISIT DISTRICTS

O. M. Ueland, State Soil Conservation Committee
Executive Secretary, plans to meet wdth each board
of supervisors throughout the state during the first
four months of 1964.

The second place award and plaque was received by
Otto Dringman of Hardin on behalf of the Big Horn
County SWCD.

Several districts have submitted copies of their
annual work plan for 1964 and for the most part are
very good.

The GALLATIN SWCD will have a booth at the "
Winter Fair this year with the Gallatin Trust &
Savings Bank as sponsor.

The Goodyear awards program has been changed to

a calendar year basis for the past year. Score sheets

are now due from the following districts which enter- The ROSEBUD supervisors discussed the economic

ed the competition for 1963 calendar year:

Beaverhead

Carbon

Cascade

Choteau

Dawson

Eastern Sanders

Flathead

Garfield

Jefferson Valley

Lincoln

Little Beaver

Lower Musselshell

McCone

Meagher

Park

Phillips

Stillwater

Three Rivers

Toole

Upper Musselshell

Wibaux

Yellowstone

Roosevelt

Sheridan

situation and resource potential at a recent meeting
in working on their long range program revision.
They also arranged to have their annual meeting Feb-
ruary 13 at the Lutheran Church.

BROADWATER SWCD published their annual report
in a full page spread in the Townsend Star. This is
highly recommended for all districts to patronize
their local weekly. It is said these weekly papers
are read and have the best coverage of any local
media.

Chairman Bob Anderson of the Chouteau SWCD re-
ports they wall have the assistance of the Kiwanis
and Jaycees for their annual meeting to be held some
time in March. The annual meeting will consist of
a tour for towns people plus an evening dinner and
program.

meeting with Helena businessmen as sponsors. The Supervisors of the North Powell, Missoula, and ^^

Granite Districts, are meeting with representative Jlp

Score sheets should be mailed to O. M. Ueland at
the School of Mines, Butte, Montana.

Lewis & Clark district is planning another annual

with Helena businessmer
date is January 31 at Jorgensons

Mineral County SWCD arranged to have an election
of Superviosors to be held December 31.

Continued next coltimn

of the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Ser-
vice in Drummond January 9 to discuss the possi
bilities of a Spruce Budworm control program in
the Garnet range. cont. top page 3

Ralph Mannix has been reelected supervisor of the
North Powell SWCD.

- Supervisors of the Deer Lodge Valley district feel
that if sportsmen can make money with the Jim Bond
show, why not have a film for SWCD to be passed
from district to district as a means for securing
money and also inform the public about conservation.

ft-es,.

'u«ero';rj--*-.ee.

his office.

'alks about the

Fabrick talks "Water Development

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Pastor

Halaas Preaching Conservation

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CONSERVATION CHARLEY

Many, many years ago an old man sat on a sun
bleached log by the sea. He spat a gob of terbakkey
juice toward the rolling breakers and murmured,
"Water, water everywhere and nary a drop todrink."

Friends and neighbors listening to the old fellow's
murmurings and seeing the far-away look in his
eyes, sadly shook their heads. "The Ancient Mar-
iner has had it, " they said. "The old boy's mind
has gone gallivanting. "

They knew that, even though the ocean's waters
were not fit to drink, there was an abundance - -
nay, an overabundance - - of clear, sparkling
water in the other direction. The land was satur-
ated with springs, brooks, streams, rivers and
lakes. All of them offered a man cool, clear water
to quench his thirst.

They abandoned the old man to his musing.

That far-away look in his eyes, however, was look-
ing a lot further than they could imagine. He was
looking into the Twentieth Centruy. He was watch-
ing you and I and our children living an era when
water was no longer over -abundant. He was see-
ing amazed people finally realizing that water could,
indeed, become scarce.

When Dan Boone, Buffalo Bill and Dave Crockett
were rambling over the countryside they merely
flopped at the nearest stream bank and drank loud
and long. The water was truly nature's nectar.
Try that today and you often get an elixir made up
of equal parts of sludge, crude and mud — with a
pinch of water.

When grandpa was a boy he shucked his clothes and
frolicked in the old swimming hole. Looking into
that pool was like looking in a window. He could
easily see the gravel bottom through several feet of
water. In many of our streams the window is board
ed up today. He can't see the broken bottles, rust-
ed cans and slimy tires half buried in the ooze of
the river bottom--even through water that is only a
foot or two deep. The water is almost thick enough
to walk on.

In the not too distant past a homesteader could dig
a ditch to the nearest stream and lead a dependabl^^
supply of irrigation water to the parched throats o^^
his corn and potatoes. Today a large number of our
irrigation ditches are unemployed by the middle of
the summer— the water supply is kaput.

The Ancient Mariner must have seen sights when
he said, "and nary a drop to drink. "

Good water is becoming scarcer every day. We
pollute our streams with wastes from factories and
cities. We pollute them with fertile topsoil from
our fields. We pollute them with the refuse from
our picnics, fishing trips and junk yards. No won-
der many of them stink and make us turn our eyes
away in revulsion.

To make matters worse our need for water in-
creases by the minute. In 1900 the average daily
use of water per person for all purposes was 600
gallons. Today it is about 1400 gallons. By 1975,
at the rate we're going, it will be about 1800. Com-
pare our population in 1900 to the 245 million
thirsty people we'll have in 1975. By comparison,
our needs in 1975 will make 1900's water require-
ments look like the proverbila drop in the bucket.

Does it sound fantastic ? During a recent drought ^
one town in Kansas is reported to have purified its^
sewage water and recirculated it in the municipal
water lines. In many Texas towns drinking water

sold by the gallon or by the barrel at a higher price
than oil. Water rationing is becoming a common
practice in many areas during the summers.

Wherever the Ancient Mariner is spewing his ter-
bakkey juice today he's no doubt, hoping that we wise
up before that last drop of drinking water dies from
contamination.

"WATER DEVELOPMENT, TODAY AND TOMORROW

This was the theme of the Montana Association
Convention held in Great Falls November 13, 14, 15.
Some say it was one of the best ever held. Many
supervisors were there who had not attended before
and on the other hand some of the oldtimers were
conspicuous by their absence.

The Cascade Board of supervisors, their wives,
and their cooperating agency people are to be highly
commended for arranging the fine meeting place,
program, entertainment, displays, etc. President
Thompson had good speakers, and it was gratifying
to see so many stay to the last to hear Dick FabricK

Cont. top Page 5

-. on the topic "Land, Water and Cities. " A huge
) crowd was at the banquet to hear assistant Sec-
retary of Interior John A. Carver, Jr. Mr. Car-
ver said it is gratifying to know that considerable
progress is being made in Montana towards integ-
rating land use programs, and that procedures have
been worked out whereby districts and Department
of Interior can negotiate Memorandums of Agree-
ments.

Gordon Holte, Sheridan County Supervisor, did an
outstanding job of giving a slide talk on Watershed
Development and illustrating all the Conservation
treatments that go on the watershed.

Other outstanding talks were given by Dr. Arnold
Bolle, Dean of School of Forestry, Everett Darlin-
ton. State Engineer, Reverend Russell Hallaas,
Pastor, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Cut Bank, Bob
McClelland, Western Program Advisor, NACD,
Denver, and Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Hippe of the
NACD.

The proceedings of the convention and a resume of
all talks have been printed and mailed to all super-
visors.

All officers were re-elected. New directors are
' Clinton McFarland, Molt, Bill Kesler, Kalispell,
Art Osburnsen, Winifred, Robert Anderson, Fort
Benton, John Bartlett, Winnett.

Did you hear what happened to the girl who wore the
long red underwear ?

Well, nothing, nothing at all happened.

Let's take the red underwear off our committees
and go to work early.

I'll start the ball rolling by asking for ideas for a
display for the Great Falls and Billings fairs and
possibly for some county fairs.

The theme of this years annual meeting was water
so let's emphasize water conservation in this years
exhibit. I'll throw out a couple ideas to start the
brainstorming.

Idea #1 - A quiz type of display asking pertinent
questions about water conservation in Montana with
push buttons and lights on animated figures to in-
dicate whether or not the answer is correct.

Idea #2 - A two scene display with running water.
One scene showing clean water running in a beauti-
ful creek through a beautiful landscape. The other
scene showing dirty water flowing through badly
eroded country.

"Noiv, that's strange . . . I laid it right here on a rock!

There are hundreds of ways to approach the subject.

It is said that only 5 to 10 percent of the people
THINK. I believe that supervisors and others work-
ing in the field of soil and water conservation are
thinkers. You must be, because with food surpluses
in our country it is necessary to think about the
future to keep enthused about the importance of our
conservation efforts.

Someone among the readers of Treasure Acres must
have an ingenious idea that we can use for our dis-
play. So please do some thinking and send your idea
in to me. Please don't let me discover that only 5
to 10 percent of the readers of Treasure Acres
think. Remember, I am not asking for full plans
for a display. I am only asking for ideas.

Recently I purchased a new electrical device with
the patent pending. I made such a device more than
25 years ago and have used it all of these years. I
had the idea but didn't do anything with it. Your
ideas are no good in your head so please jot down
your idea for a fair display and mail it to me - -
Dick Setterstrom, Basin Creek Road, Butte, Mont.

LOWER WILLOW CREEK DRAINAGE DISTRICT
HAS PROPERTY TAX PROBLEM

Granite County has levied property taxes on the
Willow Creek irrigation dam of the Lower Willow
Creek drainage District, in excess of $3000 for
the year 1963-64. This is a P. L. 566 project and
is considered to be private property. If this is
allowed to stand it would seriously slow down any
further irrigation developments throughout the
state of a private nature. All cost share improve-
ments of ACP, Great Plains Program, and the like
would no doubt be subject to tax.

The Attorney General has ruled that irrigation dis-
tricts are subject to property tax as a result of a
state supreme court case of 1924 involving the
Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District. This takes
precedence over legislation which was passed years
earlier (1909) specifically exempting irrigation
dams, canals, structures, etc., from property tax.

The State Soil Conservation Committee is working
to investigate the above to find what alternatives if
any can be worked out. It is generally thought that
the irrigation dams and works apply to the land that
is served. This land is reclassified as irrigation
land and taxed at a much higher valuation. In reality
this amounts to double taxation if the structures are

taxed also.

•
One stenographer to another:
"They not only give you a pension
in this office, but you age here
more quickly."

SSCC APPROVES RC & D APPLICATION

Beaverhead and Carbon County SWCD supervisors
appeared before the State Soil Conservation Com-
mittee in November to gain approval of applications
for Assistance in developing a Resource Conserva-
tion and Development Project Plan. These are the
first applications of this type to come before the
committee.

Beaverhead has a problem with the new East Bench
Reclamation project which needs technical help to
meet the demand of new settlers there in getting
their irrigation projects properly laid out. Carbon
County has several problems. Weed Control, re-
forestation, reorganization of irrigation systems,
watershed development, being the most pressing.

Called to examine an electric
refrigerator that was using too
much electricity, the service man
could not find the reason.

He idly asked the cook. "How do
you like the refrigerator?"

"Like it fine," she said. "I open
the door and it cools off (he whole
kitchen."

'M§ ve/iRfimRps

Shown above are recipients of ten and twenty year
awards at the Convention in Great Falls. From
left to right are: John Bartlett receiving the 20
year award for Dominic Vescovi of Roundup who
many will remember for his faithful participation
in many state and national conventions.
Henry Evans and Mrs. Evans are ten year members
Henry is a past president of the Montana Associa-
tion, is Chairman of the Judith Basin SWCD, and
the Association Great Plains Committee. Henry
and his wife have never missed a Convention. He
has contributed greatly in many ways with strong
ideas and encouragement for the association and
conservation. We are sorry to know that Henry is
seriously ill and on a milk diet, but it was ever so
good to see him at the convention in Great Falls and
we hope that we may be blessed to see him at many^
more. ^r

Next in line above are Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Hippe,
twenty year supervisors from Froid. Oscar is
past president of the Montana Association, and
presently NACD Area V Vice President. Gladys
Hippe is NACD Auxiliary President. The Hippes
are a fine couple, and are devoting a lot of time to
conservation.

On the right are Mr. & Mrs. Leo Hackley, ten
year supervisor from Sidney. Leo is Chairman of
the Richland County SWCD and he is mighty proud
to receive this award. He also represents a dis-
trict which is outstanding in its achievements.

ASC COUNTY DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS

Douglas G. Smith, Executive Director, Montana
Agricultural Stabilication and Conservation Service
writes the following to us: We have just completed
a series of 1964 agricultural conservation program
meetings throughout the State. The contributions
made by district supervisors is very much appre-
ciated. It is very important that each county pro-
gram contain as much of the local thinking as poss-
ible. Thank you for your part in making these \
meeting a success, and please thank the district
supervisors for us.

RAD MEETING

'The Executive Committee of the state Rural Areas
Development Committee met in Helena in December.
A "manpower" subcommittee was considered after
hearing John Bower, Extension Economist, tell a-
bout the trends of number of youth maturing in Mon-
tana, and the need for professionally and technically
trained personnel for jobs in the future. Develop-
ment and gi-owth in Montana will be heavily depen-
dent on a properly trained work force.

Also considered were "Suggested Responsibilities
and Activities for a "Range Management" sub-com-
mittee. Don Ryerson, Extension Range Scientist,
submitted statements of what such a committee
might do to enhance the income potential of this most
important of Montana's resources.

The Mussellshell County Overall Economic Develop-
ment Program was reviewed. It was suggested that
they give more consideration to agriculture develop-
ment potentials. In line with this, the Soil and Water
Conservation District Long Range Program can be a
definite part of the OEDP.

The Committee recommended approval of establish-
ment of a wood fibre plant by the Big Sky Develop-
ment Corporation in the Kalispell Area, providing
;he questions of supply, competition, pollution and
financing could be resolved.

Clerk: "These are especially
strong shirts, madam. They sim-
ply laugh at the laundry."

Customer: "I know that kind;
I had some which came back with
their sides split."

At their meeting they heard talks by Leonard Morris,
Vice President of the National Land Improvement
Contractors Association, Dick Setterstrom, SWCD
Supervisor on "Things to look out For", Herschell
Hurd on SCS-Contractor relations, Harold Krause
on Industrial Equipment, Cost accounting by Mr.
Kurchoff, C. P. A. , and Insurance and Bonding, by
James Hoiness, Insuranceman.

Teacher: "Helen, can you tell
me where the Red Sea is?"

Helen: "Yes, Ma'am. It's on the
third line of my report card."

MONTANA NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL ASSOCIA-
TION HAVE MEETING IN MISSOULA

Members of the Montana Noxious Weed Control
Association met in Missoula in late November for a
two day session. A good varied program on Weeds,
and Weed Control was presented. At present there
are 22 county weed control districts that belong to
this association.

Noxious weeds are a growing problem in Montana,
despite the new methods of control and eradication.
A major problem is the UNAWARENESS or UNCON-
CERN by farmers and ranchers and others of the
start of small infestations which explode into a large
area within a few years, and then the problem is al-
most too costly to do anything about.
Soil and Water Conservation Districts can and
should consider this weed problem in their pro-
grams as it is a related Soil and Water Conserva-
tion problem. Evidently something more than edu-
cation is needed to get the proper control also.
What sort of control is proper ? Weeds are costing
the economy a lot of money. Lets us get with it'.

Land Improvement Contractors Association Meet

The Montana Land Improvement Contractor's Asso-
ciation met in Bozeman Decern. ber 14. This is a
fairly young organization of independent contractors
who have joined together to better themselves by
training, exchanging ideas, and getting others view-
points .

As their tif 1« ii»plies , their work is primarily build-
ing conservation facilities. For this reason they
have a great interest in Conservation programs.
Farmers and Ranchers and SWCD's can wish this
group every success as there is in general a need
for this type contractor to be available to do quali-
ty work according to specifications. Also by pro-
per business agreements they are a source of rev-
enue to districts who perform a service to these
people .

fimmn

WARD

D

"/ HURRIED back lo town when I got the news!

Do you recognize any of the people in the above picture ?

They :^yo pai't of the 49 who represented Montana Soil and Water Conservation Districts at the National Convention in
New Orleans ten years ago. Dick Setterstrom says he will give an electric clock to the first person who writes to
him identifying all the people in this picture. And Dick reminds every board of supervisors to send someone to Kar^
Cit>' come Februai'y 2-6. It is most important that you are rightly represented. "

Here's your copy of the
November issue of Treasure
Acres from the Montana Ass'n.
of Soil & Water Conservation
Districts

Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage PD.
Permit No. 171
Butte, Montana

Library KSU
Missoula Mont

reaisiuine

fi

MlLMM^Nis

O. M.Ueland, Editor, School of] MjiMs.r Batt9„r ^f'?'^',^,';',?

O^PXmAl m^^^ ^^ I IE T I N

MARCH-APRIL 1964

mx

yOUR ASSCX:iATION PRESIDENT SEZ:

Another NACD Convention has come and gone.
Kansas and Missouri hosts for the convention are
to be congratulated on a job very well done. It
was one of the best attended and most active meet-
ings ever held, with 1600 registered and many
friends and visitors.

We in Montana can well be proud of the delegation
that was there to represent us. The 21 people who
took an active part in all of the meetings I am sure
brought home some new ideas.

Montana was again fortunate in having two news-
letters as winners: Sheridan County as a first and
Granite County as a second place winner.

There were many outstanding speakers, with the
highlight of the convention, a speech given by
Governor Scranton of Pennsylvania.

This one paragraph can best sum up the meeting:

There is a job in this for everyone. Our conser-
iration needs are great enough to challenge the best
efforts of us all. Whatever reliance we place on
improving technology to meet the food and fiber
needs of the future, we must have the soil and water
Continued next column

Judge W. W. Lessley addresses
Lower Musselshell SWCD Annual Meeting

Judge W, W. Lessley of Bozeman is a popular
speaker at Soil and Water Conservation Annual
meetings around the state. His topic at these
gatherings concerns "Water Rights" on which he
is an authority.

Other popular speakers noted being engaged at
several district annual meetings are Dr. Will Clark
of Eastern Montana College at Billings, and O. Leon
Anderson, former Area Conservationist for SCS.

Also Robert McClelland, NACD program advisor,
from De nver , is much in demand in Montana as a
speaker at annual meetings. He spoke at a series
during the week of Feb. 17.

In most cases annual meetings of districts show a
marked renewal of interest. People are getting
more Conservation Conscious.

resources on which to practice the modern methods
and use the new machines and chemicals. And two-
thirds of our land still needs basic conservation
treatment. Soil and Water Conservation Districts
hold the key to the future of our land and water
resources.

WATER POLLUTION. . . By Steve Bayless

Montana Fish & Game Dept.

With growing populations, increasing industries
and more emphasis on agriculture, the pollution
problem is growing larger and more complex every
day. On a nationwide scale, we have a fixed sup-
ply of 315 billion gallons of fresh water available
for use. This means that we must reuse our water
in order to supply the 355 billion gallons needed.
This is one of the reasons pollution is so dangerous
to us all.

One of Montana's foremost problems of the day is
that of maintaining adequate quantities of clean
water for use by the public.

In order to meet these growing needs for clean
water, the Montana State Board of Health, in 1952,
notified all cities of the requirement to discontinue
their discharge of raw sewage into streams within
a period of seven years. In 1955, the Water Pollu-
tion Act strengthened the state's antipollution legis-
lation by creating the Pollution Council. The seven
member Council, as the agency which administers
the Pollution Act, also provides a method of dealing
with pollution which does not directly affect public
health. The Montana Fish and Game Department,
as one of the Council members, is represented by
Director Frank H. Dunkle.

the Montana State Board of Health reported that 15
new sewage treatment plants were either finished
or under construction. The Board of Health en-
forces the pollution law and regulations of the PoUu
tion Council.

But even though inroads have been made in prevent-
ing pollution from cities and towns, there remains
much to be done before the fight is balanced.

Industrial problems from pulp mills, oil refineries,
sugar factories and slaughter houses still remain,
even though great strides have been made in the
last 10 years.

The one big problem at present is silt. Poor land
practices in many parts of the state are increasing
the load of sediment being carried by streams. This
form of pollution is by far the lai'gest and most dif-
ficult to manage. It is difficult to realistically leg-
islate against sedimentation - - in fact agricultural
pollution wasn't even considered in the Water Pollu-
tion Act.

Here, the problem is education. The state's
farmers and ranchers are realizing that their use of
ofthe land has a profound effect on whether or not
water supplies are contaminated with silt. Over-
grazing, or farming practices which destroy stream
bank vegetation, in turn increase erosion and sedi-
mentation. Excess irrigation water can have the
same result when it collects in unlined return
ditches and erodes their banks and bottoms on the
way back to a stream. All of these things, and
many others, affect the quality of water.

Dr. Nathanial WoUman of the University of New
Mexico, in a special study for Resources for the
Future and the Kerr Committee, said the west from
the Canadian line in North Dakota clear to San Diego
California, would be effectively out of water by
1980. We'll meet these problems, as with other
problems, first and more painfully than the rest of
the U. S.

It was WoUman's estimate that cleaning up pollution
and providing pure water would cost most of the
$75 billion water -expenditure the nation faces.

The Water Pollution Act defines pollution as "The
alteration of physical, chemical or biological prop-
erties of water which renders said waters detrimen-
tal for their most beneficial use. " In many parts
of the state, the most beneficial use of water is for
recreational purposes. Many of the State's streams
provide excellent angling of a type known only to the
Treasure State. Resident sportsmen are proud of
these waters, and want to see them remain as top-
notch fisheries.

Montana in recognizing the importance of clean
water for the future, has done something to curb
pollution. During the biennial period of 1960-1962,

Continued next coh

Z

But more than money is needed. Otherwise we may
fulfill the gloomy predictions of those ecologists -
students of man in relation to his total enviroment
. . who point out that no organism can continue to
live in a multiplying environment of its own wastes.

IN MEMORIAM.

HENRY EVANS, Chairman Judith Basin SWCD
HUGH HASTINGS, Chairman Cascade SWCD

Montana mourns the passing in early February of
two outstanding supervisors. Henry was a well
known past president of MASWCD. Both were
Conservationists.

Our sympathy go to Mrs.
and their families.

Evans and Mrs. Hastings

Shown above are Mr. & Mrs. Oscar Hippe of Froid,
Montana. Mrs. Hippe as National President of the
Ladies Auxiliary is giving her annual report to the
NACD Convention held recently in Kansas City.
Husband Oscar, who is a National Vice-President
of NACD, happened to be presiding at this time. Our
congratulations to this fine couple from Montana.

The NACD Convention at Kansas City, Missouri was
probably one of the best. The attendance was good,
approximately 1700 registered. It was nice to see
so many from Montana in attendance.

With fifteen committees meeting at the same time it
is impossible to attend all but we split up so Montana
was represented at quite a few of the committee
meetings. Some controversial ideas were brought
up but was settled by majority vote. More than one
himdred resolutions were presented for the council
members to work on.

Since 1957 the appropriations for the Soil Conserva-
tion Service have not varied too much. New Districts
have been added, wages have increased, supplies etc.
have gone up. We have lost technicians and will lose
more unless more money is appropriated. We need
more technicians if we are to get the jobs done. To
do this more money will need to be appropriated.
This request for an increase in appropriations will
be discussed with members of the Department of
Agriculture when the NACD Officers meet in Wash-
ington, D.C. Larger appropriations for the Water-
shed and Great Plains Programs will also be re-
quested.

We were privileged to hear some very good speakers
including Ex-President Harry Truman who also made
some humorous remarks. . .

LITTLE DROPS OF WATER,
RUNNING DOWN HILL,
CARRY AWAY THE SOIL,
LEFT IN GRANDPA'S WILL.

MONTANA CONSERVATION COUNCIL DIRECTORS
MEET.

The directors of the .Montana Conservaiion Council
together with a number of guests met in Helena
Februai'y 8 to discuss the status of water use in the
state and to explore current problems and future
needs.

Several special committees were set up, among
them:

1. Soil and Water conservation districts.

Can they be expanded to a broader base? Wliat
authority is necessary?

2. Conservancy Districts. How are these handled
in adjacent states, from both legal and operat-
ional points of view? Benefits and drawbacks.
Guides for extablishing such a system in Mont-
ana.

3. Federal program. Investigate the Bureau of
Reclamation's Small Projects Program and the
Department of Agriculture's Small Watershed
Program to see how they can be made more
effective in Montana. How might the state
assist in these programs?

4. Interstate implications. Investigate the poten-
tial for federal legislation that would regulate
downstream acquisition of water rights to pro-
vide for an equitable protection of the future
rights of upstream states.

The Montana Conservation Council is a citizens
group organized to provide a forum on various con-
servation topics. The annual meeting of the Conser-
vation Council will be April 18 and 19 at Lewistown.
The theme will be Range Resources. All interested
are invited to attend.

GRASS SEED FOR SALE
Phil Yeckel, Ennis, Montana has Bluebunch,
Western, and Intermediate Wheatgrass
For sale.

Don Shearer, Townsend, Montana has

Intermediate, Nordan Crested Wheatgrs
and Russian Wildrye for sale.

A little ranch boy sat in a Sunday School class. His
teacher jokingly asked him if his parents were going
to heaven after a discussion on that subject. He
hesitated a moment, thinking quite seriously, then
said, "Oh, I'm sure daddy will, but mother probably
will have to stay home and milk the cows. "

"SAVING OUR WATERSHEDS"

This is the title of an interesting and well written
article appearing in a recent issue of the Monthly
Letter of the Royal Bank of Canada (Head Office:
Montreal). It begins by saying, "No single factor
has a more decisive influence on human oeings than
water, and every drop we use comes from our water-
sheds.

"Limited comprehension about this has wasted
millions of acres of land, caused sharp drops in crop
yields, raised the crests of floods, starved cattle,
spread deserts over the face of the earth, destroyed
recreation beaches, lowered the quality of the water
we drink and polluted it, to the menace of our health.

w

OVERALL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

By O. M, Ueland

What is Economic Development Planning?

Economic development planning is the programing, designing, plotting,
or outlining means by which the resources of the community or county can be
better utilized to provide for our wants and desires, to the greatest degree poss-
ible, now and for the future. In other words it is the promoting oi added industry
to provide employment and a broader tax base.

Why should we be concerned?

We as citizens should be concerned because we do live in a changing world
with an ever growing population. We are very dependent upon each other for our
livelihood. How wellwe plan can mean our having a job or not having a job. It can
mean providing for our children so they can have lobs and a good life. We have
these problems for which we must plan some solution and then carry it out.

Who is responsible ?

O First we are morally and individually responsible to provide for ourselves

w and our dependents within our capabilities and respecting the rights of others. Second

(i as citizens we are responsible for making our community, county, state, and nation,

a better place in which to live and prosper. We can organize citizen groups and set
up government agencies at all levels to get the Job done.
►J

^ Prominent among Montana groups and agencies in promoting economic

<; development are Planning Boards, the Chambers of Commerce, Rural Area Develop-

ment Committees, SWCD Supervisors, Service Clubs, Farm Organizations, Exten-
sion Service, Conservation Agencies, and many others.

Q What is the economic situation in Montana?

Primarily Montana is a raw materials state in competition with like mater-
rj. ials being produced elsewhere in the U.S. and the world. The products we produce

r, in the way of livestock, grain, lumber, metals, oil, largely go out of state for

r] processing and manufacture into end products. Also our most important resource,

^ people, which we also produce go out of state but not until we have invested some

o dollars in them in the way of education, etc. This is where the rub comes. As much

1-1 ~ ~ 1--l_^ i !-• - -I • 1 1 r- . . —

rj We need to expand out tax base, to make it easier to educate our ^--^-_,

build roads, do conservation work, provide for our national defense, and the many
other needed services. Additional properly planned for industry is needed.

as we may like to live in the wide open spaces and away from people, we cannot afford
it, so long as we produce people who can^t find jobs.

How do SWCD Supervisors contribute to Economic Planning'

^ Soil and Water Conservation District supervisors contribute greatly to

Economic Development Planning, Their programs are plans which identify the soil
and water conservation problems besetting the people, determine the best solution

„ of those problems, and devise some means for assisting the landowners in correcting

the problems.

t:^ For instance some ranchers and resource people say that with intensive

Q range management the income from livestock in Montana could be doubled. Growing

cQ grass to conserve soil and water, to prevent weeds, to grow more grass, to grow

more pounds of livestock will bring about this kind of acfled income.

2 SWCD supervisors and others vnth planning responsibilities need to know

3- how their planmng fits into the overall picture to develop an Overall Economic

H Development Plan. All districts in Montana have conservation Plans which are being

carried out and which merit the attention and support of all, and inclusion in any OEDE.

The outline on the opposite page shows roughly what an OEDP should cover.

WEEDS

lyiost all districts list noxious weeds as a serious problem. Following are suggestions for an approach or
follow up on this matter:

1. Include in annual work plan with action toward obtaining educational technical, and
financial assistance.

2. Cooperate with and encourage weed control districts to function.

3. Encourage formation of a weed control district if one does not exist.

4. Assume functions as possible of weed district if one cannot be organized, to seek county
funds to do control work plan, to assist in a detailed survey of where noxious weeds are
and plot their location and acreage on a map, and reactions of farmers and ranchers about
weeds.

5. Seek cost share from ASC-ACP for control.

6. Ask public land agencies to control their weeds, plan together, this includes railroads and
highways .

7. Consider legislation necessary to get control of weeds coming in from neighboring counties,
ask adjoining counties to cooperate.

8. Urge inclusion of a weed control or weed prevention statement in cooper ators farm or ranch
plan.

STATE PLANNING
Coordinate, Set guides

CITY-COUNTY PLANNING
OEDP

Resources:
People
Land
Water
Minerals
Climate

Ag Industry

Statistics on:
Crops
Livestock
Wildlife
Recreation
Services
Schools
Housing

Statement of:
Problems
Opportunities
Needs
Objectives
Policies

Ag. Related
Industry

Statistics on:
Processing
Marketing
Recreation
Services
Housing
Schools
Wildlife

Statement of:
Problems
Opportunities
Needs
Objectives
Policies

Conservation

Land

Water

Minerals

Wildlife

Climate

Non Ag
Industry

Statistics on:

Oil, Power, Gas
Metals, Chemicals

Manufacturing

Services

Tourism

Recreations

Schools

Statement of:
Problems
Opportunities
Needs
Objectives
Policies

F &G

MWCB

1

sscc

GCC

OTHER

SWCD PROGRAMS

Problems

Opportunities

Needs

Policy

Objectives
(SCS, RCD, ACP,
Watershed, Education
Others)

Terms used above should be self explanatory but a glossary would be advisable to list all items
which should appear under each term.

It is suggested that the above outline if followed would cover the whole area of overall
economic development. All programs, plans, projects, or developments should fit within this
framework to show balnace and feasibility and therefore are integrated and comprehensive.
SWCD plans should be based on an OEDP and be part of it.

CONSERVATION CHARLEY - by Harry Corry

Question; "What is Soil?"

Answer: "Well, it's...er that is, . .. ah. . . . "

Seems like that oughta bu an easy one to answer -
especially since we have soil to the right of us,
soil to the left of us and soil surrounding us. But
it's a lot easier to see it than to describe it— for a
lot of folks, anyway.

One feller says, "It's that stuff ya stick seeds in
and they grow. "

Another bloke chips in with, "I reckon as how soil
is just plain dirt. "

A third chirps, "it's that part of the earth's surface
that isn't rock."

Gertie says, "Soil is a complex mixture of multila-
ted mineral material."

The I>rofessor maintains that it is, "The natural
medium for the growth of land plants on the surface
of the earth."

Would you care to add your contribution to the con-
versation? — Or do you agree with one of the des-
criptions which we already have? -- Or with all of
ihem?

Actually soil is pretty complicated stuff. Like
Gertie said, it is mineral material. Leastwise,
that's how it starts out. It is formed from raw rock
with the assistance of Mother Nature's craftsmen.
Raindrops blasting, wind gnawing, water tearing,
large sheets of ice crushing and grinding and the
wrecking crew of freezing and thawing are all work-
ing twenty -four hours a day. All of these forces,
over thousands of years, turn rock into the mineral
ingredients of soil.

But pure mineral material is practically sterile.
It will not support higher plant life.

So we have to add a dash of something else to this
pulverized rock if we expect it to grow rutabagas,
radishes and rhubarb. We find that organic matter
must also be present in our soils to make them
energetic.

m^^^^ki^^s^

Organic matter gives the soil the ability to store
water. It keeps the soil particles separated so that
water and air and plant roots can gallivant around
down there under our feet. It also furnished many
of the nutrients for plant growth. This organic mat-
ter comes from the cadavers of plants and animals-
dead grasses, crop residues, leaves and limbs and
trunks of trees, bodies of grasshoppers, birds and
elephants. All of these, sooner or later, lie down
and die. Through the processes of decay they fur-
ther enrich the mineral matrix of our fledgling soil.

Our soil is already mineral and vegetable. But it
isn't producing any alfalfa, apricots or asparagus.

The recipe for soil calls for a couple of pinches of
something else to make it come to life. And that
ingredient is truly alive. It is the animal life in
the soil — the untold millions and billions of micro-
scopic creatures that live in the soil. The soil lit-
erally crawls, creeps and wiggles with them. These
characters make their livelihoodoff of the mineral
and organic portion of the soil. They reduce these
raw materials to a form that the plants can stick
their teeth into and use for growth. Without these
animals most of the wealth of the soil would be
locked up in a form unavailable to plant life.

Soil, then, is a complex mixture just like Gertie
said. It isn't merely mineral, though. It is animal,
vegetable and mineral.

"What is Soil?"

It can still be a jaw breaker to answer. And perhaps
Gertie, the Professor and the others who were good
enough to hazard a guess still can't agree on the
answer.

They say that they will agree, however, that Soil,
for all practical purposes, is that portion of the sur-
face of the earth in which plants grow or can grow.

In short. Soil is productive land.

DISTRICT DOINGS

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY - O. M. Ueland, State
Soil Conservation Committee secretary visited 57
of the 59 Soil and Water Conservation districts during
the months of Jan. , Feb. , and March. He reports
many fine meetings and a good attitude among all
supervisors.

Long range programs got a going over, as well as
district annual work plans and annual reports. Many
voiced concern over a reduction in technical help to
get the job done at a faster rate. Many districts are
taking advantage of funds being provided by counties
toward paying for clerical help, educational materials,
and supervisors mileage and expenses.

CARBON - The Bridger Women's Club would like
Conservation publications for a display in the City
Library. The supervisors voted to buy one Conser-
vation Book for each of the Carbon County librarys.

BITTERROOT — The supervisors held a special
meeting with the Stevensville Steering Committee in
regards to the Burnt Fork Watershed Project. They
have signed up between nine and ten thousand acre
feet of water. A rough breakdown of water use would
be 10,000 feet for irrigation, 3,000 for municipal,
7,000 for recreation. - The Bitterroot district ord-
ered 1500 bulletins for Soil Stewardship Sunday.

DEER LODGE VALLEY - J. B. Seago, soil scientist,
gave a talk on the need for and purpose of soil sur-
veys. He stressed the importance of soil surveys
and how the soils information played an important
role not only by the District for planning purposes
but for highway building, construction of industrial
centers, watersheds and numerous other uses.

BROADWATER - This district at their March 5
meeting discussed the question of what could be done
about the weed control district. The idea of circula-
ting a petition was discussed, but it was first consid-
ered essential to establish some sound basis as to
how the district would be operated. Information will
be asked for from other districts, seeking their ways
and means of operation.

GOODYEAR PROGRAM - Eighteen districts sent in
final score sheets for judging for Goodyear Awards.
The judges reported stiff competition. Each district
win be honored by having its outstanding Conserva-
tion farmer or rancher receive a certificate of merit.
Goodyear will annoince the winners later this year.

STILLWATER — The long-range program of work in
its final printed form was reviewed by the board at
its March 11 meeting. Also a resolution was passed
adopting the program and for the signing of a new
memorandum of understanding with USDA. Action
was also taken to negotiate a memorandum of agree-
ment with the USDI.

NORTH CUSTER - The supervisors moved to check
on surplus equipment for concrete ditch work, and
to proceed with a study on the possibility of the dis-
trict buying an outfit by determining what might be
a paying proposition for the district, to own a con<-
crete ditch laying outfit.

BIG HORN - A, G. Slattery read a letter regarding
a request for a description of the purpose, history,
objectives, etc. , of the Soil and Water Conservation
District in Big Horn County for a service directory
which is being prepared.

BLAINE — The supervisors are planning a tour of
the Montana Experiment Station at Havre for school
children in their district. Also included in their
educational program is the sponsoring of a soil judg-
ing team. This district sold tickets for their annual
meeting and had a real good turn out, much better
than when they offered a free meal'.

MILE HIGH -- This district conducted two three
hour teacher training sessions in Conservation for
teachers of the Silver Bow County and Butte school
districts. Through the courtesy of USDA agencies
and Fish and Game each teacher was provided with
a packet of Conservation materials and instructed
in their use. ,

7

Ole Ueland is shown here talking "planning" to
the Wibaux SWCD board of supervisors. Pict-
ured clockwise are Stanley Nelson, Conrad
Brumgard, Joe Dobrowski, Wajme Smith, Ole
Ueland, Jess Kovanda, Eugene Stages, and
Herb Beckers

SHERIDAN AND GRANITE — David Stewart and
Robert S. McClelland of NACD have sent special
congratulations to the Sheridan and Granite SWCDs
for winning places in the NACD Newsletter Contest
sponsored by the Farm Equipment Institute.

HILL — Supervisors have been contacted by Boy and
Girl Scouts regarding the possibility of planting trees
as a conservation project. Surplus trees can be
secured from the Forest Nursery for the payment of
the freight costs. Supervisors will locate sites tor
wildlife planting. - A district sponsored Conservation
tour was discussed. The Agricultural Committee of
the Havre Chamber of Commerce would cooperate on
a project of this nature.

Ov.'~».

THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO ATTENDED THE CONVENTION AT KANSAS CITY
Back row - Ralph Briggs, Carl Johnson, Oscar Hippe, Dick Setterstrom, Hurschel Hurd,
Lawrence Brown.

Middle row - Carl Hunter, Lowell Purdy, Eugene Bjornstad, Jack Rat-mussen, James
Osborne, Gordon Holte, Ole Ueland.

1st row - Art Osburnsen, Mrs. Bjornstad, Mrs. Osburnsen, Mrs. Brown, Frank Thompson,
Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Hippe.

^

Here's your copyof Treasure
■^ Ac res from the Montana Ass'n.
/^of Soil & Water Conservation
V^ Districts

Non- Profit Org.
U.S. Postage PD.
Permit No. 171
Butte, Montana

Library 1,:SU
L:is3 0ula I,! out

3

333.7^

reasuire lucres

STATE

::^TS

i£CEIVED

\/ F r-.

Frank Thompson

YOUR ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT SEZ:

The year 1964 is almost half ovei'; with the ex-
tremes in weather conditions that we have had
this spring, there are few of us that are not way
behind in our spring work. The adverse conditions
this year, with the shortage of hay and spring
pasture, surely point out that we could do a much
better job in planning our ranch programs in the
future. It is like the fellow sez: "I would rather
be $2, 000 long on feed than $1, 000 short."

Fellow supervisors let's keep those dues rolling
in until we make 100% this year. We will need
full support from each district with the big leg-
islative program coming up as well as financial
responsibilities, if we are to attain our goals.

I am greatly encouraged by the many letters and
offers of help that the Association has received
from the various organizations concerning our
legislative program for the coming session.

Our midsummer director meeting will be Satur-
day, June 20, in Lewistown. Since a legislative
year is coming up, definite plans for follow up on
resolutions and policy will need to be given atten-
tion and priorities set.

MONTANA CONSERVATION COUNCIL MEETING
LEWISTOWN
April 17-18, 1964

Reported by Dick Setterstrom

There have been times when some people in the
Soil and Water Conservation District Associa-
tion have wondered why the Montana Conserva-
tion Council should concern itself with range
management as it did at the 1964 conference or
with water at the 1963 conference. As an active
member of both organizations, I feel that both
groups are doing an effective job of complement-
ing and supplementing the work of each other.

William Wrigley was once asked by a traveling
companion on a fast train why he continued to
spend so much for advertising when everyone
knew about Wrigley's gum. The reply was this.
"We are now traveling about 80 miles per hour.
Why doesn't the railroad take the locomotive off
the train?"

To get soil and water conservation sold, accepted,
and practiced requires all of the cooperation and
ingenuity we can muster up from any group that
we can interest in our objectives.

The Lewistown meeting was well attended by high
calibre people who are in a position to do a lot
of good. Dr. Leon Johnson, President of MSC,
gave a very good keynote address. His keen
analytical mind brought forth a few new ideas
worth repeating. "Biology is one of the most
complex sciences because it cannot be studied
in parts. There is no balance in nature. No two
square yards of land are exactly alike, and they
are continually changing. Plants are all different.
Soil is different and is constantly changing. "
the moral - In this constantly changing environ-
ment we had better get off our fat fannies and be
more alert.

Continued Page 2

COUNCIL MEETING

Continued from page 1
Dr. Johnson also emphasized the continually
changing uses of cur range resources with the
increasing importance of this resource for water-
shed and recreation which includes hunting,
fishing and camping by rapidly increasing num-
bers of people.

There were too many top level people on the
program to be fair in reporting this very fine
meeting in a few paragraphs. Anyone interested
in better range management was amply repaid for
the time and expense of attending.

Don Ryerson showed a new range film and fol-
lowed up with his usual "carnival barker"
enthusiasm to sell the value of good range
management. I hope that Don's enthusiasm is
catching like the measles, because we all need
some of it to get the job done. Bob Ross had
some good facts to back up - 'tnake more
money by good range management. "

John Baucus of Sieben Ranch had an excellent
film on the sheep business. He and Don Tavenner
presented the practical side of range management.

S. A. Kemp of Production Credit Association
gave stjme good sound financial advice. "Four out
of five ranches now running more cattle and
heavier cattle. Younger operators are doing a
better job. Montana is slow in using fertilizer.
Raise twice as much on the land you already have
instead of buying more land. Rancher can be
broke only you can't prove it to him. "

The fine blend of ranchers, state and federal
agency people, educators, financial people and
news media people made this meeting outstanding
in achieving its goal of promoting better range
management for profit.

The condition of a man can best
be judged by what he takes two of
— stairs or pills. Berkeley Gazette

DISTRICT DOINGS

SHERIDAN COUNTY is again making Conserva-
tion Scholarships available to a maximum of
$75. 00. Any Sheridan County teacher who par-
ticipates in a Conservation Course or Workshop
and who will be returning to teach in Sheridan
County during the 1964-65 school year is eligible
for one of these scholarships.

WEEDEM AND REAP - Yes, it's sneaking up on
us, that is leafy spurge. Fifteen years ago there
were two known areas of leafy spurge in Fallon
County. Today it can be found in nearly any

community if one knows what to look for.

Little Beaver Soil Conservation District news-
letter.

Page 2

BLAINE COUNTY at their April meeting had a
good discussion on weeds. Comments ranged
both pro and con as to the good of the weed dis-
trict and its expenditures. Statements as "There
is a lack of public interest in the seriousness of
Leafy Spurge. "; "Isn't it up to the individual far-
mers to control weeds?": 'Cheat grass is the most
serious weed problem. "; "We haven't been putting
enough money out for chemicals, more money is
required to do an effective job. ": etc.

PARK - A letter was received from the Corps
of Army Engineers thanking the district for taking
corrective action on the Shields River Dike.

Ken BoUand explained work the Soil Conservation
Service is doing with the Farmers Home Adminis-
tration of small ranchers buying large ranches for
grazing districts and financed through F. H. A.
One ranch now being studied is approximately
10,000 acres. Two other ranches in Park County
are now under consideration.

ROOSEVELT - Supervisors are to contact co-
operators as to water way shaping and construc-
tion jobs.

CASCADE - It was moved that the matter of help-
ing finance sending winning soil judging teams from

the Soil and Water Conservation Districts to
Oklahoma be brought to the attention of the
Triangle Area.

The Secretary reported on the results of the
State 4-H Soil Judging Team from Cascade
County, reporting they got 2nd in the western
division and 16th in the nation.

LEWIS & CLARK moved that the District be a
4-H Camp Sponsor.

BEAVERHEAD - Discussion was held on Bureau
of Land Management activity in the County and
the Chairman of the Board volunteered to get
more information about this.

DAWSON - The selection of a 4-H Conservation
Camper will be done at the June meeting. The
camp will be July 8-12 in the Bitterroot, and is
produced by the Extension Ser\'ice. Approxi-
mately 100 boys and girls from all over Montana
will attend.

A tour of SWCD Supervisors, ASCS Committee-
men, and County Commissioners will be held
June 17.

TOOLE - The Supervisors felt that the proper
recognition was being given to those who contri-
bute to conservation in the county. A letter was
written to the A.S.C. County Committee to that
effect.

District Doings cont.from
Page two

TETON - Information is to be given Mrs.
Reiquam, County School Superintendent immedi-
ately regarding the offer of the Soil and Water
Conservation District to provide financial assist-
ance to one or more Teton County teachers, pre-
ferably below the high school level, who take
specific training in conservation in summer
school workshops during the coming summer
season. It will be the policy of this District to
offer approximately $100 for this purpose, with
the allocation of these funds to be made to one or
more teachers at the discretion of the Board.
Consideration will be given to the number of
credit hours involved in the conservation course
or workshop taken.

BIG HORN - Wayne Nipple gave a report on the
distribution of the conservation folders to the
schools in the county. Some requests for follow-
ups on conservation education were explained and
methods to carry them out were discussed.
Wayne Nipple agreed that he would check to see
if slides would be satisfactory to replace the re-
quest for a tour or a movie. If acceptable, he
agreed to take care of it.

OKLAHMA SSC - The Board approved the
application of the Lambert Creek Watershed
asking for assistance under the provisions of
PL566. The application was the 110th in the
State. A priority for planning was awarded pro-
vided that the money for such planning is furnished
by the local people.

When you're young enough or
old enough to know everything,
there's one trouble. Nobody
listens.

CONSERVATION CHARLEY

by Harry Corry

Range management is fundamental in a success-
ful cattle raising enterprise. Ranges which are
poorly managed deteriorate until they produce
little or no grass. Without ample good grass
cattle cannot thrive and the rancher's income
suffers.

On the other hand, good management keeps pas-
tures in good shape. Such pastures have plenty
of the better, high producing species of grasses.
They produce a lot of beef year after year. They
put money in the rancher's pocket.

Supplemental pastures play an important part in
a good, well-rounded management program.
Supplemental pastures are pastures which the
cattle can use periodically in order to give the
native ranges a rest.

Native ranges should be allowed to get a good
start in the spring before grazing begins. Such
a policy for a rancher with only native range for
grazing means feeding hay for a longer period
of time. That costs money. But why not use a
few acres of crested wheatgrass ? It is an early
grass which can take a lot of grazing for a short
period of time. A pasture of crested wheatgrass
eliminates the feeding of hay and still affords a
chance for the native grass to get a good start.
Many ranchers already use this system.

Summer grazing of native ranges can also be
improved by using supplemental pastures of
adapted grasses. One of the most important of
these is crested's cousin, Intermediate. In-
termediate wheatgrass stai'ts growing later in
the spring than crested but continues to grow a
great deal later in the summer. If planted prop-
erly and managed, it will produce a tremendous
amount of summer forage. A pasture of this
grass will enable the native ranges to get a good
vacation during the heat of July and August.

And even when fall comes the cows are still
stuffing grass down their gullets. Native grasses
have ceased growing and the forage is dry.
Grazing won't ordinarily do too much damage at
this time of the year. But old Bossy still might
appreciate a change of diet. She might like the
chance to wallow in good, green grass again. A
few acres of Russian wildrye will give a mighty
platable feed for her fall grazing.

One of the most important phases of range
management is the practice of allowing the grass
to rest occasionally. If a pasture is subjected
to grazing and trampling from the day the first
green shoot appears in the spring until snow
covers the ground in the fall, the grass becomes
nervous and weak. It has to be given a vacation
occasionally to maintain its enthusiasm.

All tliree oi inese grasses can play an important
part in a ranching operation. There are also
some other grasses that can be used. Of course,
Continued Page 4

Conservation Charley Cont.
any of these supplemental pastures must also be
carefully managed to get the most out of them.
But their use in conjunction with native ranges
makes for better ranges and fatter cattle year
after year.

Good range management of native grass is con-
siderably easier with some help from these seeded
grasses.

PUBLIC FIELD

TRIPS
CONDUCTED
THIS SPRING

by
Steve Bayless

Page 4

Two grandmothers were bragg-
ing about their grandchildren, and
one, quite impressed, asked the
other:

"How old are your grandsons?"
"Well," replied the other with
great personal pride. "The doctor's
two and the lawyer's four."

Montana Fish &
Game Department

During the spring of 1963, the Montana Fish and
Game Department initiated a new program of in-
formation for the benefit of the state's general
public. The program, confined generally to south-
central Montana, was one of conducting field trips
into key winter range areas for the purpose of
explaining some of the aspects of deer management.
Actually, the Fish and Game Department has been

conducting field trips into deer winter range
areas for a number of years. But last year's
were the first ever held specifically for the
general public.

This year, the program was again undertaken
by department personnel, only on a much larger
scale. Trips were scheduled over most of the
state last April and May, with the U. S. Forest
Service and Bureau of Land Mangement cooperat-
ing. Letters of invitation were sent to sportsmen,
businessmen, farmers, ranchers, and state and
government agencies and service organizations.

Although bad weather kept some interested people
at home, the 14 scheduled trips were, in general,
well attended.

Each trip was kicked off with a short slide series
given by fish and game personnel. The series
explained some of the things which would be seen
on the field trip as they related to the over-all
management of deer. Emphasis was also given
to the different problems associated with manag-
ing a deer herd successfully.

Following the slide series, the group was trans-
ported to the field where they got a first-hand
look at deer management from the grassroots
level — condition of the range.

In the field, trip discussion leaders showed the
group why winter range is so important to good
deer management. The various types of vegita-
tion which made up the wintering area were
pointed out, and the group saw which of the plants
were favored by deer for food. The undesirable
and starvation species of plants were also noted.

On the field trips, such management tools as the
two deer season and early opening or lengthened
hunting season were discussed. These tools are
used when more deer must be harvested from an
area in order to bring the herd in balance with its
food supply.

The trips answered a lot of questions asked by
the public in relation to the management of
Montana's deer herds. In future years, the trips
promise to be a popular annual event for interested
Montanans.

This summer, public field trips will be scheduled
in various areas of the State on fish management.
Details of these trips will be announced later by
the Fish and Game Department.

Wife to husband: "Vish you
had the spunk the government
has. They don't let a little
debt keep them from spending."

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
AND UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF
INTERIOR NEGOTIATE MEMORANDUM OF
AGREEMENTS

The following Montana Soil and Water Conserva-
tion Districts have negotiated Memorandums of
Agreement with the United States Department of
Interior:

Page 5

COUNTY BUDGETS DUE

Upper Musselshell

Wibaux

Big Horn County

Sheridan County

Hill County

Mile High

Little Beaver

Judith Basin

•Broadwater County

Eastern Sanders County

Big Sandy

Deer Lodge Valley
Dawson County
Beaverhead
Blaine County
Petroleum County
Valley County
McCone
Stillwater
Lewis & Clark
Glacier County

The following districts have Memorandums of
Agreement being processed:

Box Elder
Cascade County
Carbon County

Garfield County

Culbertson-Bainville

Froid

The Memorandum of Agreement sets forth the
basis whereby Districts and the Department may
coordinate more effectively their mutual efforts
in managing and developing the natural resources
within Districts.

It is the position of the NACD that in areas of
intermingled land-ownership — public and private —
sound management and development of natural
resources requires a coordinated program effort
covering all resources in all ownerships. Or,
to put it another way, it is our position that in-
dependent action on private lands alone, or on
public lands alone, cannot be fully effective in
situations of intermingled public -private land-
ownership.

A District's long-range program is the tangible
basis on which cooperative working agreements
can be built between the District and the Depart-
ment of the Interior.

The Department has declared that it will enter
into a Memorandum of Agreement with each Soil
and Water Conservation District, upon request,
as soon as an agency of the Department is ready
to assist the District in carrying out its long-
range program and objectives.

New forms DI-440 and DI-441 have been made
available to districts who have not and may wish
to enter into these agreements. As a oKitter of
coordination these agreements should be forwarded
via the State Soil Conservation Committee.

Preliminary budget requests for the next fiscal
year should be submitted to County Commissioners
by June 10. Soil and Water Conservation Districts
desiring County funds and have not already taken
care of this request should immediately do so
before the final action of the County Commissioners
on budget.

Reference is made to section 76-209, Revised
Codes of Montana which was passed at the last
legislature which allows county commissioners
to levy for district funds. District supervisors
are also reminded that a budget, cannot be in-
creased more than 5% above the previous year.

CONSERVATION EDUCATION COURSES
TEACHER WORKSHOPS

All units of the University system of Montana
offer a course in "Montana Resources and
Conservation" or Workshops in conservation.
These courses are for credit.

While it is not mandatory that teachers take this
course, Montana law does require that conserva-
tion be taught as a part of and integrated with all
other related subjects and courses in the elemen-
tary and secondary schools, and that each unit of
the greater University of Montana shall make
available instruction to all students in teacher pre-
paratory courses basic instruction in conservation
education.

Many Soil and Water Conservation Districts con-
tinue to offer scholarships to teachers to take
these courses. However, there has been a
noticeable lack of interest among teachers in
recent years.

*****

* * * * *

BIG BUYERS DOWN ON THE FARM

When farmers buy they buy. Last year, for
instance, farmers grossed nearly $40 billion -
$35 billion from crops and livestock. They
paid nearly $27 billion for everything needed to
run their business.

RAD

The State Rural Area Development executive
committee met in April. Sam Chapman, report-
ing for the Manpower subcommittee said that
members were enthusiastic, they recognized a
need for some statewide planning but did not
know the degree of need for vocational technical
training. A survey is needed to get the require-
ments of industry. A course of procedure is to
be determined at the next meeting.
Continued Page 6

Coiilinued from Page 5

A Range Resource Development Subcommittee
was authorized to be organized. The main core
of this committee is to be composed of ranchers.
A couple of their purposes will be to increase an
awareness of range development potential and
the beneficial effects on community and individual
incomes, to assist in obtaining and promoting
the coordination of activities of private, state
and federal organizations in range resource
development.

The Recreation and Tourism subcommittee poss-
ibilities were reported. Many opportunities and
responsibilities present themselves. Mr. Cooney
told of an inventory that is needed of recreational
potential, present facilities available, and pro-
jected needs. He mentioned that the Stite Fish
and Game Department had recently created the
Recreation and Lands Division and that he is in
charge of this division.

Mr. Roberts of State Parks pointed out that any
of the listed responsibilities of the subcommittee
would be a big job. He mentioned the survey
currently being made lay the Bureau of Business
and Economic Research at Montana State
University.

Mr. Boile pointed out there will be some con-
flicts of interests as we move toward more
recreational development. However, he said,
"Montana is in a fortunate position as many of
our resources are uncommitted. "

Membership for a recreation subcommittee shows
that many groups are concerned with recreation.

An OEDP for Sanders County was reviewed and
seemed adequate. A Park County OEPD did not
adequately cover agriculture, mining recreation
and forestry.

It was learned that an application for an ARA
loan for a Butte Feedyard did not meet USDA
approval as not meeting the concepts of the
Family Farm.

The need for some guidelines to be developed to
help local groups prepare Overall Economic
Development Plans was discussed. A committee
composed of Ole Ueland, Sam Chapman, and
Ernest Ahrendes were asked to look into the
possibilities.

Husband: "Are you ready yet,
-dear?"

Wife: "I wish you'd stop nag-
g-injj me. I told you an hour ago
I'd he ready in a few minutes."

160 ACRE LIMITATION

Congressman Olson writes that he is arranging
a meeting of Assistant Secretary of Interior Holum,
the senators, and himself, sometime the middle
of June to further discuss Reclamation Law and
the 160 acre limitation and its effect on P. L. 566
proposed projects in Montana.

This is being done at the request of the MASWCD
Watershed Committee, and the SSCC. Presently
all water development above Canyon Ferry in
Montana is subject to the Bureau's 160 acre
limitation.

Previous attempts to set aside this limitation have
not been successful.

AGRICULTURE IS A BIG BIG BUSINESS

Farmers operate the biggest single industry in
the Nation. The investment in agriculture was
over 200 billion dollars in 1961. That's about
three-fourths of the value of current assets for
all corportation in the country. It is three -fifths
of the market value of all corporation stocks on
the New York Stock Exchange.

FOOD AND THE MARKETING MARGIN

Farmers sent more than $20 billion worth of
food to the domestic market in 1961. By the
time we paid for it, it was worh another $20
billion — twice again as much. About half of
that money was wages for the men and women who
process, store, ship, and finally sell our food
to us in the store.

REPORT ON APRIL MEETING OF SSCC

The State Soil Conservation Committee rnet in
Helena April 23.

A delegation of water users from the Little
Blackfoot in Powell County met with the comm-
ittee in support of an application for assistance
to build a storage reservoir for supplementary
water for irrigation. The application was ap-
proved for preliminary planning.

The matter of priorities for Watershed Applica-
tions was discussed. The following new pro-
cedure was adopted: That instead of holding a
priority all the way through that the Committee
sets at time of application based largely on a
first come, first serve bases, that a priority
for a preliminary investigation be given at tiine
of application, then when feasibility is determined
and after the establishment of a legal sponsoring
organization, a second priority be established
by the Committee.

Continued Page 7

The Committee decided to reconsider and re-
assign priorities on the present watershed
applications at its June meeting.

It was reported that the taxation problem of the
Lower Willow Creek Drainage District in Granite
County on irrigation facilities, that an injunction
was being filed against the County Assessor and
Commissioners and that a District Court hearing
would then be held sometime in May or June.

John Schroeder reported that the Spruce Budworm
Program sponsored by BLM with cooperation of
local districts was going o.k. Also John reported
that the Green Mountain District was making pro-
gress with .the Reller Mill in marketing their wood
products and that the State Forester and USFS
were giving good assistance in conservation
planning.

Carl Hunter reported on outstanding accomplish-
ments in Richland SWCD, and of a good NACD

meeting in Kansas City which he attended. Carl
also reported that the Research Building is
finally getting started. Groundbreaking cere-
monies for the Northern Plains Soil and Water
Field Station at Sidney on May 4. Morgan and
Oswood Comstruction Co. of Glasgow was
awarded the Building contract in the amount of
$327,355. The Box Elder Watershed dedication
is being planned for July 4 at Plentywood.

Herschell Hurd presented a statue report of
SCS assistance to districts. Following are
some excerpts:

Assistance by SCS in Conservation Planning*
Total District Cooperators - 14, 153
Total Land Operators in Montana - 29,401

Effect on Overall Economy of Conservation
Land Treatment

Current Average Annual Income from Agricul-
ture $400,000,000

Trying to sell a housewife a home
freezer the salesman said, "You
can save enough on your food bills
to pay for it."

"Yes, I know," the woman
agreed. "But we are buying our
car on the bus fare we save. Then
we are paying for our washing ma-
chine on the laundry bills we save,
and we're paying for our house on
the rent we save. We just can't
afford to save any more right now."

"Includes 59 SWCD and 4 Cooperative State
Grazind Districts utilizing SCS Assistance

"Jusl be fjulienl - / U-ll you curiosity will f^el the /»■>/ of llirm.'"

Shown above are members of the Northern Great
Plains Research Committee: Seated are Ralph
Briggs, Montana; Tom Bemis, Kansas; Wayne
Warner, Nebraska; and standing are William
Daniel, Sr. , South Dakota; Don Fraker, Wyo-
ment; and A. B. Burvee, North Dakota.

The purpose of the committee is to make a study
of the research needs of the Northern Plains
Area and to report its findings and recommenda-
tions to this year's area meeting scheduled to be
held in Spear fish. South Dakota, June 4-6.
The initial meeting was held in Denver, March 5
and 6, with all members present.

"So you're not going to Paris,
this year?"

"No — it's London we're not go-
ing to this year; it was Paris we
didn't go to last year!"

WATER FOR MONTANA

The Norwegian irrigation reservoir in Madison
County is an example of water development for
Montana. Four ranchers in Madison County
near Harrison pooled their resources to con-
struct this 1,460 acre foot storage reservoir
to provide supplemental water for 800-900 acres.

SCS technical assistance, ACP cost sharing
and FHA loan were the USDA services used in
assisting the rancer with the development.

Montana farmers and ranchers have according to
SCS records, constructed over 28, 000 small
stockwater and irrigation reserviors. There are
many more feasible small and intermediate size
water developments such as this needed in
Montana.

Always do right. This wiJI grat-
ify some people and astonish the
rest.

Montana Association of Soil Conservation
Districts c/o School of Mi nes, Butte, Mont .
Return Postage Guaranteed.

i^emii yooA. ccp^c^:

Non-Prof it Org.
U.S. Postage PD.
Permit No. 171
Butte, Montana

Library HSU

Missoula Uont

reasune'

C

llATLSocy^^

cres

JULY - AUGUST 1964

YOUR ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT SEZ:

In the middle of the summer work is a poor time to
have to think about making plans for October and
November meetings, but nevertheless if we are to
have successful fall meetings, we must start now
to formulate programs and make plans to attend.

The agenda for the Area meetings have all been
worked out and plans are going along to carry
out the various assignments. All we need now to
have good meetings is good attendance and new
ideas.

Plans for the State meeting at Lewistown are pro-
gressing in good shape. Most of the program has
been worked out and all but a few of the last
minute details have been taken care of.

In election ytars such as this it is most important
that we take interest in our candidates and the
issues. Your Association will have an active part
in a good many issues this year and it is important
that you keep informed and also try to elect those
candidates who will support us in our Conservation
effort.

Highway sign in North Haven,
Conn.: "Driver who has one for
the road has state trooper as
chaser."

r^

Shown above are Directors and officers of the
Montana Association of Soil & Water Conservation
Districts together with officers of the State
Auxiliary and State Soil Conservation Committee
at their meeting in Lewistown June 20.

Directors set the following dates for the fall Area
Meetings:

October 6 Area VI at Missoula
October 7 Area III at Fort Benton
October 8 Area IV at Lewistown
October 9 Area VII at Three Forks
October 13 Area V at Billings
October 14 Area II at Glendive
October 15 Area I at Glasgow
November 11, 12, 13 Annual Meeting at
Lewistown

The theme of the Annual Meeting will be "Economic.^
of Soil and Water Conservation. "

Directors heard committee reports and reviewed
their duties and responsibilities.

It was recommended that the Directors be
responsible for attending at least one board meeting
per year of each of the districts in their area.
The purpose of these visits is to present programs
to encourage greater effort by the Supervisors to
Continued Page 2

(DIRECTOR'S MEETING continued)

increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their
Districts in achieving maximum conservation on
the land and greater understanding of conservation
by the public. The Vice-president would be
responsible for developing the program for the
Directors to take to the Districts.

The Directors voted approval of a proposed in-
creased budget for the State Committee and
approval of a $20,000 supplemental amount for
state assistance in planning watershed projects.

Ralph Briggs reported on the activity of the Northern
Great Plains Area Research Committee. Of interest
here was a statement that in 1965 the State ASC
Committee may allocate 107o of ACP funds for
experimental watershed research which would be
$400, 000 for Montana.

Oscar Hippe reported on the Great Plains program
and that he is trying to arrange a tour for Secretary
Freeman or Baker to visit Great Plains farmers.

Art Christensen report on watershed and public
lands, that he and Frank Thompson and John
Schroeder had met with Secretary Udall on
June 12 when the secretary was in Montana to
discuss the 160 acre limitation problem. The
Secretary appeared to see the problem and
promised action if the facts were in order.
Christensen reported on Bureau of Land Manage-
ment conservation program in Beaverhead
County, and was high in praise of the reseeding and
sagebrush eradication practices. However, the
other higher cost practices as some dams that
were build seemed out of order.

Carl Johnson of the Education Committee
recommended more work with grade school
children is needed and that a full time co-
ordinator for conservation in department of
public instruction is needed. The Wildlife
Federation of Montana has offered its support.

Setterstrom got approval to build a fair display
showing a badly eroded watershed and a well
protected watershed with the caption, "Which
watershed will contribute to floods?"

Herschell Hard reporting on SCS activities
stated that SCS has no disaster funds to employ
additional technical help for the nine disaster
counties. SCS represents the Agriculture
department on river basin investigations. Hurd
urged each District to get at least one employee
of their own.

About poor programs on TV
I'll neither gripe nor scoff.
So long as there is left to me
The right to turn them off.

John Schroeder requested priority of various
proposed legislative matters which are as follows;
1) support of an increased State Committee budget
which includes $20, 000 supplemental appropria-
tion for the Planning Party; 2) support of the
Conservancy District Law; 3) support of Con -
servation Supervisor in DPI; 4) other considerations
were an agronomist in the Highway Department
amending the district law to permit larger levies
for small counties, and support of the proposed
trespass law by Fish and Game. This proposed
law would make it illegal for any vehicle to
travel on any priv ate land where there is no road
without written permission.

Oscar Hippe reported on various activites of
the National Association of which he is a national
vice-president. He says it is more difficult to
get money for conservation from Congress each
year and that a strong national is essential
to give proper support to conservation legislation
at the national level. He reported on dues and the
unpaid districts.

SSCC MEETING

The State Soil Conservation Committee met in
Lewistown preceding the MASWCD meeting.

Executive Secretary Ueland in his report stated
that 30 districts have completed revision of their
long range programs, and no doubt the spring
work has deverted the attention of the others.
All districts but three were in some phase of
revision .

Twenty -six Memorandums of Agreements with
USDI have been completed. Ther is opportunity for
at least a dozen more to be made. Coordination
and cooperation in developing con servation pro-
grams is the main emphasis here. The BLM
has offered a form for negotiating supplemental
memorandums of understanding. Other bureaus
of USDI have none as yet' as is known.

Torlief Aasehim reported on the findings of the
State Disaster Committee on the recent flood in
nine counties of Montana of over $12 million
loss, and action being taken to repair damages.

Joe Aslenson reported that experiment station
is asking for a full time range man for its staff.
Experiment station has assigned a contract with
the Highway Department to con duct a five year
study of Highway Right-of-way seeding. The
committee recommended that follow up with
the Highway people be made on grass seeding
and weed control. (This has been done and the
State Highway Department is looking for applica-
tions to employ an Agronomist to supervise
this program. )

Cont. Top Page 7

4-H Conservation Campers line up to enter Main
Hall at Little Bitterroot Lake, Flathead County,
July

Shown above are the 105 Montana 4-H Conservation
Camper delegates from across Montana plus four
from Canada who attended the 18th Annual Montana
4 H Conservation Camp at Little Bitterroot Lake
in Flathead County July 6 - 10. Also in attendance
were eight return campers, four 4-H Volunteer
leaders, nine staff, and four cooks.

The group was divided up into Workshops in Range
Management, Fish & Wildlife, Forestry, Soil
& Water Conservation, and Weed Control.

These delegates will now, during the year, write
news articles, give talks, appear on radio and
television, prepare exhibits and displays — all
about the workshop they atten ded at this camp.

The Extension Service, the Federal Cartridge
Corporation, 4-H Clubs, and the many Soil and
Water Conservation Districts who helped sponsor
and pay the expenses of these people, can be
proud of these campers and this camp.

In recognition of the fine efforts of these people,
"Treasure Acres" has included them on its
mailing list for this fiscal year.

The long-suffering, hen-pecked
husband was bragging to a friend.
"Well, I finally did it!" he ex-
claimed. "Last night my wife came
crawling to me on her hands and
knees."

"That's wonderful, George," en-
thused the friend. "What did she
say?" he asked.

George blushed. "Well, as I re-
call, it was something like 'come
out from under that bed, you
coward.' "

CONSERVATION THOUGHT

As I watched the swirling flood waters create havoc
and destruction in the valley before me, I won-
dered how long this great land of ours could stand
this tragic loss of our most precious natural re-
source — soil. I wondered how our future
generations would get along if we didn't take pre-
cautions now and use our knowledge of conservation
to save and preserve the soil. It is our responsi-
bility to secure their future'.

We must work together and educate Montanans to
use wise conservation practices against soil
erosion. If our increasing population is to con-
tinue to have an adequate food supply, to enjoy
recreation of hunting and fishing in Montana, we
will all have to use all the conservation practices
available. We must develop controlled watershed
programs for our mountain streams.

To me, the cost of any future conservation plan
is a very minor factor when we consider soil as
the basis of human life'.

by Rodney Pribyl, Eden Route, Great Falls ,
Conservation Camper

WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICTS

A study is being made by a committee of the
Montana Conservation Council to determine the
feasibility of Conservancy District law for Mon-
tana to use as a tool in the further development
of Montana's water. As used in varying ways by
other states this permissive legislation would allow
a certain percentage of taxpayers to organize a
Conservancy District which would have the power
Continued Top Page 4

, WATER COXSERVANCY DISTRICTS cont. )
•1 finance medium sized water projects and to
. oUect from each of the various types of water
. . iieficiai-ies by special assessments and thru
rxxation.
AS the situation is now the Montana Water Con-
servation Board, which is a construction agency,
is able to collect only from irrigation water
users, and these cheaper to build projects have
been pretty much con structed. To continue
to build water projects, other users who benefit
would be asked to pay pai-t of the cost. The
recreationist and the businessman on main
street could contribute through taxation, or special
assessments; Flood control and industrial uses
could be collected for.

This type of district could also be used to
implement the use of P.L. 566 of USDA and the
Small Projects Act of Bureau of Reclamation
as well as our ouwn Montana Water Conservation
Board.

Soil and Water Conservation District supervisors
in Montana need to take a good look at a type
Water Conservancy District that can better meet
our needs, to get legislation written in such a
way that duplication is avoided, etc.

REPORT ON NACD PUBLIC LANDS COMMITTEE ^

By Art Christensen
"Progress in Using Available Tools in Achieving
Coordinated Resource Development" was the
central theme of the meeting of the NACD Public
Lands Committee held July 26 - 28 in Alturas,
California. O. M. Ueland of Butte and Art
Christensen of Dillon represented Montana.

The Public Lands Committee's main function
is to promote and support a development and
management program for the nearly two billion
acres of public land in the U.S. This Committee
recognized that these lands constitute an important
and vital part of the wealth and heritage of the
American people. Public as well as private land
should be protected and managed in a manner that
will enable these lands to contribute their greatest
potential to the economy of the nation.

Representatives from the eleven western states
work together on this common goal in cooperation
with the several land manning agencies.

Representatives from eleven State and Federal
agencies were present at the Alturas meeting.
Each explained their program and how it would fit
into the overall program.

The all important factor of putting our water to
beneficial use before it is lost to down stream
users is probably the greatest need and incen-
tive to have this type of tool available.

DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR SAYS NO
TO SUSPENDING 160 ACRE LIMITATION

On July 28, Senator Mete alf and Congressman
Olsen met with Assistant Secretary of Interior
Holum and others, regarding the proposal of
SWCDs in the Watershed above Cayon Ferry
"to suspend the excess land provision of the
Federal Reclamation Laws to lands in the frain-
age area above Canyon Ferry Project", and were
advised that the Department of Interior would not
support such a proposal.

The only concession that seemed possible would
be to obtain legislation that would provide for the
historical 160 acre limitation, "or its equivalent in
Class one land. "

Olsen and Metcalf were advised that nowhere
in the nation has the 160 acre limitation been
removed. There is precedent only for the
proposal to use the language or the system of
permitting a larger acreage by creating class-
ification of land.

Congressman Olden and Senator Metcalf and
Interior people will meet with the State Com-
mittee and local people concerned in Dillon
th(^ middle of September to decide the next step
lo lake.

The group was in general agreement that a new
"C. C. C. " program was needed. This alphabetical
designation would stand for COOPERATION,
COORDINATION, COMMUNICATION. It was pointed
out that 2,200 counties and 44 states have special
planning groups for community development.

The "Grass Roots Inventory of Conservation Needs"
for all the lands in the eleven Western States is
nearing completion Some areas of the report
need adjustment and reappraisal. When the report
is complete it will be a valuable tool to be used in
planning our overall land use policy. It was felt
that this report would have its greatest value at the
local level, and districts are urged to review and
refer to it often.

The second day of the meet included a toiu: of the
Surprise Valley and Vya Soil Conservation
District renewal project of California and Nevada.
This scenic area is an excellent example of States
and Districts working together for the overall
development of an area. Modoc County of California
is similar to much of Montana. A 100 day growing
season, 10 - 13 inch rainfall, 5,000 ft. elevation,
and a beef cattle industry are characteristics of the
area.

"Have you any children, Mr.
Smith ?" "Yes — three."

"Do they live at home with
you ?"

"Not yet, they're still unmar-
ried."

SUPERVISOR LOSES LIFE

Ernest Lauffef , Supervisor from the Pondera Soil
and Water Conservation District lost his life in
the Birch Creek flood on June 8, 1964.

Hisbattered 4-wheel drive pickup was fould several
hundred feet below the highway crossing on Route 89.

Lauffer has been a supervisor with the Pondera District
for more than two terms. He was a strong supporter
of the Soil & Water Conservation District work and
had a special interest in the Pondera Canal and
Irrigation Company's plans for a small watershed
project on Birch Creek or on some offstream
storage.

Reports were that Lauffer was up in the Birch
Creek drain age doing what he could to protect
some irrigation headgates against oncommg high
water. It is also thought he was on his way to
notify and assist a rancher who lived upstream.
Exact details of how he was trapped by the flood
water is unknown.

TEMPORARY INJUNCTION GRANTED LOWER
WILLOW CREEK DRAINAGE DISTRICT

A temporary injuncion was granted the Lower Willow
Creek Drainage District against the Granite County
Commissioners and Assessor by Judge Stewart on
July 21, which means that further action is delayed
for a month or so when a hearing will be scheduled
to determine whether this can be made a permanent
injunction.

Lower Willow Creek has been assessed property
taxes on their dam which is an irrigation
facility. They contend that the facility should not
be taxed as it is in effect state property, that
the land which the dam serves is reclassified
and paying higher taxes, and that it is uncon-
stitutional.

If the action of the county commissioners in
Granite County is upheld, then all private
irrigation developments of irrigation districts
and others, would be subject to taxation. This
would also impede further irrigation water
development as the cost-benefit ratio would be
lessened. Much importance rides on the eventual
outcome of this case.

THE MARIAS RIVER FLOODING THE MELVIN
UNDERDAHL RANCH LANDS, SOUTHEAST
OF SHELBY, MONTANA

As shown above, the irrigation pump house was
set in at 40 feet above normal river level.
Surges of flood water reached heights up to 50
feet above normal.

Along the Marias, as elsewhere on flood torn
rivers and streams from this June 8 & 9, 1964
flood, thousands of dollars worth of damage to
crop and hay fields occurred. Underdahl a
Great Plains Program producer got severe
damage to over 200 acres of cropland which had bee
leveled and on which revised irrigation system
had been installed. Work under the emergency
repair program cost shared at 80% by A.C.P.
and carried out under technical field direction of
S. C,S. , is now underway to repair damage on
these formerly high producin g acres.

Work now facing farmers and ranchers consists
of clearing of thousands of acres of trash, litter,
trees, gravel and silt. Much fence repair has
already been done - it was needed first.

Right now most farmers and ranchers are working
long hours to salvage what hay they can from
damaged meadows. On top of this, they are
pressed hard to harvest the fast turning grain
crops. S.C.S. estimates the heavy activity
on flood repair work will get in full swing late
mid-August and through all of this fall.

Help in flood stricken areas to restore public
utilities came from the State of Montana disaster
funds. Irrigation companies not in this category
can receive help from A.C. P. pooling agreements.
In dividual land owners, in addition to the
A.C.P. emergency repair cost sharing, are
helped technically by S.C.S. technicians and
County Agents. F.H.A. has made available
low cost, long term loans to help those who aren't
eligible from other loaning sources. This in-
cludes operating and property loans. Revising
or planning the future development work by
working out a basic conservation plan is one
Cont. Page 6

I vcellent way to go about making the most of the
pcAenlial development. If flood damages have
changed soils on some fields, they may need a
r.ewsoil survey and this should be scheduled
End done prior to the current planning.

The Great Plains Conservation Program, through
a development and management program, with
total cost shai-ing up to $25, 000 is no douby the
most comprehensive and business like way to
carry out the conservation and economic
development program on a farm or ranch. This
can be especially fitting after immediate flood
damage repair work is done this year. Here the
producer can' do practices progressively as fast
as his funds and manpower allow. It is entirely
flexible, allowing scheduled changes to meet
the land ovraer's needs.

BOX ELDER CREEK WATERSHED PROJECT
DEDICATED

Many interested people attended the dedication
ceremoney of the Box Elder Creek Watershed
Project held in Plentywood on July 14th.

Among those taking part in the ceremony were
Sheldon Haroldsen, Councilman representing the
city of Plentywood and Glenn Jacobsen, Chairman
of the Sheridan County Soil and Water Conservation
District. Other representatives included Oscar
Hippe, Vice-president of the National Ass'n. of
Conservation Districts, Carl Hunter, member of
the Montana State Soil Conservation Committee,
Raymon d Smith, Engineer with the Soil Conserva-
tion Service, Wes Woodgard, District Supervisor,
Montana State Fish & Game Commission, and
Harold Desilva, member of the local steering
committee. Gordon Holte of Plentywood served as
Master of Ceremonies for the event. Lowell Purdy,
Commissioner of Agriculture and member of the
State Soil Conservation Committee who was to be
the main speaker was unavoidably detained from
attending because of transportation difficulties.

This dam is the first flood control dam to be
built in Montan under P,L. 566. A secondary
object is the establishment of many kinds of
recreation such as fishing, boating, swimming,
simply loafin g and enjoying God's nature. All
rejoice to see the fruit of five years waiting finally
accomplished.

The men on the park bench
looked up as a shapely girl came
down the path.

"How old does a man have to be
before he loses interest in women?"
asked one of the younger men.
From the other end of the bench
came a quavering reply.

"Over 82 anyway, sonny."

CASCADE COUNTY SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION
DISTRICT SUPERVISORS ISSUE STATEMENT ON
FLOOD CONTROL IN THE SUN RIVER VALLEY

The most disastrous flood in history has recently
occurred in the Sun River Valley with very heavy
losses sustained by all the farmers and ranchers
operating in the Valley. These losses could have
been largely prevented if sufficient upstream storage
had been constructed and placed in operation.

Studies by the Bureau of Reclamation show that if
the proposed Upper Sun Butte dam had been in
existence and the outlet valve capacity of the Gibson
dam had been increased from 2,500 to 7,500 c.f.s.
that the two dams could have been operated to reduce
the peak flow from the Gibson dam to around 7, 500
c.f.s. instead of the 50,000 to 60,000 which prob-
ably occurred. Damage in the Valley would have
been light with a flow of 7, 500 c.f. s. from Gibson
dam even though the tributaries coming into the
river below were at high flood flows.

The istudiesi necessary for construction of the Sun
Butte dam were stopped by the Secretary of the
Interior years ago because of strong pressure from
recreational and sportsman groups who used intrusion
of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area as one of
their main arguments. The reservoir created by
the dam would cover around 2, 500 acres of the
950, 000 acres in the wildreness area.

We understand that Senator Mansfield has asked
the Bureau of Reclamation to submit estimates
of the amount needed to resume studies of the
flood control potentials in the Sun River Basin
and we want to thank him for this action.

The Upper Sun Butte dam in addition to making
much more effective flood control possible. would
also supply irrigation water which will be
needed in the future. We are convined that the
construction of this dam for flood control and
water conservation along with the enlargement of
the valve capacity of the Gibson dam would
result in prevention of flooding in most years and
in great reduction of flood crests in seasons
of especially heavy rainfall. This would be the
most beneficial action which could be taken for
the people in our district who live in the Sun
River Valley.

We respectfuly request the help of our Congres-
sional Delegation and Governor in bringing about
the action needed-

If you stop praising a woman,
she'll think you don't love her any-
more . . . overdo it and you'll con-
vince her she's too good for you.

L

S'^rc MEETING continued

A total budget of $36,000 for the next bienneum
was approved for submission to the Budget
Director.

An application for a P. L. 566 project on Birch
Creek in Pondera County was approved for
planning.

A change of priority of Watershed projects for
planning was approved as follows:

1.

Racetrack Creek

June 1S64

2.

Laurel-Park City

Jluy 1964

3.

Cove Creek

Sept. 1964

4.

Paradise Ft. Belknap

Nov.. .1964

5.

Shotgun

March 1965

6.

Bear Creek

May 1965

7.

Carbon Hills

July 1965

8.

Kinsey Flats

Sept. 1965

9.

Meadow Creek

Nov. 1965

10.

Sand Coulee

March 1966

11.

30 Mile

May 1966

12.

Little Blackfoot

July 1966

BOX ELDER SWCD is having a Businessmen's
Tour the latter part of August or first pai't of
September. There was considerable discussion
concerning the control of Burdock, Leafy Spurge
and Russian Knapweed in the County. The
Secretai'y was asked to send a letter to everyone
in the County informing the land owners of the
dangers of these weeds and including a question-
naire with the letter which asks the following
questions: 1. Do you want compulsory weed
control? This would be handled through taxation
by the County Commissioners. 2. Would you
make a consistent effort to control your weeds
voluntarily ?

FERGUS COUNTY SWCD - A discussion about
District Supervisors missing too many board
meetings was held. It was the opinion of
supervisors present that some sort of action would
be necessary to get supervisors to realize their
responsibilities as elected officials of the farmers
and ranchers of Fergus County. - Dale Dunn of
BLM reported that seven dams have been contracted
for construction in Crooked Creek Grazing
District.

BIG HORN COUNTY SWCD
OUTSTANDING DISTRICT

The Big Horn County Soil and Water Conservation
District has been named the State's outstanding
district in The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company's
annual Soil Conservation Awards Program for 1963.

Harold Benzel, Hardin , selected as the outstanding
farmer-cooperator in the district, and A. G.
Slattery, Hardin, member of the district's governing
board, will be guests of the rubber company on a
four day tour of Goodyear Farms, near Phoenix,
Arizona, in December.

The Chouteau County SWCD was awarded second
place in the Goodyear Conservation program.

DISTRICT DOINGS

LIBERTY COUNTY SWCD have assumed the
travel expenses of delegates to 4-H Conservation
Camp held at Little Bitterroot at Kalispell. The
delegates were Marlene Bond and Lynda Lybeck,
return camper.

They have provided a teacher scholarship for
Conservation Workshops, stipulations being that
the teacher will be employed or teaching in the
county next year and a written or oral report be
given for the District Board.

The district ordered 200 pens inscribed "Liberty
County Soil and Water Conservation District",
for the entrants of the Conservation Poster
Contest.

McCONE SWCD - A statement by James F. Battin
made before the Agriculture Appropriations
Subcommittee, was read by the Secretary. She
was instructed to write a letter of appreciation
to Mr. Battin for his efforts in trying to obtain
more technical assistance for the Districts.
CHOUTEAU COUNTY SWCD Supervisor Robert
Anderson reports a good business selling maps
showing ownerships of all land in the county.
He writes we took a large county map and had a
girl do the printing for us. She used ASCS plat books
for owner information. We paid her a dollar an
hour and her bill was less than $100. The Great
Falls Tribune then reduced the map to the present
size and printed 4, 000 copies for $190. We have
less than 10^ per map invested and are selling
them for $3.00. We have maps in drug stores,
service stations, etc. , and those that are being
sold by other people are on a contract basis, they
keep one dollar and we get two. Those we sell
ourselves of course bring in the full $3.00.
The FFA and 4-H clubs in the county are giving
them a big push so we expect to do very well.
As a matter of fact, this business looks better
than farming and ranching'.

HILL County SWCD reports a grass drill pur-
chased from District funds and over 400 acres
has been signed up for use of the drill.

BLAINCE COUNTY SWCD: Herb DeVries brought
up the following business which was discussed:
1. Should the supervisors visit some of the work
of the district? 2. Cooperators need to know more
of the function of the supervisors. 3. Suggest
a monthly written report to supervisors by the
SCS unit. A motion was made and passed that
the above three points should be done.

MADISON SWCD Secretary read letter from the
Bureau of Land Management inquiring about
noxious weed problem on BLM lands.

CARBON COUNTY SWCD reports that WUC
Uhlrich and a crew of scouts from Bridger and
Forest Service personnel and Chairman Kirby
planted 2,000 trees in the burn area above Red
Lodge on June 27. - 45 people from nine Soil
and Water Conservation Districts including three
from Wyoming toured the Plant Materials Center
at Brider. The Carbon SWCD served lunch to
the group and all supervisors that attended ex-
pressed their thanks to the Carbon district for
sponsoring the tQur.

WONDER OF WATER:

The State Board purchased five thousand copies
of the "Wonder of Water", a colored information
booklet. We have placed copies of this booklet
in waiting rooms of doctors in Oklahoma City
and Tulsa. The response from these booklets
has been terrific. Many doctors have written
in for additional copies. We also are placing
them in barber shops. We think we are reaching
a great number of people with this conservation
message.

from Oklahoma Soil Conservation NEWS

FLOODS & SNL\LL DAMS

1964 will go down in Montana's history as the year
of the big flood. After looking at some of the
damage, one begins to wonder if we are making
any headway or slipping backward in our soil and
water conservation. It seems modern man lives
too far away from nature, or feels that it can't
happen to him when all along as far as Mother
Nature is concerned, he is only a small rolling
stone.

Much IS being written and said following the
flodding of the Sun, Teton, Marias, and Flathead
Rivers. Some agree, others don't as to the
best way to control these damaging floods. If the
Fort Peck Reservoir can absorb a flood of this
magnitude without filling, certainly there are
ways of stopping these floods on the smaller
tributaries. This takes us right back home to the
frog pond back of the barn — the one we should
have built; a flood control program that fits
the individual farm or ranch where the damage
begins. Little rain drops make mighty rivers.
— from Judith Basin SWCD Newsletter

Montana Association of Soil Conservation
Districts c/o School of Mines, Butte, Mont .
Return Postage Guaranteed.

He^zzii yc^a/c ccp^(^:

Non-Prof it Org,
U.S. Postage PD,
Permit No. 171
Butte, Montana

Library KSU
Vlssoala tfont

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reasume'

C

STATE DGCU^wll

cres

Ueland. Editor, School

Butte, Montana

OFFICIAL NEWS BULLETIN 6

^

BANK

0\i6WATER CONSERVATION
DISTRICT SUPERVISORS

IT'S WHAT YOU PUT IN THE
BANK THAT COUNTS, CONSERVATION
AND MANAGEMENT WILL INCREASE

Farm or Ranch l

Gross Income j cash

f 1 o w^

.i^^

f Operating
JTaxes
"/' Expenses'! Fixed Debt
/Operator's
I Wages

/9TT£A/P i^/9//A/a/9L AfB£r/A^e
//OU^ TOAf/9/fSAfOA/Sr

ECONOMICS OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11

2:00 - 5:00 P.M. Registration - Yogo Inn

3:00 FM-
5:30 P.M.

6:30 PM.

Tour of Fish Hatchery
Social Hour - Yogo Inn
Courtesy of Elk River Con-
crete Products Co., of Billings,
Helena, Great Ralls
Smorgasbord - Yogo Inn
Master of Ceremonies:
Gordon Johnson
Invocation - Rev. Harvey N.
Frye, American Lutheran
Church, Winifred
Entertainment - Denton Vel-
vet Belles

Movie - Conservation Trip of
the Pre.'^ident
Dance

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12

8:00
<):00

A.M.
A.M.

IO:()(t A.M.

1(1:1(1 .\..\I.

- Registration - Yogo Inn

- Opening Session
Wm. Kesler presiding

Sergeant-at-arms appointment
Invocation - Rev. G. Loren
Jones, United Presbyterian
Church, Lewistown
Welcome - Mayor Bill Wicks

- Reports

Secretary - Dick Setterstrom

Treasurer - Gene Coombs

State Committee - John

Schroeder

President - Frank Thompson

- Coffee Break - Courtesy of
Central Montana PCA, Lewis-
town

- Reports - Continued
.Vationai President Ladies
.Au.xiiiary - Mrs. Oscar Hippe
.Area V N.A.C.D. Vice-Presi-
iliMit - Oscar Hippe

- TANEL - Economics of Soil
and Water Conservation Mod-
tTiitor - Goi'don Holte, Direct-
or of MASWCD

Car! W. Bell, President, Mon-
Ihiih Chamber of Commerce.
"Economic Effect of Soil and
Water Con.servation to the
Business."

*.fohn Reichel, Montana Bank-
ers Association "What Soil and
Water Consifervation Means to

PANEL - continued

the Economic Development of
Montana."

Don Ryerson, Range Special-
ist, Montana Extension Serv-
ice - "What Range Improve-
ment Means to the Economy
of Montana."

■fsflomer Turner, Plant Foo<I
Association - "Economics of
Fertilizer."

*Bob Barthelmes.5, President
Montana Stockgrowers Assoc-
iation - "What Soil and Water
Conservation Means ±o the
Livestock Industry."

12:00 Noon - Luncheon - Yogo Inli-

Master of Ceremonies - Ken-
neth Coulter

Invocation - Rev. L. B. Siman-
son, Zion LuthornH Church,
I^£twistow«

ICeynote Address - Hollis Wil-.
liams, Deputy Administratei
for Watershedsr -J^^CS; Wash-
fngton, D. C. - "The Econom-
ics of Small Watershed Pro-
jects and How to Work Effect-
ively with Influential People
in Advancing the Program."

AFTERNOON SESSION

Ralph Briggs presiding

1:30 P.M. - Speaker - Torlief Aasheim
"What Rural Montana Can do
for Itself."

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

2:00 P.M. - Public Relations - R. C. Sltet-
terstrom. Chairman
Program & Research - Ralph
Briggs, Chairman
Public Lands & Watersheds
Art Christensen, Chairman
Education - Carl Johnson.
Chairman

Budget and Finance - John
Bartlett, Chairman
Gfeat Plains - Oscar Hippe,
Chairman

5:30 P.M. Social Hour - Yogo Inn

Courtesy Caterpillar Dealers
of Montana, Central Machin-
ery Co., Havre, Great Falls.
Lewistown; Tractor & Equip-
ment Co... Billings, Sidney,
Glasgow ; Westmont Tractor
Co., Kalispell, Missoula.

6J80 P.M. - Banquet - Yogo Inn

Master of Ceremonies - Jerry
Kolar, Supervisor, Judith Ba-
sin SWCD.

Invocation - Rev. Robert J.
Armstrong, United Presbyter-
ian Church, Lewistown
Entertainment - Musical Sel-
lections

Addre.ss - Dr. Leon John.son,
President of Montana State
College "Value of ('onserva-
tion to Montana."

GOVERNOR BABCOCK RECOMMENDS

Governor Tim Babcock told a Columbia Basin
Interagency Committee meeting in Missoula that
he would recommend to the state legislature that
the state provide funds so that a full planning
party can be put in the field to plan P. L. 566
Watershed projects to build dams in which the
federal government cost shares for Agriculture
Water, Recreation, and Flood Control. Also
recommended by the Governor was that the var-
ious state agencies participate in the program
especially where recreation and fish production
are concerned.

Planning has been a bottleneck. Also gettii^ funds
to match the federal for recreation. If legislature
follows thru on this, much more water develop-
ment should take place in Montana.

FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 1.3

7:00 A.M. - Directors Breakfast - Court-
esy of Northwestern Bank,
Lewistown

8:45 A.M. - Movie

9:05 A.M. - Business Session

Frank Thompson pre.siding

Ladies Auxiliary Report - Mrs.

Frank Thompson

Old Business

Committee Reports

New Business

Introduction of New Officers

10:20 A.M. - Coffee Break - Courtesy of
First National Bank, Lewi.s-
town

10:.30 A.M. - Goodyear Conservation Pro-
gram Slides

10:45 A.M. Business Session - continued

1965 State Convention Site
and Date

12:80 P.M. - Luncheon - Yogo Inn

Master of Ceremonies - O.
Leon Anderson

Invocation - Rev. Albert K.
Rutan, St. Victors Parish, Ilil-
ger

Address - Frank Dunkle - "Soil
Conservation Districts and the
Montana Fish and Game De-
partment."
Goodyear Awards
Newsletter Awards
Supervisor Awards
Other Awards

160 ACRE LIMITATION

Senator Metcalf and Congressman Olson and
others met with the State Soil Conservation Com-
mittee in Dillon September 20 to discuss legislation
for modification of the 160 acre limitation above
Canyon Ferry Reservoir.

Present feeling of the Department of Interior is
that an agreement might be possible to get a bill
thru Congress permitting a full water supply for
160 acres of Class one equivalent per individual.
Also that family type corporations for this pur-
pose would be considered differently than com-
mercial type corporations.

TAXATION PROBLEM IN GRANITE

The result of the hearing in District Court at
Philipsburg September 22 was that each side will
have a total of sixty days to file briefs with the
Court after which a decision will be made.

The controversy involves the taxation by Granite
County of irrigation structures and facilities
owned by the Lower Willow Creek Drainage
District. If this is upheld, all irrigation facilities
not state or federally owned would be liable to
taxation. This includes Irrigation District facili-
ties.

^'^

Economics of Soil & Water
Conservation

PANEL SPEAKERS

^ — Gordon Holte - Moderator

Supervisor of Sheridan County
SWCD, Graduate of Montana
State University in Forestry,
former Forest Service, BLM,
and SCS employee. Presently
engaged in farming and insurance,

Jim Moore \,

Two Dot area rancher. Former
Upper Mussleshell SWCD
Supervisor. Presently a director
of Montana Stockgrowers Associa-
tion.

-^ Carl W. (Bill) Bell

President Montana Chamber of
Commerce. He is a Glasgow mor-
tician and wheat farmer. Member
of Montana aeronautics com-
mission.

Homer Turner^

Field representative of Minerals
& Chemicals division of the J. R.
Simplot Co. Past President
Montana Plant Food Association.
Past President International Sec-
tion of the American Society of
Range Management.

^ Don Ryerson

Entension Range Specialist,
Montana State College

John W. Reichel

First National Bank of Great Falls
Asst. Vice President. Chairman,
Range Resource Subcommittee of
RAD.

4

MOLLIS R, WILLIAMS

HoUis R. Williams has been professionally en-
gaged in soil and water conservation activities for
the past 29 years with the Soil Conservation
Service.

He has been Deputy Administrator since April,
1959. In that capacity he is responsible for the
watershed, flood prevention, and river basin work
of SCS.

Mr. Williams was a member of the SCS regional
office at Fort Worth, Texas, from 1936 to 1946.
He was State Conservationist for Arkansas, 1946-
1957.

He is a native of Arkansas, is farm-raised. Mr.
Williams obtained a B.S. degree in physical and
biological sciences at Arkansas State Teachers
College and obtained a law degree from North
Texas School of Law, Fort Worth, Texas.

DR. LEON H, JOHNSON

Dr. Leon H. Johnson, newly appointed President
of Montana State College who succedds Dr. Roland
Renne, resigned, is a transplanted Minnesotan
in his 21st year on the faculty.

Dr. Johnson began his teaching career after
graduation from Concordia College with a degree
in chemistry. After several years as a high
school teacher and administrator, he returned to
college at the University of Minnesota as an
instructor and researcher and received his
doctorate in 1943.

In addition to his other work at MSC, Dr. Johnson
has published many scientific papers in agricul-
tural bio-chemistry .

He is listed in American Men of Science, belongs
to Sigma Xi research fraternity and the American
Association for the Advancement of Science.

FRANK H. DUNKLE

Frank H. Dunkle of Helena, was named acting
director of the Montana Fish & Game Department
in September, 1963 and officially became director
in December of that year.

Mr. Dunkle, a graduate of Montana State College
where he obtained a B. S. degree in wildlife
management and an MS degree in wildlife recrea-
tion and public relations, had been chief of the
department's division of information and educa-
tion.

A native of Oakmont, Pennsylvania, he first joined
Montana Fish and Game Department as a deputy
warden in the Dillon area in 1948. He became a
warden in 1950 but was recalled to action with the
Navy during the Korean conflict. He served with
the Navy during World War II in the South Pacific

CONSERVATION CHARLEY
by Hai'ry Corry

Onec upon a while ago the editor of the
"Cienl Falls Tribune" jumped up on the band wagon
ami i^avc th-i drum a couple of whacks with the
following editorial:

"A national survey of the relationship of the
soil conservation program to the propagation
and preservation of small game in this country
indicates that if the American of the future is going
to enjoy hunting wildfowl and other small game,
he'll have today's farmers to thank. And the
farmer's contribution to the preservation of small
game is accomplished mainly through the soil
conservation program, with a big assist from the
federal government.

"Advancing civilization, with its more inten-
sive farming, the building of new highways, airfields,
and suburban communities, destroys the natural
habitat of wildlife, such as squirrels, rabbits,
quail, pheasants, doves, wild ducks, and geese.
But the soil conservation program has done much to
correct this.

"Government estimates place the number of
cooperating farmers at one and three-quarter
million — for the most part members of local
soil conservation districts.

"The districts were formed years ago for the
primary purpose of combatting soil wastage through
Mdnd and water erosion but it has been only in quite
recent years that the preservation of wildlife has
also become an important objective of the program.

"Much of the fishing likewise is also affected
by the way the farmers handle their land.

"Limiting of game kill will be of little avail
if we fail to provide sufficient sustaining habitat
for the wildlife to thrive and multiply. In doing
this, it is essential that the sportsman and the
fai^mer work together in close and considerate
accord. "

The squirrels, rabbits, quail, pheasants,
• lo^es, wild ducks and geese all join in to give
I 111 editor three hips and a bunch of hoorays for
ii - contribution to wildlife and soil conservation.
- ) ■ l>men, farmers and thinking people everywhei

._ ii also do well to shake his hand, clap him on
'' I K-k and say, "Well Done."

MONTANA NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL
ASSOCIATION MEETING TO BE NOVEMBER 19, 20

Leslie Sonders, Extension Weed Specialist, aniiouncet^
the annual meeting of the Montana Noxious Weed Con-
trol Association will be held in Bozeman on November
19 and 20. All sessions will be held in the Audi-
torium of the Agriculture Building at Montana State
College.

This meeting will provide you an opportunity to
become acquainted with the most recent develop-
ments in weed control. Research workers will
discuss the developments on Canada thistle,
aquatic weeds, leady spurge, dalmation, toadlfax,
downy bromegrass (cheatgrass), small grains
and sugar beets.

Another topic of discussion will be on the
Montana Weed Law and the legal authority of the
law. Other topics of discussion will include:
, Working together for More Effective Weed Con-
trol and A Look at the Montana Weed Situation
and What is Happening.

The Montana Noxious Weed Association extends
a welcome to everyone. We sincerely hope you
will be able to join in learning how to fight the
battle against weeds.

PILOT COUNTY TREE PLANTING PROGRAM

A report of an evaluation committee of the pilot
tree planting program which has been underway in
Hill and Liberty Counties since 1961 show that the
planting accomplishments are quite significant.

Some observations were: 1) Technical quality
of planting generally good. High survival despite
drought conditions some years. 2) Weed control
in the tree row is the number 1 problem. 3)
Visits to Canadian planting at Conquest seemed to
be the major factor in stimulating interest and in
giving farmers confidence. 4) Many farmers
entered the program on a trial basis by planting a
single row along one or two crop strips with a
wait-and-see attitude. A number of these farmers
have made additional plantings. 5) Below normal
moisture has not favored establishment of trees,
but the need to control soil blowing is reported to
be a factor in stimulating interest in tree planting.
6) Bulk delivery of planting stock worked sat-
isfactorily when a sponsoring group assumes
responsibility as was done by the Liberty County
SWCD.

Don Baldwin, Ass't. State Foi-ester, says I am
very much interested in seeing Soil Conservation
, Districts participate fully in the tree planting
program. They can make a real contribution to
the job that needs to be done.

6

DISTRICT DOINGS
as appears in the minutes

M^LE HIGH SVVCD sponsored for school teachers
of Silver Bow County a CONSERVATION WORK-
SHOP at which 28 teachers participated. Three
phases of conservation were discussed. Charles
Krall, Area Conservationist for SCS discussed
the story of conservation. Bob Mathison, USES,
discussed the clear cutting of timber as a forest
management principle. Roger Fliger, Montana
Fish & Game, spoke on fish and woldlife manage-
ment. AU speakers used photo slides. Ole Ueland
SWCD supervisor, explained the purpose of the
Soil and Water Conservation District and thanked all
who cooperated in putting the program on, and
especially the county superintendent's office,
Butte school district, and the parochial schools.
Don McCann, WUC, and Bill Richlter, county
extendion agent, were co-chairmen for this
program.

BEAVERHEAD SWCD and BUREAU-OF LAND
MANAGEMENT personnel met October 7. Ken
Chambers of the BLM explained how proposed
BLM projects are started two years before they
are planned to be put into effect. An engineering
survey by BLM engineers indicated a dam was
needed in Sagebrush Creek. Since this survey
was made extensive seeding projects are being
instituted as well as considerable sagebrush
spraying done. Christensen explained the Beaver-
head SWCD felt the vegetatiye work done was
excellant and that the board felt was sufficient to
correct the erosion problem vwthout the planned
dam. After extensive discussion of this particu-
lar situation, it was agreed to make an attempt
to meet more often and discuss program planning
of both groups while still in the planning stage
rather than after the planning has been done.

POWDER RIVER SWCD supervisors took a THREE RIVERS SWCD sponsored their annual

tour of their district on October 12. Their fall range tour with approximately 90 persons

plans are to take about two tours a year and attending. This included a large number of high

are starting out by touring each others ranches first school students from Chruchill and Three Forks.

and stopping at one or two other places in be-
tween. This year the first soop was on super-
visor Don Warner's ranch. They then stopped at
four other ranches and looked at headgates for
waterspreading, irrigation-fishpond developments,
concrete weirs for waterspreading and a new
shelyer belt, and range improvement practices such
as contour furrowing and deferred grazing.

Shown above are Sam Minow, Supervisor of Posder
River, Kenneth Kaul. SCS Range Conservationist,
Don Warner, Supervisor, and Herb Beckers, SCS
Area Conservationist, looking over the addition
to the Don Warner shelterbelt.

Bob Ross, Range Conservationist for SCS con-
ducted the tour.

LOWER MUSSELSHELL SWCD at their October
7 meeting discussed their ANNUAL WORK PLAN
for the coming year. Topics discussed were:
1) Water Management, 2) Weed Control, 3)
Education, 4) Range Management, 5) Landowners
vs Leasers Relationship, 6) Wildlife, 7) Wind
and Water Erosion, 8) Speculated Capital, 9)
Absentee Ovraers.

LAKE SWCD at August meeting: Motion by Bill
Udall and seconded by Ralph Towe that the super-
visors make the necessary contacts to create
pressure to have the bill on the contol of wet laiids
changed so that swamps caused by irrigation can
be drained to bring good land back into production.
Motion carried.

TOOLE SWCD: The National Association of Soil
and Water Conservation District Newsletter,
pertaining to Associate Supervisors, was read
by G. G. Hjartarson. The text emphasized the
idea of getting the people involved and concerned
aboaut conservation. This can be done through
Associate Members.

BIG HORN SWCD: A. G. Slattery reported that
Mrs. Peterson of the local paper offered to print
an issue dedicated to conservation. Slattery
moved, Nayematsu seconded that the district
cooperate with the newspaper and put out a
conservation issue sometime during the year.
Passed.

DEER LODGE VALLEY SWCD: County Agent
Harold Storobel reported that he submits his
plan of work for 1965 by October 15th. He would lik(
to have suggestions that the supervisors feel should
be carried out by him.

MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF SWCD: On July
16 and 17 the Minnesota Association in cooperation
with the State Soil Conservation Committee and
with the assistance of SCS sponsored a tour for
the Governor of the state. Many practices were
shown including what could be done with a good
basic plan by a farmer with the ability to cope
with marginal soils.

AREA ANNUAL MEETINGS TALKS ABOUT
COORDINATION AND CONSERVANCY DISTRICTS

The seven MASWCD Area meetings held through-
out the state were represented by all districts
excelt Powder River and Ruby Valley.

Several areas had panels of speakers dealing with
the topic of "Coordinating the Conservation
Program". Many instances of the need for better
coordination were cited. Soil and Water Conser-
vation District supervisors were generally
recognized as the logical people to take the lead to
build comprehensive conservation programs.
Agencies with conservation responsibilities
want to know of supervisors how they can be of
help.

Dr. Roy Huffman, Dean of Agriculture at MSC,
spoke at four area meetings on the subject:
"What Conservancy type Districts can do to
Spread the Costs of Water Developments to
all the Beneficiaries. Of particular concern
here is that people beside irrigators, such as
recreationists and fishermen can , by some
means, contribute to the cost of a dam and
reservoir.

Conservation and its importance will never be
forgotten is the impression students tell of their
participation in the Flying Classroom.

President Thompson attended all meeting. He
told of the legislative needs for this year and
reviewed activities of the Association.

We are "saving YOU a place" at the 23rd annu:,l
meeting in Lewistown on November 11-12-13
so please be there.

Bill Kesler, your vice-president, has been
pushing for this program for the past few years
because he knows first hand the importance of
making conservation pay.

Bring your good wife along, too. They are so
important to the successof your operation and
to get away from a sink full of dirty dishes
and a hamper full of dirty clothes for a couple
of days will build their morale.

MASWCD Conventions pay big dividends

Ask anyone who attends.

We"ll see you in Lewistown. - Dick Setterstrom

in II It sik; flr

Glasgow panel shown above are Gene Sperry,
SCS, Mr. Woodgerd, N & R, Ed Rowland, BLM.
Ueland, SSCC, Lloyd Barnard, ASCS, and Art Jacobj
Extension Service.

REINEMER HONORED

Mr. Henry Reinemer was the guest of honor at a
dinner given by the McCone Soil and Water Con-
servation District, July 30th at the Memorial
Building.

The District took this means of saying "Thank
You" to Henry for 22 years of continuous service
to the District.

Mr. Reinemer helped organize the Soil Conserva-
tion District in 1942 and served as Chairman of the
Board of Supervisors until his retirement In June of
this year.

BUB^uoiM 's^^ng
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O.M.Ueland, Editor, School of Mines, Butte. Montana

OFFICIAL NEWS 8„ULLETIN i

DECEMBER, 1964

J \ ,

Newly elected officers of the MASWCD are from left
to right: Ralph Briggs, Vice-President, Bill Kesler
President, Frank Thompson, Past President.

YOUR ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT SEZ:

Agriculture is the foundation of all prosperity.
The late Henry Ford once said, "Soil is the source
of wealth - not banks. " The value of all the land in
the United States has been put at one-half trillion
dollars. This figure is nearly twice the assets of all
the commercial banks combined.

With our expanding population and the need for
housing, highways, cities, factories, schools and
etc. many fertile acres are taken out of production
of food and fiber each year to make room for these
needs. In my opinion, these two issues, our national
population growth and a healthy agriculture out rank
all others. With fewer farms and farmers your land
with its good water right is the most valuable thing
you own and as such, every acre should be given the
best of care. This can be done with sound conserv-
tion practices and the help of research and techno-
logical experts.

A good New Year's resolution might be for each of
us to resolve that when that time comes we will
turn these acres over to the next generation more
productive and better than we received them.

New officers of the Ladies Auxiliary of the MASWCD
are from left to right: Mrs. Eugene Larsen, Sec-
retary-Treasurer, Mrs. Harold Jensen, President
& Mrs. Art Osburnsen, Vice President.

PRESIDENT OF THE LADIES AUXILIARY SPEAKS:

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Montana Association
of Soil and Water Conservation Districts foremost
objective is to correlate our activities with the
MASWCD in the cause of conservation.

This is done in various ways; some members
assist in doing clerical work, such as letter writ-
ing, news letters, radio and TV broadcasts; others
keep in the social graces at meetings and conventioos.

This coming year will bring the Area V conven-
tion to our state and already we of the auxiliary are
formulating plans to make it the best ever.

Did you know that Robinson Crusoe orig-
inated the 4-day work week? He had
all his work done by Friday!

STATE SOIL CONSERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING

The State Soil Conservation Committee met in
Lewistown on November 11.

Conservancy Districts were discussed and
how it would be possible to raise the necessary
funds for the latter. It was voiced that if there is
local demand for Conservancy Districts there will
be need of a Conservancy District Law. There was
some discussion as to whether a Conservancy Dis-
trict should be tax exempt., It was indicated
more study is needed on this subject.

Chairman Sanborn appointed John Schroeder, and
Bill D'Ewart to join him to meet with Governor Bab-
cock in regard to arranging for the introduction
of legislation to provide for a planning party for
Watershed Development. Frank Thompson aiid
Wes D'Ewart were to be invited to help on this.
Routine reports were made by each member. Don
Luebbe, sitting in for Torlief Aasheim, reported
that the state Technical Action Panel of USDA and
state agencies, which is related to Rural Area
Development, would be holdii^ a series of five
meetings throughout the state in December. He also
reported on Weed Control. This is developed
largely through an education program.

Herschell Kurd reported on Watershed develop-
ment. No new applications. Carl Hunter reported
the Sidney Water Users wanted action on their pro-
ject. The Valley Creek Watershed in Stillwater
County is being held in abeyance pending develop-
ment of recreational features. The Montana Fish
and Game Commission is willing to contribute
$25, 000. 00 to this project. The local people need
to raise the balance.

The committee reviewed State Association reso-
lutions prior to attending the MASWCD Convention.

Salesman: "Is your mother home today, Sonny?"

Boy (sitting on steps) : "Yes, Sir."

Salesman (after knocking several times) : "I thought

you said your mother was home?"

Boy: "She -is, but we don't live here."

DISTRICT DOINGS

Districts supervisors have been asked by Ralph
Briggs, MASWCD Program & Research Chariman
to evaluate conservation research needs in their
district. Response to this questionnaire has been
good. A state summary of these needs will help
to determine the research items the association
should give priority to.

Chouteau County SWCD - Dr. Leon Johnson,
President of Montana State College will speak at
the January 19 annual meeting.

Green Mountain SWCD - The next meeting of the
board, December 3, will be devoted entirely to
planning the work for the coming year. It is at
this meeting that decisions will be made as to
what programs will receive emphasis. Time and
funds will be budgeted, goals will be set up. The
policy of operation will be reviewed, and priorities
of work will be scheduled.

Gallatin Valley SWCD - Jim Osborne mentioned
that there could be more cooperation between the
Contractors Association and the Districts. He
suggested that the supervisors could invite con-
tractors into the meetings at the meeting prior
to spring work.

Sweetgrass County SWCD - Sweetgrass SWCD
supervisors lists many outstanding accomplish-
ments and activities in their report for 1964. A
major educational project was to assist in the
sponsorship of a Trail ride. This ride was similar
to those held in Park County for several years.
Two Forest Rangers, the SCS Technician, the
County Agent, and the Game Warden assisted on
the sponsorship as well as on the work. Twenty-
five other riders were on the tour making a total
of 30 riders using 38 horses.

The group furnished their own saddle horses and
pack horses and transportation to Box Canyon
Ranger Station on the Boulder River. Group left
there and rode to Slough Creek Ranger Station
then into the Silver Tip Ranch, over the divide to
Buffalo Creek Ranger Station then out to Box
Canyon. This was a four day ride. Camping,
fishing, and good grub was enjoyed- Every evening
a conservation education meeting was held. Mem-
bers of the ride included a cross section of
business men of Big Timber and a few ranchers.
All members pitched in and helped on the cooking,
packing and other camp duties. Cooperation by
all was wonderful and meals and small incidentals
was covered by a $10. 00 bill for the whole trip.

Below is a picture of the group near Slough Creek
Ranger Station, North of the Silver Tip Ranch.

^1^^;.

^'^^ ..

CONSERVATION CHARLEY by Harry Corry

Barney and Charley were chewing the fat over a
cup of coffee the other morning. "Chai'ley," says
Barney, "you mentioned conservation plans a
minute ago. Are they really worth their salt?"

"Worth their salt?" screams Charley. "Your dad
blamed tooting they are. Lookee here what
Harold Cooper, Assistant State Conservationist
for the SCS, says about it. "

"Most soil conservation district supervisors have
no questions concerning the value of a sound
•conservation plan developed by a farmer or
rancher on his farm or ranch. However, Ole
Ueland, Executive Secretary for the State Soil
Conservation Committee often encounters such
questions as "What good are conservation plans?"
'Why is conservation planning so important?'
'Isn't it more important to use SCS technicians
to lay out practices than to develop plans?'

To help answer these questions Ole asked that a
brief statement be prepared setting forth the value
of a conservation plan. "

"Why a conservation plan? The answer is simple
- because it results in the greatest amount of
conservation applied to the land per technical
man hour spent. It also results in the most net
return to the operator over a period of years.
Actual records of 18 Montana ranchers who have
been following a conservation plan for several
years reveal a surprising increase in net return
annually. "

"A research study conducted by the Agricultural
College at Ames, Iowa, compared a large number
of farmers who were following conservation plans
with neighbors having comparable farms but no
conservation plans. The results showed a sig-
nificantly higher net income received by those
following a plan. Not only that, but soil and
water conservation was more effectively holding
or building up the soil on farms having plans. "

"Year after year, annual reports of accomplish-
ment from soil and water conservation districts
in Montana show conclusively that where the
greatest amount of sound conservation planning
is being done the greatest amount of conserva-
tion of all kinds is being applied to the land.
The best program balance is obtained on indivi-
dual farms and ranches and in districts where
the planning is being done. "

"The reason for this is quite obvious. It is only
during the planning process that the technician
really has the opportunity to thoroughly explain
the soil survey, the range site, the condition of
the range or woodland compared to its potential,
the suitability of soil for different uses, the
alternative treatments needed with the various
possible uses to adequately protect the soil, the
management practices needed to get the most from
range, pasture, or cropland."

"It also points out management methods needed
to conserve irrigation water and increase
production. As one example - when a field is
leveled, the leveling is only the first step in
getting ready for proper water management,
sound crop rotations, good fertility programs,
and the like."

"During the process of plan development,
decisions are reached by the operator to apply
many needed conservation practices which do
not require on-site technical help or costsharing.
Many of the most beneficial practices are seldom
applied in the amounts needed unless their im-
portance and value are recognized during devel-
opment of a conservation plan. "

"The plan provides an orderly basis for applying
needed conservation practices - first things
first, in other words. Most structural practices
will not stand alone without support from manage-
ment type practices. The plan provides the best
basis possible for requesting both technical
assistance and cost-sharing in an orderly manner
as they are needed. "

"Charley folded up the paper, slipped it back
into his pocket, took off his glasses, inhaled a
draught of Java, turned to Barney and said, "And
that's the way the cookie bounces. Conservation
plans are good for the soil - and the pocketbook. "

Shovra above are supervisors of the BIG HORN
Soil & Water Conservation District who received
the GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY
Awards as the Number One District for 1963.
They are St. Clair Ottun, Yugo Nayematsu, Jack
Colstad, A. G. Slattery, Otto Dringman, and
D. E. Roberts of Goodyear. The outstanding
farmer Harold Benzel and Mr. Slattery will be
guests of Goodyear farms in December.
Chouteau County SWCD received a plac|ue for
second place.

Of^WENTION SI ORY

Frank Thompson
giving president I
Report

Dr. Leo Johnson
Pres. M.S.C.
Giving Banquet
Speech

John Schroeder
giving State Soil
Conservation
Committee Report

The Annual Meeting of the MASWCD in Lewistown
was fruitful in many ways. Enthusiasm was
evident in all committee meetings. Those who
attended came away with a feeling of accomplish-
ment. Old friendships were renewed and new
friendships made by everyone.

One of the most interesting aspects of the con-
vention was a talk given by Mollis Williams,
Deputy Administrator of the Soil Conservation
Service in Washington, D.C. In his talk, he
covered the Watershed Program. He emphasized
that SWCD's should keep control of these develop-
ments.

On the subject of Conservancy Districts and
Watershed Improvement Districts, Mr. Williams
wai-ned that the local people should be working
together and organize themselves so this is
possible. He stated: "I feel at this moment in
time every district has an unparalleled opportunity
to become the resource development leader of
every community in the land, with wider powers
to make decisions and to act, but this will not just
happen." "The district, in my opinion, must
decide if they will take on some broader powers
of responsibility; if not, there will be improvement
district, conservancy districts, or whatever you
want to name them, that will rise up in power and
assume the responsibilities that will submerge
your activity. " "As a tribute that I have paid and
with the analysis that I have given with the
specialists that you have had and the rest that
you command, I don't believe there is any other
group that can handle these broader responsibilities
as well or as good as you without a quarter of a
century of experience. A Board of Supervisors is
to the soil and water conservation districts is
about what a school board is to a school district. "

"Now, let's don't be weak; let's face up to the
need and Lord goodness this is going to vary
in degree and a lot oi judgement has got to be
exercised and that's something you can't buy
over the counter, judgment. I hope the soil
conservation district supervisor will not detain
to take on these larger responsibilities. "

Dr. Leon Johnson, President of Montana State
College, was the banquet speaker. Dr. Johnson
told those in attendance that conservation doesn't
necessarily mean conserving something in the
historical manner. Rather, he said, conserva-
tion also means exploitation of resources in an
intelligent manner. "Exploitation," he said,
"can mean conservation since it can eventually
result in the fruition of our hopes and desires
for making Montana the great state it is destined
to be. "

He said that statewide studies must be conducted
on our river and stream resources because
"Water is the lifeblood of Montana. Montana has
three great raw materials which must be exploited,
he said, and these are water, recreation and
youth. "

An outstanding panel was made up of Don Ryerson,
Extension Range Specialist, John Reichel, Great
Falls Banker, Carl W. Bell, President of Montana
Chamberof Commerce, Jim Moore, Two Dot
Rancher, and Art Christensen who represented
Homer Turner of the Plant Foods Association,
and Gordon Holte, SWCD Supervisor, panel
moderator.

Many examples of the way conservation and de-
velopment of soil and water and related renewable
resources were well illustrated. This panel
represented various facets of the economy: the
stockgrower, the businessman, the banker, the
educator and the technician. (Cont. Page 6)

A PROBLEM li\ lOREST FIRE PROTECTION IN MONTANA
Gai'th C. Moon
Slate Forester

The disastrous liilO fire clearly showed the need for protection on privately-owned lands as well as
public lands.

In 19 39 the Legislature created the State Boai-d of Forestry and gave it the authority to provide forest
fire protection to private forest lands. This legislation permitted the Board to create forest fire districts.
After a district was created, the State Board of Foresty designated one protection agency to protect
all the lands within the district boundaries regardless of ownership. Landowners paid their share of the
cost of protection through either direct contributions to the protection agency or through assessments
on the tax roll which were collected by the State Forester and distributed to the protection agency.
Gradually from this emerged the present excellent forest fire protection system found in the area west
of the Continental Divide. Here we find in some areas the National Forest Service protecting all lands,
both public and private, witliin the boundaries of a certain district. In other areas we find a private
protective association or it might be the State Foresty organization providing this service. In every case,
the boundaries are determined, the protection provided, and each landowner pays his fair share of the
costs.

The area east of the Continental Divide is an entirely different story. These forest lands have never
received organized forest fire protection excepting those lands lying adjacent to or within the boundaries
of the National Forest or those lands located near or within the public domain.

There are millions of acres of forest land under private ownership which will and does support disastrous
wild fire. In order to assist the landowner, the U. S. Forest Service has for many years accepted
protection responsibilities on private lands within and adjacent to the National Forests. Protection was
provided only on voluntary application by the landowner. In many areas this resulted in extending forest
service protection boundaries several miles beyond the National Forest boundaries.

As a part of an over-all program that has been conducted during the past years over the United States,
protection of large areas of State and private land, outside of the National Forests, has been turned
over to the States. During 1960 the Forest Service substantially reduced the state and private lands
under their protection in eastern Montana. The Forest Service now finds it necessary to further reduce-
this acreage. This additional reduction will result in the discontinuance of fire protection on state and
private-owned lands Ijdng generally outside the National Forest boundaries. This change is being made for
several reasons, among which are:

1. The Forest Service must reduce the tort claim liability of protection of large acreages of non-federal
lands.

2. The President has delcared that all Federal Agencies shall decrease the work done for others so
that, in the case of U. S. Forest Service, they may redeem their own basic charter of protection and
managing National forest lands.

The State Board of Forestry was notified in 1962 that this .change was going to take place As this
meant that 1,700,000 acres would no longer receive organized protection, the Board then stepped up
its activities to classify the forest land throughout the State for forest purposes. We warned the people
and the Legislature of this impending action and started to create forest fire protection districts in the
affected area. As a result of this and other activities, the landowners viewed the action of the Board
in creating fire districts as overly aggressive. An amendment to the fire laws was introduced and
passed. This amendment took away the powers of the Board to form a fire district unless the landowners
in the area voted favorably for the establishment of such a district. This amendment automatically
changed the position of the State Forester. He is no longer responsible for the fire protection on
private land. He is given the authority to provide protection if requested by landowners to do so.

The Forest Service has now notified all landowners with whom they previously had cooperative agreements
that they will withdraw all protection to lands lying within or adjacent to the National Forests. However,
the Forest Service will continue to attack fires on adjacent and private land that pose a direct threat to
the National Forest. This will be determined on a fire by fire basis rather than as a general policy.

(OVER)

The State law makes the private landowner responsible for furnishing protection against the starting or
the existence and to suppress the spread of fire on his own lands during the full period of each forest fire
season. Obviously, many landowners are neither trained nor prepared to accept these responsibilities.
The State Forester, with the assistance of the landowners and the Clarke-McNary Program, is trained,
equipped, and able to provide protection to the State and privately -owned lands particularly if it conforms
with the pattern presently existing west of the Continental Divide.

What are we going to do about all this ? Time and experience has shown us that the creation of a forest
fire district Is the only suitable solution. We recognize that under the existinglegislationthat the
creation of additional district will be extremely difficult.

The State Forester has a responsibility to provide protection to the state-owned forest lands. We have
been providing this protection in the past and will continue to do so. The ForestServicehas indicated
a willingness to protect certain State and privately-owned lands lying within the boundaries of some
National Forests, if the landowners are willing to sign an affidavit requesting the Board of Foresty to
provide them with protection and if the payment for this protection may be collected as an assessment
with taxes underithe existing laws. This is being negotiated at the present time with those landowners
affected.

On lands lying outside of National Forest boundaries, however, it is a different story. The Forest
Service has indicated that they will not accept this responsibility.

As we plan to provide protection to state-owned land, it may be possible for some landowners adjacent
to state-owned forest lands to cooperate with us and thus provide protection to both our lands. We
propose to do this either direct with our own organization or through cooperation with local volunteer
fire departments. In some isolated areas we may work out cooperative agreements with local ranchers.
In either event, a part of the cooperative program would be to supply the necessary equipment and training.
Admittedly this system isn't as efficient as the organized fire protection district approach. In the long
run it generally cost more both in suppression costs and in fire losses.

The withdrawal action oi the National Forest Service has created a problem for you who are forest
landowners. The State Forester and the State Board of Forestry are willing and able to assist you
but you must determine the method and the amount of their assistance that you want. In the meanwhile
as landowners you must provide against the starting or existence, and to suppress the spread of fire
on your lands- during the full period of each forest fire season.

(Several SWCD boards of Supervisors have expressed concern about the need for adequate forest and
range fire protection. Obviously this is an important conservation matter. The above article by the
State Forester explains the forest situation and should be the basis for some action by SWCD supervisors.
Ed)

AWARDS

Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisors
qualifying for and receiving 10-15- 20 years of
service awai'ds in 1964 were:

Ten Years

Tom Connor, Mile High

Carter Hardy, Flathead County

Ray Kimball, Treasure County

Orville Sparrow, Beaverhead County

Ernest Wight, Granite County

Roy AUsop, Three Rivers

John Schutter, Three Rivers

Duane Christoffersen, Froid

Leo Morse, Hill County

Clarence Gardner, Box Elder

A. J. Patterson, Bitterroot

Eugene Larson, Culbertson-Bainville

15 Years

Don Roth, Missoula County

Allen Mar cure, Missoula County

Ernest Wills, Missoula County

Milo Hilstad, McCone County

William D'Ewart, Park

Clarence Walton, Park County

Conrad Brungard, Wibaux County

Nfyrlin Donaldson, Lewis & Clark

Ishmael "Babe" Yost, Yellowstone County

Charles Descheemaeker, Carbon County

Frank Nessler, Blaine County

Everett Redeen, Rosebud County

Carl Pelgeram, East Sanders

Jack Korsbeck, Phillips

20 Years

Joe Dobrowske, Wibaux County

John Buttlemen, Three Rivers

Walter Sales, Three Rivers

Clarence Popham, Bitterroot

Herman Friede, Blaine

J. M. Sholtus, Valley County

The Public Relations Committee of the Associa-
tion this year for the first time presented
Distinguished Service Awards to the Outstanding
Supervisor, County Agent, and Work Unit Conser-
vationist from each of the seven areas. Those
chosen by the committee were:

Outstanding Supervisors

Hai-ry Swank, Culbertson-Bainville, Area I

Hai'old Jensen, Little Beaver, Area II

Walt Dion, Hill County, Area III

Ken Coulter, Garfield County, Area IV

Jim Kirby, Cai'bon County, Area V

John Schroeder, Missoula County, Area VI

Art Christensen, Beaverhead, Area VII

Outstanding County Agents

Bille G. Janssen, Sheridan County, Area I

Jack Jeakens, Powder River County, Area II

Mike J. Jackson, Pondera County, Area III

Joe Morris, Judith Basin County, Area IV

Bob Racicot, Sweet Gr^ss County, Area V

Harold Strobel, North Powell & Deer Lodge, Area

VI

William Richter, Mile High, Area VH

"my^'n

Outstanding Work Unit Conservationists

Don Anderson, Sheridan County, Area I

Charles Bordsen, Dawson County, Area n

Leland L. Holstine, Chouteau County, Area m

H. N, "Pete" Tragitt, Lower Musselshell,

Area IV

Ken Bolland, Park County, Area V

Lewis W. FuUer, Flathead County, Area VI

Earl Love, Beaverhead, Area VH

Special Outstanding Service Awards were pre-
sented to Wesley D'Ewart of Wilsall and Dr.
Dick Fabrick in recognition of their contribution
to Soil & Water Conservation in the State of
Montana. Harry Corry, Work Unit Conserva-
tionist at Three Forks received the same
award in recognition of his authorship of
"Conservation Charley".

(Cont, from Page 4)
Other speakers on the convention agenda were
Torlief Aasheim, Director of Extension and
Frank Dunkle, State Fish and Game Director.

Proceedings of the convention together with
copies of handouts will be mailed to all supervisors.
Supervisors accepted the bid of the Hill County
Supervisors to hold the 1965 Annual Meeting at
Havre, November 17-19 for the 'best-ever
convention". It will have to be real good to beat
this one.

MASWCD LIST LEGISLATION ACTIVITY FOR
YEAR

As a result of the 1964 annual meeting held in
Lewistown, President Kesler appointed Pete
Jackson of Norris, Legislative Chairman and
Frank Thompson and John Schroeder as assistants.
Pete has asked each board of supervisors to
meet with or otherwise contact their legislators
to explain the conservation needs.

3) The employment of a Conservation Education
coordinator in the Department of Public Instruction.
Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisors
as well as people from other agencies spend much
time trying to get a good Conservation Education
program to the people. One of these involves
school children. This properly should be handled
through the Department of Public Instruction.
Legislature some years ago passed a law that
Conservation should be taught in the schools as

an integrated subject and that the colleges should
provide training for teachers. However, except
for two years, this function has not been properly
taken care of. This would involve a budget of
approximately $17 , 000.

4) Legislation to allow County Commissioners to
provide district funds from the County General
Fund. County commissioners can now levy 1/2
mill on agricultural lands not to exceed $1,000
per year per district. The added bookwork and
clerical help makes it too costly for the amount
received in many counties. Therefore, this
option is being sought.

Following are some items the association are
concerned with:

1) Supporting State Soil Conservation Committee
Budget. A modest increase is asked to increase
salary of Executive Secretary and allow more
travel funds for the secretary and committee
members who find themselves having to partici-
pate in more meetings which involve Soil and
Water Conservation Districts and others. High
on the Ust is attending to Watershed applications.
Also, tills committee find itself assuming the role
of a Conservation or Nauural Resource Agency
which Montana does not have. The state and
counties need to support districts so that not all
financial help is from the federal. Compared to
other states, Montana ranks near the bottom

in this respect.

2) Support of State Soil Conservation Committee
Watershed Planning Budget. A supplementary
budget of $20, 000 a year for a planning party to
help plan watershed projects under P. L. 566,
These involve flood control, irrigation, recrea-
tion, and industrial development. The Montana
Water Conservation Board has been at a stand-
still as far as building new projects because
there hasn't been demand enough to build projects
where the irrigator pays the total cost. P. L.
566 offers federal cost sharing for flood control,
water management, and recreation, and by so
doing, other beneficiaries are obliged to share

in the cost.

Some families can trace their
ancestry back 800 years, but can't
tell where their children were last
night.

5) Amendment of Weed Law. Legislation will be
introduced to better control shipment of hay and
grain containing noxious weed seed into the state.
The inspection procedure being proposed is
similar to the way brand inspection of livestock
is being handled.

6) Law pertaining to protection of Montana
Fishing Streams, The association feels that the
present law should be made permanent. This
allows the Fish & Game Department and the High-
way Commission to resolve their differences.

7) Water Conservancy Districts. The association
approves a study. If a study shows that conser-
vancy type districts are desirable in order to-
accelerate Montana's water development and would
not be a duplication of the tools now available,
permissive legislation is recommended. An
amendment to the SWCD law is also being studied,
and the Executive Committee was given authority to
act for the association.

XMEES

How much thought have you ever given to trees ?
They help to make a beautiful view and country-
side, but have you ever given thought to how much
help they are conservationwise to the farmer,
rancher, and yes, even the city dweller. Shelter-
belts help to deter the howling winds in the winter
(Cont. on Page 7)

(Jont. froiT; paca 6)
for the fanner and rancher; they ai'e good pro-
liction both summer and winter for the cattle,
horses and sheep on the ranges. They help the
crops by protection from the wind and holds the
snow in place for moisture.

The city dweller is helped by the shade they give
in the summer, the wdnds they deter in the winter
and therefore the savings on the fuel bill as well
as the beauty they bestow.

Get your orders in early to Don Baldwin, Assistant
State Forester, State Nursery, Missoula, Montana.

PUT YOUR REVISED WORK PLAN TO WORK

Most districts have revised their long-range
Work Program within the last two years. Its
greatest value is to directors who prepared it.
But preparing is only one part, now let's use
this plan.

We should tell cooperators and the general public
about the district's future through reports at
annual meetings, newspaper articles, radio pro-
grams,in our annual reports. It is important to
stress the future district goals, as well as tell about
past accomplishments and present programs.

After-dinner speakers often tell us, "The Future
of agriculture and the SCD's never looked brighter."
These are shallow words to an uninformed public.
Your revised Program and Policies can and
should tell even the most skeptical critic why the
district will be a leader in resource use and
management in 1965, 1?75, and even 1980.
(From Michigan News and Views about Soil and
Water Conservation Districts.)

Some men defy old age — they
still believe that they're as good as
they never were.

RAD MEETING

The State Rural Area Development Executive
Committee met November 24. Very interesting
reports were given by the Range, Forestry,
Manpower, and Fertility Subcommittees, and
the Governor's Committee on Recreation.

The State Planning Board Director, Sam Chapman,
reported on "A Comprehensive Program for the
State of Montana". In this connection, a series
of guides developed by the Executive Committee
for "Total Resource Deveolopment in Montana"
were reviewed and approved for printing and distribu-
tion by Extension Service. It is hoped that these
guides will provide County Planning Groups
necessary information for overall economic de-
velopment planning in the areas of 1) organization,
2) fact finding, and 3) developing a plan.

ANNUAL WORK PLAN

It is that time of year again when annual work
plans should be formulated and annual reports
submitted. It is necessary to put these plans
down on paper so that everyone knows what is to
be done, how it is to be done, where it is to be
done, who is to do it, and why it is to be done.
In other words , state your problems and what you
are going to do about them.

District secretaries recently received a sample
copy of a new guide book from Nolen Fuqua,
Executive Director of the Soil and Water Con-
servation Districts Foundation. The Guide Book
is designed to help supervisors do their work easier,
better, and more efficiently. It is loaded with
reminders, suggestions, and helpful information.
It provides a convenient summary for District
plans and helps make District Management more
effective .

District Boards are urged to use the Guide, Book
throughout the year for District Meetings,
Program Planning and other activities.

MONTANA NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL
ASSOC LATION

The sixth aimual meeting of the Montana Noxious
Weed Control Association took place at Montana
State College, November 19 and 20. Research
reports show several promising chemicals being
tested. Great concern was given to the spread of
Leafy Spurge from headwaters areas on down and
spreading out from our rivers and streams. Soil
and Water Conservation Districts and Weed Boards
must try to do a better job of waking up growers
as to what is happening.

Legislation will be sought to provide inspection
stations at all main points entering the state and
inspectors appointed to make inspections of
grain and hay. A charge for inspection is pro-
posed sufficient to cover the cost of operating
these inspection stations. It is anticipated this
could be handled in much the same manner as
brand inspectors inspect movement of cattle.

NAOD CONVFNTION

The National Association of Soil and Water Con-
servation Districts Annual Meeting will be held
in Portland, Oregoa, February 7 thru 11.

Each district should strongly consider sending at
least one supervisor to this convention. This is an
opportune time being it is relatively close to
Montana.

North Dakota has arranged for special train travel
on the Northern Pacific and Great Northen to
Portland, via Spokane and Seattle, leaving North
Dakota February 4.

If you wish to join this tour, contact Bud Lannoye,
Program Director NDASCD, Box 160, Bismark,
North Dalcota.

The reservations for the Post Convention Con-
servation Tour to Hawaii deadline was December
lb. Any possibility for getting in on this tour
dhould be ai ranged with Mrs. Robert Baum, 505
Rc-n Street, N.E., Salem, Oregon, 97301.

CONSERVATION CONTESTS

The Goodyear Contest ends December 31. Montana's
participation shows 30 enrolled out of 58. COULD
BE BETTER.".

AH districts should enroll in this worthy contest.
By completing the score card, supervisors can
measure their accomplishments and get ideas for
future planning. Also, this enables each district
to give special recognition to its outstanding con-
servation farmer or rancher.

Winning districts each year get special awards

as well as paid trips for its conservation farmer and

chairman to the Goodyear Farms in Arizona.

The New National 4-H Conservation Program is
Underway - - The program, which includes
awards to stimulate selection of conservation
projects by club members, is aimed at teaching
4-H youth sound conservation practices, according
to Norman C. Mindrum, Director of the National
4-H Service Committee. Sponsor of the program and
awards is Deere and Company.

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