'Montana State Librar-.-

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3 0864 1004 5760 8

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY,

bOB ANDERSON - PRESIDENT SEZ

We in the legislature are in a rather
busy stage at the time of this writing,
so I hope you can forgive me i f I am rath-
er brief. The routine business of our
association is of a secondary nature at the
present time; however I am sure that matters
are being handled when necessary and we can
devote more time to implementing our plans
and programs in the near future.

We have considered many bills of in-
terest to district people in the past two
months. The main amendments to our district
law, House Bill 540, have been passed by
both houses, however, the Senate stripped
it of eminent domain. We will have to go
to a conference committee to see what can
be worked out. There is also a county-
wide planning bil'. House Bill 79, which
I believe will survive along with some en-
vironmental protection measures, House Bills
66 and 85.

I X There are many others that will have an
^ I feet on you as supervisors and co-operat-
ors. Time and space do not permit a dis-
cussion of all legislation, but let me as-
sure you that your five supervisors are
watching closely to promote your interests.

JOHN VANISKO

Governor Forrest H. Anderson has ap-
pointed John Vanisko, Deer Lodge Val ley
Supervisor, to the Montana State Soil
Conservation Committee.

John wi I I serve a four year term re-
placing John Schroeder of Lolo. He is
currently a director of the Montana Assoc-
iation of Soil & Water Conservation Dist-
ricts, a member of the Montana Cattlemen's
Association, the Deer Lodge County Weed
Control Board, the Montana Potatoe Grow-
ers Association and a Director of the
Deer Lodge Bank & Trust Co. Vanisko is
a diversified rancher raising livestock,
wheat, hay, potatoes, and barley.

Governor Anderson pointed out that
"John Vanisko has been active in Soil &
Water Conservation districts for 16 years,
and will bring valuable experience and
expertise to the State Committee.

Serving on the State Conservation Commit-
tee with Vanisko are Dean Hanson, Carl John-
son, Leo Hack ley, Geo. Lackman, Joe Asleson,
Tor! lef Aashalm, and Ave Llnford.

Legislation of Concern to Districts

SSCC Budget As this is T-n:atten the

State Soil Conservation Cominittee budget
for the 1973 bienneuni under HB 611 has
been cut from that of the current 1971
bienneum. The committee operation pro-
gram of assistance to districts was cut
and the watershed planning program was
substantially cut to very modestly fund
the rangeland resource plan program.
Hopefully these cuts \n.ll be restored.
These district programs are really the
only ongoing programs that develop the
natural resources to broaden the tax base
to provide added general fund revenue to
the state.

Executive Reorganization - SB 27U. This
bill reorganizes state govemnent into
19 departments has been amended by the
house and at present awaits senate con-
currence vri-th the amendments. As amended
a division of Conservation Districts
along id-th a division of IJater Resources
' and a division of Forestry -vrLll be set
up in a Department of Natural Resources.
The department id.ll have a director ap-
'pointed by the Governor and a five man
Natural Resource and Conservation Cora-
mission appointed by the Governor. The
present state Soil Conservation Committee
will be retained as an advisoiy board to
the division of Conservation restricts.
The Fish and Game Commission and depart-
ment v;hich was originally set up in the
department of natural resources is to be
set up as a separate 19th state agency.

Water Pollution Control - HB 85 which
passed both houses puts administration
of water pollution control with the de-
partment of health under policy guidance
from the board of health. A 13 man advi-
sory board includes appointment by the
governor a supervisor of a soil and water
conservation district,

Ifijied Land Reclamation - SB 70 has passed
the senate and has been amended by the
housed and is in conference committee at
this writing. This bill provides for
utilization of soil materials and lists
the Soil Conservation Committee as one
of several state agencies to advise on
the plan of reclamation.

Newlan Creek Meagher County Water Bistric^^
HB 126 was turned down. This bill wovild ^^
have provided a loan of $800,000 to the
district to match §1,200,000 of federal
funds to build a multipurpose flood contri.,
irrigation, recreation, and stream stabil-
ization project, under the P.L. 566 pro-
gram. This means that the project idJ-l be
delayed and lose the construction fimds
which are presently authorized from federal
sources at this time.

Planning & zoning - - HB 79 which will per-
mit county wide planning and zoning has
been amended and apparently will pass.
Soil and ''.■/ater Conservation districts will
have an opportunity to work with county
commissioners in detennining proper land
use an d natural resource developments.

S.-ICD Law - - Amendments to SWCD law as pre-
vxded in HB 5U0 will change the name of
Soil and VJater Conservation Districts to
Conservation Districts, provide for eminent
domain for project areas, and include cities
and towns in districts to be taxed in the ^^
same manners as the unincorporated areas •^p

Environmental Policy Act - - Montana has
an environmental policy as a result of
legislation passed this sessionj this
shoiJ-d bring planning and activity in the
natural resource field into better balance.

Taxes - - There seems to be an impasse as
to the best type of means of raising rev-
enue for state services. The democrats
are for raises in the income tax, the re-
publicans are for instituting an across
the board sales tax. Both are agreed on
property tax relief. The democrats oontrol
the senate and the republicans control tbe
house so much progress isn't made in thla
area. Present revenues will not provide
diifficient funds for the requests people
are making of their state government.

To keep the peace: STOP MAKING
CARBON PAPER. No minister of war
can order his generals to start
and no general can order the at-
tack to start without the mes-
sages being carbon-copied at
least 16 times, including three
copies for the file and one for
a spy to steal.

1

Dolores Co I burg
Superintendent of
Publ ic Instruction

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Our environment Is threatened by over-
population, polluted air, dirty water, ex-
cessive noise, dep!etl6n of natural re-
sources and increasing power shortages;
But these threats are not news. Most citi-
zens are conscious of the many concerns
,j^lated to our environment. Its care and
Votection.

What is news is the fact that unless
people are prepared to take action to pro-
tect our environment, the survival of
humanity may be a critical issue within
the lifetimes of our young people.

The ecological questions confronting
us today compel us to re-examine tradition-
al values. If we are to save our world,
we may have to walk instead of drive a
car. We may have to give up some of our
appliances and machines. We may have to
learn to do without many things that we
have so long taken for granted.

Yet there is both information and mis-
information on every hand concerning num-
erous environmental problems and their sol-
utions. If all citizens are to become
more aware of ecological issues and if a
broad but firm public commitment to re-
solve our enfironmentai problems is to be
achieved, then adequate and proper inform-
ation about our environment and its pro-
T^ctlon must be made available. One means
of Informing people is through our public
school system.

There is, then, a responsibility for
all educators to provide appropriate con-
servation information and education for
elementary, highschool and college learn-
ers. Many Montana schools have already
met this responsibility through courses
specifically designed for conservation
and environmental education. Many biof-
ogy teachers are also emphasizing ecology
in classroom studies. Moreover, many
highschool students, alerted by media in-
formation, want to know how they can help
upgrade the quality of the world. They
are probing; they are asking tough ques-
tions.

However, many concerned students are
not enough. In 1951, the Montana Legis-
lature resolved that conservation educa-
tion should be taught in all elementary
and secondary schools and that all teach-
er trainees in the Montana University Sys-
tem should study methods of conservation
education.

To provide statewide leadership to the
public schools in conservation education,
1 requested the Forty-second Legislative
Assembly to appropriate funds for the
employment of a Conservation Education
Supervisor in my office. Employment of
such a supervisor could result in effective
cooraination of conservation education pro-
grams in the state's schools with similar
efforts of the Fish & Game Commission, State
Soil Conservation Committee, and other pub-
1 ic agencies. Without such a supervisor,
efforts to develop a sound statewide con-
servation education program will be frus-
trated.

My office has Joined with the Environ-
mental Education Committee of the Montana
Conservation Council in preparing a new
curriculum guide for environmental educa-
tion. My office also is cooperating with
the Federation of Rocky Mountain States
In planning a regional approach to environ-
mental education using instructional and
educational television.

A significant question of the future Is
this: "Can we use our present knowledge and
can we generate the new knowledge needed to
cope with our environmental problems?" Con-
servation Education Is one answer to this.

(This page is sponsored by the Ladies Auxilary, MASWCD)

3

NACD Convention

It was cold and windy in Chicago during
the 25th Anniversary National Association
of Conservation Districts annual convention.
But the weather didn't stop the proceed-
ings in the spacious Pick-Congress Hotel.
Supervisors from all over the United States
participated In an interfaith Soil Steward-
ship service on Sunday evening, the theme
being "The world and they that dwell therein."

Committee meetings were well attended
and instructive with many good speakers of
national stature talking about environment,
pollution control, rural land uses, soil &
water conservation- natural resources, re-
organization revenue sharing, education »
etc.

John Wilder, president of NACD, stated
in his talk that SWCDs pre being considered
seriously in the programs for environmental
and natural resource development, in state
Capitols, and at the nations capitol. Dist-
ricts need money and man power, must con-
vince legislators, must seek and convince
all agencies with funds. The most exper-
ienced conservation people are SWCD offic-
ials, they make local government work. Role
of local government Is important. Districts
must be recognized as local government, as
government officials, not as non-government.
Governmental capacity must be respected.
NACD must do more to convince state and
national government to look upon districts
as resource planners and developers.

Secretary of agriculture, Clifford
Hardin In his talk told of the idea of
revenue sharing with states as being a "trans-
fer of decision making" of which the Nixon
administration is intent on bringing about.
Hardin also told of proposals for reorganiz-
ation of agencies of federal government.
He talked of environmental concerns and the
many more programs that districts can be
connected with. Hardin said that SWCD pro-
grams are not so we I 1 known outside of
Agriculture. There is a problem of many
people not so well acquainted with environ-
ment taking leadership. Secretary Hardin
said districts can be fusion points for en-
vironmental actions - - districts are logi-
cal people to take leadership In environ-
mental programs to adjust and lead.

The NACD Counci I set uo I I broad ob-
jectives and goals for the remainder of ^^
the 1970s to include continuation and ^P
explanation of the committee on district
outlook to strengthen districts, encour-
age wider use of districts, cooperation
with local governments, i an rove communi-
cations.

The Montana resolution to develop pro-
grams to save and utilize quality soil
materials that are disturbed during
agricultural, industrial, commercial,
recreational, residential, highway, and
other land uses, was favorably received.

Supervisors attending from Montana In-
cluded NACD director Pete Jackson, Leo
Hack ley and wife. Ken Torgenson and wife,
Carl Johnson and wife, Yugo Nayematsu,
A. G. Slattery, 0. M, Ueland, Russ Salsbury,
and Charles Tonne,

Persons attending the national meeting
stated their feelings that it is highly
rewarding to participate In and to gain
the impact and importance of the work of
conservation districts.

COMING EVENTS

Soil Stewardship : May 16-23, |97|

MASWCD Directors Meeting: June 15

Rainbow Hotel, Great Falls, Montana,

Northern Plains: June 13-15

Rainbow Hotel', Great Falls, Montana

State MASWCD Meeting: November 1-3, |97|
Florence Hotel, Missoula, Montana

FOR SALE - -

Towner Giant Disc Plow. The plow Is
capable of plowing three feet deep. It
has its own hydraulic system operated by
a Wisconsin Engine.

Inquire of: Norths I de Soil Conserva-
tion District, 704 S. Lincoln Ave,
Jerome, Idaho 83338

^

Montana CRD - RAD Groups Active

Montana State Committee for Rural Development CCRD) consisting basically of USDA agen-
cies has compiled and distributed information called "Montana Situation Statement" with
special emphasis on agriculture. It was prepared to provide USDA Committee for rural de-
velopment with a current overview of social and economic problems facing Montana and to
provide a basis for a plan of work.

Of the 26 subjects written up by the CRD the State Executive Committee on Rural Area
Development (RAD) a citizen group comprised mainly of a cross section of rural organizations,
chose Communications and Pub I I c. Awareness as deserving most attention. Perhaps conspic-
uous by its absence is the situation on the subject of taxes. This needs some research
and understanding as to best methods of raising funds to finance the services of public
agencies.

-.1 D'Ewart Schroeder Sanborn

John Schroeder Receives Distinguished Service Award

D'Ewart and Sanborn also Recognized

Past chairmen of the State Soil Conservation Committee were presented distinguished ser-
vice awards at a dinner meeting of Committee members held at the Colonial Club in Helena,
February 18.

John Schroeder, Lolo was cited for his 4 terms, 16 years of service, 1955-1971.

pearl D'Ewart and Frances Sanborn accepted posthumous distinguished awards for their
husbands Bill D'Ewart, and Fred Sanborn. D'Ewart served on the committee from 1957
until his death in December of 1970. Fred Sanborn served from 1956 until his death In
February 1965. AM these were appointees of Governor Aronson and Babcock.

(Dean Hanson, present chairman of the SSCC, in making the presentations gave high cre-
dit to these men's leadership, their ideals being the need to constantly maintain and Im-
prove our organization so we remain strong, aggressive, and properly oriented In the
direction of the best use of our most precilus resources. He expressed the State Commit-
tee and District Supervisors sentiments of appreciation for the contributions and sacri-
fices each has made toward resource conservation and development.

John Schroeder in reply stated that he was sure he received more than he gave In self
satisfaction, and having had the cooperation of so many fine friends.

DISTRICT DOINGS

Petroleum County SWCD - - Ben Hardin, Area
Range Conservationist gave an interest-
ing talk on Range Management, and reviewed
the booklet, "Montana Range I and Resource
Program."

McCone SWCD

The purpose of the Jan. 25th

meeting was to review the Annual work plan.
Schuld moved that 80 percent of time be
spent on individual planning; 5 percent
on group planning, and 15 percent on units
of goverment.

Liberty County SWCD — Van Haderl ie ex-
plained the usefulness of the 1970 Con-
servation Needs Inventory in district
work. This publication should prove valu-
able in determining needs and priorities.
Mr. Haderl ie stated that the new REAP pro-
gram is budgeted at $150 million in con-
trast to last year's ACP budget of $195
million. The new program will be primar-
ily concerned with environmental control.

Treasure County SWCD - - Gerald Ferguson
asked if the district could assist in
preparing the Hysham School grounds for
leveling and landscaping. Beckers in-
formed the Board that SCS could afford
some time on the work but that it would
have to be done in cooperation with some
supervisory management that would be re-
sponsible for costs as no cost sharing is
available for this kind of work.

Madison SWCD - - Wallace Jones reported
on inquiry from a representative of the
Madison Valley Women's Club about outdoor
classrooms in connection with the recent-
ly completed new highschool at Ennis.
He has cound the literature pertaining
to this and will deliver it at the first
opportunity. Also the purchase of subscrip-
tions to Soil Conservation for the Harrison
and Ennis Schools was discussed.

Beaverhead SWCD - - In January Art Christ-
ensen brought up the matter of the "Co-
odination Meeting". It was decided to asK
someone from Western Montana Col lege to
get an idea of what kind of conservation in-
formation they are teaching the students.
This meeing was held Feb. 4th with a good
group represented by : Forest Service,
Fish & Game, SCS, Bureau of Land Manage-
ment, ASCS, Ranchers, plus supervisors.

Hill County SWCD - - Harold Houlton gave^
an hour and a half presentation on the ^P
range study being done around the state
and also his work at the Experiment Sta-
tion. Several comments followed his pre-
sentation. Hockett expressed interest
in setting up a meeting with the Experi-
ment station staff and the Triangle SWCD
supervisors. The purpose of the meeting
is to update the supervisors on the work
being done at the station.

Missoula County SWCD - - The board discussed
whether or not small landowners in sub-di-
vided areas need to sign up as a coopera-
tor, and have conservation plans developed.
Mr. Wills moved that only those people who
would make beneficial use of a conserva-
tion plan need to sign up as a cooperator.
However, assistance in conservation coun-
selling and evaluation of resources will
be proveded through the activities of
these people even though they are not
signed up as a cooperator.

Sti I I water SWCD

Conservation Week

was discussed and several agencies were
mentioned to give presentations to each ^^
of the schools. The agencies discussed ^^
most thoroughly were the Forest Service,
Bureau of Land Management, Fish & Game
Department, and the Soil Conservation Ser-
vice. Each of the community supervisors
are to discuss the program with their
local schools and determine what each
school felt was necessary and wanted to
present to the students.

Upper Mussel she I I SWCD - - Mr. Beckers
presented a prochure on Conservaiton Ed-
ucation teaching guides for schools.
There are 8 sets at about $3.95 per set.
Mr. Fochs will contact Mrs. Vezey to
see If one complete set could be ro-
tated through all the schools in the
district.

Big Horn SWCD - - Gene Lambert brought
up having an educational tour for the
Crow Agency 5th and 6th grade children,
on polluiton and conservation, (ecology).
All supervisors are asked to help on
this project as this is the time to
start teaching conservation education, ^^
when they are young and their minds gral^
information rapidly.

^

YUGO NAYEMATSU

CONSERVATION EDUCATION

Several members of the MASWCD Education
Committee met in Helena recently including,
Yugo Nayematsu, of Hardjn, Chairman, Mrs.
Marj Uhlrich of Lewistown, Mr. & Mrs. Don
Naegli of Beli^nap, County Agents Terry
Wolfe of Great Falls, Allan Pearson, Havre,
Bob Racicot, Thompson Falls, and 0. M.
«->land, SSCC secretary, Helena.

This group met with Assistant Super-
intendent Dr. L. E. Scarr, and Edward
Eschler of the Department of Public Instruc-
tion to discuss, I) Conservation Educa-
tion Coordinator 2) Curriculum guidelines,
3) Advisory Committee and 4) speech Con-
test.

Coordinator - - Dr. Scarr told that the
Public Instruction budget request includes
funds to fill the position of an Environ-
mental (Conservation) Education Coordinat-
or but it isn't likely to be funded by legis-
lature at this session. Montana law re-
quires that conservation be taught as an
integrated subject. However, much coordin-
ation and curriculum guidance is needed.
Grassroots support is needed.

Curricul urn Guide

The group was told

that Dr. Roy White and others are present-
ly formulating a curriculum guide designed
for grades 1-12. Mrs. Col burg has com-
mitted ,unds to this guide which may be
--inted this summer.

Resource People - - Resource people can
help. Teachers must know they can turn to

resource people. Resource people need to
know how they best fit in. There is a
limit to resource people and what they can
do. They need backing of School system be-
fore introducing outdoor classrooms, speech
contests, materials, etc.

Advisory Committee - - The idea of an ad-
visory committee to the Superintendent
of Public Instruction was talked to include
representation from school administrat-
ors, conservation agencies and organizations.
By this means, it was reasoned agencies and
organizations under some guidance and ap-
proval of the superintendent could pool
their resources so as to not all be send-
ing out the same material, etc., and dem-
onstrate further the need for a coordinat-
or. A fol low up to this was suggested
for March.

Communications - - Mr. Eschler suggested
the department could cooperate with dist-
ricts by announcing SWCD conservation act-
ivities such as teacher scholarships, speech
contests, films, etc., thru the department
newsletter "Montana
to all teachers.

Schools" which goes

Seminars - - were suggested as a possible
means of acquainting teachers, administra-
tors and others with Conservation Educa-
tion activities and methods. The unveil-
ing of the Curriculum guides would make
an excellent seminar subject this year.

Speech Contest - - After meeting with Dr.
Scarr and Ed Eschler, the group worked
out the details "of a statewide conser-
vation speech contest. The education Com-
mittee will be mailing a supply of mater-
ials to all districts in March which can
be used by the district to enter all high
schools in a district speech contest. Win-
ners of the district contest can advance
to the MASWCD Area contest at the A^ea
meetings in October; and the winners of
the area contests can advance to the state
speech contest to be held during the An-
nual meeting of Conservation Districts In
November. Cash prizes and trophies will
be arranged at each level.

The contestants must chose a subject
dealing with conservation of Natural
Resources. Each contestant will be limit-
ed to a 5 to 7 minute speech.

V

LITCHFIELD PARK, Arizona — Two award- winning conservationists, Walt Dion, (left)
and Paul Kuhr, Havre, Montana (right) receive a western-style welcome from A, E, Patter^^
farm tire sales manager. The Good Year Tire and Rubber Cbmpany.

Walt and Paul were guests of Goodyear at Goodyear Farms in Arizona In December 1970, as
representatives of the Hill Cbunty Soil 4 Water (k>nservation District. Hill County was
Montana's winner of the Goodyear Award, for I

MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF SOIL & WATER

CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
224 Mitchell Building - Helena , Montana

i^0^tzi '(/(K(/c ccp^^:

HCLC

:; , J •- I

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

measiuine

STATE DOCUMENTS

JUL 9 1971

c re s

MAY-JUNE 1971

S*:;;.

T /

>0

I

BOB ANDERSON - PRESIDENT SEZ

The forty-second legislature is
at a close as I prepare this statement.
It has been a long hard fight with some
wins and some losses. Our State Commit-
tee will be involved in reorganization
but will be retained in an advisory capa-
city. The budget for the next biennium
was increased approximately $30,000 over
last. The new IRange Program will absorb
most of this. However, It is hoped that
some coordination of jobs can produce
some economy and still yield the desir-
ed results.

It is more evident to me every day
that we simply are not getting our story
to the right people. We spend too much
time talking to our own kind apparent-
ly. Few legislators know the distinc-
tion between Soil Conservation Services
Districts, the Water Board etc. We must
do a better job. People must recognize
the environmental emphasis are our eff-
orts. Some can't seem to see the forest
for the trees.

NEW NAMES
"CONSERVATION COMMISSION"
"CONSERVATION DISTRICTS"

Montanans will be hearing and read-
ing about a new name applied to an old
agency of state government.

Effective July 1, 1971 the State
Soil Conservation Committee will be
known as the "State Conservation Comm-
ission" and the 58 Soil & Water Conser-
vation Districts which virtually includ-
es all of Montana within a district
change their name to "Conservation Dis-
tricts". This !» because the HB540 -
passed by the legislature changes the
name as well as changes the voting elig-
ibility to include all qualified elec-
tors within the district who may vote
for supervisor. Most important the
name Conservation District is indica-
tive of the broad scope and responsi-
bilities of the Conservation Commiss-
ion and the 58 Conservation Districts.
The one-time basically farm program
now is more involved in ecological fac-
tors affecting environment, land-use
planning, total natural resource devel-
opment, and conservation programs, both
urban and rura I .

Conservation Districts and the Con-
servation Commission will be a division
of the Department of Natural Resources
and Conservation under executive reorgan-
i zat i on ,

District programs under the name of
Soil and Water Conservation Districts
have resulted in yearly Investments of
over $12 million In conservation Improve-
r;wnts by land owners In recent years.

President Sez cont'd

Many of you were in Great Falls at
our area meeting. I regret that I was
unable to spend much time there but it
seemed to be a very interesting and well
planned affair. There were several pro-
gram changes at the last minute due to
conflicts. However, the overall pro-
gram was a credit to the Cascade Dis-
trict Board and NACD Officials.

Have a good summer and may your
crops be bountiful, whatever they may
be.

# # #

SHELBY WATERSHED DEDICATED

Dedication ceremonies were held
Saturday June 19, 1971 for the Shelby
Watershed and Lake Shel-Oole Park.
John Bayuk, city attorney and contr-
acting officer for the Shelby Water-
shed Project was master of ceremon-
ies.

Frank Schiedorn, Assistant State
Conservationist, SCS, was the main
speaker. Schiedorn commended the
Shelby people: "you people have shown
it can be done. The effect of this
project being completed can be seen
on your Main Street and in related
projects that have been completed be-
cause of the watershed". The Shelby
Watershed Project Is the first in
the state that has a campground in-
cluded with the project.

Other speakers included Rev.
Olaf Borge, Raymond Tomscheck, Chair-
man of Toole County Conservation Dis-
trict, and Bill Alvord, Montana Fish
and Game Department.

Hippie No. 1: "Vv'hy's your
flivver painted blue on one
side, and red on the other?"

Hinpie No. 2: "It's a
swell trick. You should hear
the witnesses contradicting
each other. "

Indignant wife, reading
completed income tax form:
"VThat's the big idea — char-
ging off my beauty treat-
ments as a total loss?"

LEWIS & CLARK COUNTY SWCD
WINS 1970 GOODYEAR AWAPO

The Lewis and Clark County Soil Con- 9
servatlon Olstrfct \s the first place win-
ner in the statewide competetion for the
annual Goodyear Conservation Awards.

The Winning district was selected by
a committee of conservation leaders on the
basis of its planning, leadership and ac-
complishments in resource development last
year. The contest, now in its 25th year,
is sponsored by the Goodyear Tire & Rub-
ber Company in cooperation with the Nation-
al Association of Conservation Districts
(NACD).

Eugene Donaldson, Helena, who was
named the district's outstanding land-
owner-cooperator, and a member of the dis-
trict's governing board will be guests of
the rubber company in December on a four-
day visit to the 10,000-acre Goodyear Farms
and the Wigwam, a desert resort, at Litch-
field Park, Ariz. The two men will join
the representatives of other first-place
districts throughout the nation for the
vacation-study tour.

The awards program, begun shortly*af-^P
ter the organization of NACD, provides re-
cognition for first and second place dis-
tricts and for the outstanding coopera-
tors of all competing districts in the 50
states and Puerto Rico.

Bitterroot Soil and Water Conserva-
tion District was named runnerup in the
Goodyear competition, with Edgar Wetzsteon,
Sula, selected as the outstanding cooper-
ator.

# # #

COMING EVENTS

4-H Conservation Camp: July 6-10, 1971

Beaver Creek Camp, HIM County Montana

Western States Soi I Conservation Committees,
Commissions, and Boards Meeting, West
Yellowstone, Sept. 19-21, 1971

State MACD Meeting: Oct 31, Nov. 1-2,1971
Florence Hotel, Missoula, Montana

Government Bureau: Where
the taxpayer's shirt is kept.

-2-

SUPERVISOR LEGISLATORS

The recently adjourned 1971 Montana Legislature boasted six Conservation Dist- -
rict Supervisors among its membership. Shown above are Representatives Pete Jackson,
Harrison; Everett Snortland, Conrad; Bradley Parrish, Lewistown; Leiand Schoonover,
Poison; Cecil Weeding, Jordan; Robert Anderson, Fort Benton. Past Supervisors in
the current legislature include Senators Gordon McGowan, Jim Moore, Cornie Thiessen,
George Siderius, and Representative Oscar Kvaalen.

WHAT IS CONSERVATION?

The following excerpts from an article by Dr. Firman E. Bear, Soil Science, Rutgers University,
New Brunswick, New Jersey, and charter member of the Soil Conservation Society of Amepica.

(Conservation is a way of life. It starts with man himself. It begins anew each day as he takes
his morning bath, shaves, and puts on a clean shirt. It induces him to keep his trousers pressed and his
shoes shined. It requires that he make himself presentable, first to himself, then to his family and
finally to his fellowmen. He aims to look and act his best. This is Conservation of Self Respect.

If he owns a home, the conservation-minded man keeps it painted and in good repair. He strives
for an attractive lawn that is free of weeds. He helps his wife in landscaping the premises and he
encourages her with her flowers. Everything is kept neat and clean about the premises. This is Conser-
vation of Home and Family.

\i'

If he is a farmer, he sees that something is made to grow wherever a bare spot appears. He

will not permit the development of gullies that grow ever larger on his farm. He grows his cultivated

crops on the contour, carries off the surplus water in sodded runways, and sows cover crops to protect

his land during the winter months. Rough land is seeded down to grass or planted to trees. This is

Conservation of Soil. ,„ *■ .,

(contmued)

Such a man takes the necessary measures to insure that as much as possible of the water that falls
as rain soaks into the soil. To this end, he leaves the crop refuse on top of the land wherever feasible
instead of plowing it under. He constructs a pond to store water for emergencies and to provide a
recreation center for his family and friends. He participates in activities of his soil conservation A
district in the building of up-stream dams for flood prevention and as a means of lessening the need for^
down-stream flood control. This is Conser\'ation of Water.

He enjoys the wooded areas, the rugged terrain on which they exist, the tall trees Oiat tower
above the surrounding cropland and the clear streams that flow through them. He works toward their
preservation and improvement. He plants more and better trees, and he protects them against damage
by animals and fire. This is Conservation of Forest Lands.

He is interested in wild animals, birds and fish, and he takes an active part in the development
of feeding grounds and sanctuaries to insure their presence in as great abundance and variety as local
conditions permit. He encourages his children and those of his neighbors to study the habits of these
creatures. And he does not abuse his hunting and fishing privileges. This is Conservation of Wildlife.

If he is a highway engineer, he sees to it that all erodible cuts are protected with vines or shrubs
or seeded down to grass. He thinks beyond the two winding strips of concrete that stretch from one great
city to the next. He seeks for landscaped space, beautification of the right-of-way, and control of water
runoff against possible damage to surrounding lands in times of heavy rains. "Diis is Conservation of
Public Property.

If he is a teacher, whether in the grades, the high school , flie college, the university, the pulpit^
or the theatre, he bends his energies toward aiding child and man In their quest for knowledge and
understanding. He endeavors first to know himself to the end that he can serve better in the uplift of
those whom he teaches. This is Conservation of the Mind.

iK

If he is engaged in research, he seeks to discover more about the universe, the Earth on wh:
he lives, and all the other entities with which man is directly or indirectly concerned. He seeks to
know more about the life that surrounds him, including himself. Bat he also seeks to know about the
phj'sical and spiritual needs of man. He might even consider research in terms of suitable means by
which population growth could be kept under better control. This is Conservation of Man Himself.

CONSERVATION IS A WAY OF THINKING. ..If soil conservation is this man's profession, his objective
is " the promotion and advancement of the science and art of good land use and management to the end

that conservation of soil and water and other related renewable natural resources cultivated crops,

livestock, grass, trees, fish, and wildlife — may be used and enjoyed by mankind forever^'. Such
conservation is fundamental to the continued welfare of the Nation.

Whatever the business or profession of any man may be, there is always need to apply the
principles of conservation to his field of endeavor. And there is abundant opportunity and great
obligation for him to do something constructive.

Conservation is not only a way of life, it is a way of thinking. And if enough people can be
brought to a conser\'ation way of thinking, this can be made and kept the most attractive ccmntry on the
face of the Earth. )

TALL WHEATGRASS BARRIERS
A New Tool for Moisture Conservation and Wind Erosion
Clayton Ogle, State Resource Conservationist

li'

Wind erosion remains a problem on
millions of acres of sandy soils on the
plains of Montana.

Agricultural research scientists
at USOA's Northern Plains Soil and Wat-
er Conservation Center at Sidney, since
1964, have experimentally used a double
row tall wheatgrass barrier to reduce
erosion and conserve moisture, A. R.
Black, Research Soil Scientist, found
the barriers effectively reduced wind
speeds for a distance of 8 to 12 barr-
ier heights. The barrier system com-
bined with stubbie mulch tillage and
annual cropping could eliminate wind
erosion. At seeding time each spring
a continuous cropped area with grass
barriers stored almost as much water
as the crop fallow area without barr-
iers with 30 foot barriers spacing.

The Tunis area of Chouteau Coun-
ty has about 12,000.* acres of highly
erodible sandy loam soils. Soils
have eroded under alternate crop fal-
low forming ridges of wind blown soil
up to six feet deep.

Chouteau County Conservation Dis-
trict supervisors worthing with District
Conservationist Oscar Pederson organ-
ized an intensive information program
last winter. Agricultural Research
Service, Soil Conservat.Ion Service
and Agricultural Stabilization and
Conservation Service informed land
owners in problem areas of research
results, establishment, techniques,
and farm program relationships. Dis-
trict supervisors pooled orders for
over 3000 pounds of tal I wheatgrass
seed from the Eiseman Seed Company.
The Company made the seed available
at wholesale prices as their input
to the erosion control effort.

Over 4000 acres of the problem
soils were seeded to barriers this
spring. Farmers plan to seed In ex-
cess of 1000 additional acres this
fa 11.

Martin Molinaric was elected chair-
man of the community erosion control or-
ganization. Molinaric, worthing with Ag-
ricultural f^search Service, Montana Ex-
periment Station, and Soil Conservation
Service scientists has worked out a four
year management plan on sixty acres.
Various treatments and rotations will be
evaluated.

Another 3000 acres of grass row barr-
iers have been planted In the HIghwood
bench area. The HIghwood area has a sal-
ine seep problem. Improved moisture con-
servation will allow the farm operators
to use more Intensive cropping systems to
avoid deep percolation of water during
fal low periods.

Large field application of the dou-
ble row barriers provides a study area to
help establish additional management
guidelines. Application of the practice
will hopefully provide more alternatives
for cropping systems while controlling
erosion on problem soils.

Grass Barriers Catch Snow
Prevent Soil Blowing

BLIND ENJOY

CONSERVATION

By Mrs.

H,

F.

Uhlrich

p

resident

Lad

"es

Auxi 1 iary

When we speak of Conservation Edu-
cation we are usually concerned with a
program that can be an integral part
of our public school curriculum. Aca-
demically we want to help our young
people become aware of their respons-
ibilities as conservationists and also
teach them what our environment is
like in its natural state.

At a time when it is popular to
become environmentally concerned, it
is interesting to know that several
state and federal agencies cooper-
ated in a project to help the sight-
less in our midst so that they too,
could enjoy the beauties of the world
about us.

Through the leadership of the
Montana Federation of Woman's Clubs
a Braille Nature Garden was estab-
lished.at the School for the Deaf
and Blind at Great Falls. The agen-
cies involved. The Soil Conservation
Service, The Cooperative Extension
Service and the Montana State For-
estry (Department were asked to pro-
vide soil surveys, planting recom-
mendations, and assistance in trans-
planting and establishing the vari-
ous materials.

The results of the extensive
planning became a reality this Arbor
Day when boys from the Swan River
Youth Camp under the direction of the
State Forestry Department placed the
first six descriptive stations on
the campus. On each pedestal, which

they also constructed, is mounted a met-
al placque with both the braille and reg-
ular script which describes the nearby
tree or shrub. These placques, prepared
by the personnel at the School for the
Blind, suggest that one can enjoy special
plant charactistics through senses not
usua I ly used.

Did you know some leaves feel smooth
on the top and fuzzy undernea+h?

Do you listen to the quaking leaves
of an aspin?

Do you notice the difference in the
aroma of some plants?

All these beauties of nature can best
be enjoyed when they are shared with others .•
This Braille Nature Garden will provide
this enjoyment as it continues to be de-
ve loped,

K it if

FISHING AND CLEAN WATERS
GET INCREASED ATTENTION

Cleaning up the waterways across Amer-
ica will get new emphasis in Scouting act-
ivities, as part of the decision by the
Boy Scouts of America, to make Project
SOAR a continuing Scout program.

The Project, designed to "Save Our
American Resources", was initiated this
year at the request of President Nixon.
He urged an education and action program
for improvement of the environment. The
response by the nation's 6 million Scouts
and leaders prompted a renewal of the pro-
gram for 1972.

Ted Rett it, BSA Conservation Direc-
tor, said a special advisory committee of
sportsmen and conservationists would be Ai
named to develop a complete program, but
that the effect of pollution on fish and
fishing, including aquatic biology, will
have a high rating In the educational part
of the effort.

The attack on pollution caused by
soil erosion in streams, rivers, lakes
and reservoirs will include projects to
stabilize banks by planting, grass, shrubs,
or trees or riprapping or development of
other structures.

Besides the positive action, ero-
sion control and the resulting pollu-
tion control projects. Scouting activ-
ity will incorporate programs of fun,
skill and conservation in the educa-
tional aspects. They will be patter-
ned after the Scouts "fish derbies",
designed to teach basic conservation
principles to the young people.

(This page sponsored by the Montana
Ladies Auxl I iary)

This fishing business is
really simple All you have to
do is get tht-re yesterday, when
the fish were biting.

DISTRICT DOINGS

MINERAL COUNTY SWCD - The Mineral County SWCD held their 25th annual Conservation
Tour May 7th with The Alberton, Superior and St. Regis Schools. It was Chairman
Charles Brockways llth tour with the Mineral County 8th grade students. He discussed
the Importance of water to Montana and Mineral County with the 75 students and 5
teachers. As in past years personnel from Extension Service, Forest Service, Mont-
ana Fish and Game and Department of Soil Conservation Service participated. The
Board of Supervisors provides a conservation plaque that goes to the school with the
highest score on an examination given at the last stop of the tour. This is a travel-
ing plaque to the school with the highest average score and after winning three years
Is retained by that school.

FERGUS COUNTY SWCD - Included in the 1971 worl< plan is activity on Resource Conser-
vation and Development. The District will inform and assist Interested persons, or-
ganizations, and public in general about the values of Resource Conservation and De-
velopment Programs. The Board of Supervisors appreciate the fact that such a prog-
ram can increase jobs and better the economy as well as develop the resources of the
area.

NACD

WILDER MELCHER

REGISTRATION

The National Association of Conservation Districts Northern Plains Area Meeting
held In Great Falls June 13-15 saw delegates from Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota,
South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana gather In the Rainbow Hotel to conduct a very in-
spiring meeting.

National President John Wilder of Somervllle, Tennessee, and Congressman John
Melcher were among the outstanding speakers who addressed the convention. While in
Montana John Wilder, who is also Lt. Governor of the State of Tennessee, addressed
Montana's Legislature and visited with Governor Forrest Anderson.

I if

-7-

RANGELAND RESOURCE PLAN

Montana's Conservation Commission will commence implementing a broad based Range-
land Resource Program in the new fiscal year. Sufficient funds have been earmarked by
the legislature to hire a coordinator and a part time clerk.

The Range Plan idea got its start in the Hill County Soil and Water Conservation
District and was further pursued and formulated by the State Soil Conservation Comm-
ittee in cooperation with livestock organizations, conservation organizations, state
and federal agencies, university personnel. Governor Anderson, the Legislature and
others.

The proposed plan gives status to the rangeland resources and recognizes its
many uses. Implementation of the plan is estimated to result in a potential increase
of $70 million a year to the economy.

Anyone interested in the job of Coordinator should contact 0. M. Ueland, Execu-
tive Secretary, Mitchell Building, Helena before July 8, 1971 at which time the Conrn-
ission will review and interview applicants.

The Coordinators qualifications will need to be unique tj accomplish the tasks
outlined in the plan. There are already many agencies and institutions staffed with
competent, professionally trained personnel to implement this proposal. It is not
the intent of the plan to have the coordinator supply technical or physical asslstano*,
but to act in the role of advisor, counselor and coordinator as per legislative lnt»nr
contained in HJR41 .

MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF SOIL & WATER

CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
224 Mitchell Building - Helena , Montana

i4e^t£4. y(yaA. cc^(^:

Non-profit Org.
U.S. Postage PD.

Permit No. 171
Suite, Montana

CIO" IT ST ATI L!3:iA.^iY
950 E LYilDALE

hile:ja (jo:jt 535ci

ureas lure

- STATE DOCUMENTS

MAY 6 1971

c re §

oovi**'

0. M. Ueland, Editor, Capitol Station, Helena, Montana

OFFICIAL NEWS BULLETIN

MARCH-APRIL-1971

BOB ANDERSON -

PRESIDENT SEZ

There are several items which I
wish to bring to your attention at this
time, the first of which is the matter
of State & National dues. I know that
many of you wonder how this money is
used and may question your investment
return. Briefly, your State and
National Associations provide a link
between individual districts and the
State and National governments. They
provide co-ordination, planning, I iason,
etc. in Helena and Washington. The
strength of organization must not be
underestimated. Since our State dues
were raised this past year, I indi-
cated that I would like each district
to pay at least last years schedule
to National. I further urge you to
do your best to meet all quotas. If
Tu really assess the value of NACD
,JRd your State Associations, I be-
lieve that you will find that you
are getting your money returned sev-
eral fold in programs (cont'd on pg. 2)

MONTANA ASSOCIATED UTILITIES
TO SPONSOR
STATE CONSERVATION SPEECH CONTEST

Yuqo Nayematsu, Chairman of the
Montana Association of Conservation Dis-
tricts Education Committee announces that
Montana Associated Utilities, a state-wide
assoiation of Montanas' rural electric
cooperatives, is cooperating with MASWCD
by providing $500. in college scholarships
to winners of a state high school speech
contest to be held in conjunction with the
Montana Association of Conservation Dis-
trict Annual meeting in Missoula November
1,1971.

Speech entry forms together with rules
and regulations have been mailed to all
districts. Nayematsu urges all district
supervisors to contact high school admin-
istratiors and speech teachers to distrib-
ute entry blanks and request and urge par-
ticipation in the contest. There is still
time to run district and area contests yet
this spring or fall prior to the state con-
test, but arrangements must be made imme-
d i ate I y .

This will be the first effort of the
Montana Association to conduct a statewide
conservation speech contest. Many other
states have done so very successfully. It
is a good means to get more conservation
education in the schools and to create a
greater public awareness of conservation,
natural resources and environment.

President Sez cont'd

A GOOD YEAR MEANS GOODYEAR -

and supporting services essential to
districts.

There will be an Area meeting in
Great Falls on June 13 to 15th at the
Rainbow Hotel. Supervisors from 6
states will be present. This is your
opportunity to see part of NACD in
action. All Supervisors are invited
and I would urge you to attend this
meeting, a grass-roots level segment
of NACD.

Lastly, I would like to remind
you districts that have watershed ap-
plications, or anticipate any, that
the Legislature will be considering
the State Committee budget again in
June. As we adjourned unfinished, the
l^atershed Planning segment of the bud-
get was set below the 70-71 level.
This would necessitate a slow-up in
planning which we can ill afford at
this time. I would urge you to con-
tact your legislators before June 7,
explain your situation, and seek their
support. Districts have retained a
strong position in state government
reorganization and receive a lot of
support if the programs are understood.
If you do your job, we will have no
difficulty in funding this segment
of the budget.

§ § t
LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Someone has suggested a "letter to
the Editor" section in Treasure Acres.
By all means let's hear from supervisors,
legislators, county commissioners, school
people, farm and conservation organiza-
tions, agency people, and many others of
the 1850 on the Treasure Acre mailing
list. Some of you must have strong feel-
ings about district activity, what we are
doing or not doing.

# # #
SOIL STEWARDSHIP WEEK PROCLAIMED

In a proclamation issued April 23rd
at Helena, Acting Governor Tom Judge pro-
claimed May 16-23, 1971 as Soil Steward-
ship week In Montana.

Everybody wins In the Goodyear Pro-
gram. Every district should participate. "^
Enter by sending a card to Sol I and Water
Conservation Awards Program, Goodyear Tire
and Rubber Co., Akron, Ohio 44316. Exam-
ine the score sheet. Start keeping rec-
ords of al I district activities so that
your report will tell the complete story.

§ » »

FARM AND RANCH
LEADERS MEET WITH
STATE SOIL CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

The State Soil Conservation Commit-
tee hosted leaders of Montana's major
farm and ranch organizations to a dinner
at Jorgenson's in Helena which was follow-
ed the next day by a work-shop type meet-
ing.

The purpose of the meeting was to get
expressions from these organizations as to
what the State Soil Conservation Committee
and Districts should be doing, how we can
help one another, and for an exchange of
information and Ideas.

Al I speakers seemed to express the
need to work together on the things they
can agree on, to pick out one or two per-
formance Items and show that agriculture
is united on some things — such items as
state range plan, taxation of agricultur-
al lands, use of pesticides, communica-
tions, were suggested.

Montana Woo I growers was represented
by Ed Smith of Dagmar, Montana, Cattle-
men's Association by Me I v in Schleslnger
of Ingomar, Montana, Farmers Union by
Clyde Jarvis of Great Falls, National Farm-
ers Organization by Leif Kapperud of Gild-
ford, Montana, Grain Growers Association
by Ray Lohr of Carter, Montana, State
Grange by Orin P. Kendall of Thompson Falls,
Montana, Potato Growers Association by
James J. Fleming, Jr. of Pablo, Montana,
Association of State Grazing Districts by
Bob Raundal of Helena, Society of Range
Management by Pete Jackson of Harrison,
Montana, Stockgrowers Association by
Norman Valdseth of Lennep, Montana and
Farm Bureau Federation by Stan Burger of
Bozeman.

Mrs. Lorraine Cervenka
Hobson Public School
Hobson, Mt.

CONQUERING OUR CONSERVATION PROBLEMS
BEGINS WITH OUR YOUTH

As teacher of the fifth grade in the
Hobson Public School, Hobson, Montana I
have, for the past eight years, Incorpor-
ated a concentrated study of conservation
in my classroom.

I realized the gaping hole In our
classroom science program when I was priv-
ileged to study conservation at Eastern
Montana College under Dr. Wilson Clark
during a summer session. The Judith
Basin Soil and Water Conservation Dis-
trict awarded me a seventy-five dollar
scholarship for taking this course and
it was truly one of the most helpful
courses I have been privileged to study.
I am glad it is one of the required
courses for persons planning a career
in elementary teaching.

Since I devote a large amount of
time to conservation, I will give a
few of the ways I carry out a conser-
vation project during a typical fifth
grade school year.

At the first of the school term
I introduce our conservation unit which
is a year- long project. The pupils com-
pile articles from current newspapers,
magazines, and pamphlets into notebooks
and each Friday Is "Conservation Day"
as each child reports on some article
that he or she feels is of special
importance or interest.

Bulletin boards are of special int-
erest and help keep our project an ever-
living current topic.

Parents, grandparents, and friends are
drawn into our project as they become in-
volved and interested by helping to find
current articles and information on the
conservation theme.

We are often fortunate in being able
to have an outside speaker to come and give
a talk on conservation and Its many fields
and phases.

Films are ordered which help in under-
standing the many problems and suggested
solutions of the conservation problems.

The culmination of our project Is the
job of making a diorama to depict a con-
servation Idea. These ideas include build-
ing dams to prevent floods, contour farm-
ing prevents erosion , overgrazing produces
poor animals, detergents pollute, prevent
forest fires, save wildlife, don't litter,
save lives by safe driving, don't pollute
streams by dumping wastes, air pollution,
and many, many more ideas. The children
look forward to making these dioramas and
then holding an open-house afternoon for
parents, friends, school friends, and in-
terested persons to view their projects.
Each child Is ready to explain his diorama,
answer questions, and truly looks forward
to "Open House". We later take the dior-
amas and notebooks to the fairs for exhib-
ition.

With the added emphasis on conserva-
tion, saving our world from being consumed
by carelessness, this concentrated effort
on the part of fifth graders is a good way
to help start such a big program. Just as
the big tree had Its start from a tiny
seed, I see that the solution to a big prob-
lem has its start in young persons of ten
and eleven years old learning early that
help has come from small beginnings.

It Is quite Impossible to tell you
how proud I am of each year's class and
watch the big grasp they have on a world-
wide pollution problem and to see how will-
ing they are to correct pollution problems
wherever they find them. It Is most grat-
ifying too, to find that parents, families,
and friends cooperate and help these young
people to find solutions to the many prob-
lems encountered In practicing conservation.

Every teacher, at any grade level, can
make a meaningful conservation study and
In this way create "living con ser vat I on Ism".

Teachers too, can take advantage of the
scholarships offered by organizations to
further their education and understanding of
conservation.

"SOIL AND WATER"
DROPPED FROM SWCD

House Bill 540 introduced by Rep-
resentatives Bob Anderson, Pete Jackson,
Cecil Weeding, Brad Parrish and Everett
Snortland passed by legislature and
signed by Governor Anderson, amends the
Montana SWCD law to provide:

(1) Changes name of "Soil and Water
Conservation District" to "Con-
servation District" and "State
Soil Conservation Committee to
"State Conservation Commission".

(2) Changes qualifications of voters
for election of supervisor, pe-
titions, and referendums from
"land occupier" to "qualified
elector" as defined in title 23,
R.C.M. 1947; changes qualifica-
tions of voters in forming pro-
ject areas from "freeholder" to
"qua! If led elector".

(3) Changes requirements to carry a
referendum for "organization of
a district" or impose land use
regulations from "65$ of votes
cast" to a "majority of votes
cast-'.

(4) Inclusion of cities and towns
within a conservation district
to be liable for tax assessments
on real property at same rates
as rest of district except that
cities and towns that voted into
a district prior to July 1, 1971
can by a majority vote of the
city council be excluded from
the district.

It is expected these changes of names
will better describe the function of Soil
and Water Conservation Districts as a lo-
cal agency of state government having broad
responsibilities and authorities in plan-
ning and developing all natural resources,
(soil, water, and related natural re-
source of primary concern to conserva-
tion districts). Developing and carrying
out programs of soil conservation requires
that programs of water conservation, grass
conservation, forestry, wildlife habitat,
and land use practices, be integrated in
the overall conservation district programs.

WORK-STUDY FUNDS
EXIST FOR MONTANA

It looks as though College Work-Study
funds will be seriously cut back for P4ont-
ana. Appropriations are pending in Cong-
ress but at a rate of funding the same as
at the start of the program. In the mean-
time many more states and schools have In-
creased the demand to be included in the
program and the same amount of money just
can't do the job. Montana did take ad-
vantage of the program at its start but
inasmuch as funds are allocated on a pop-
ulation basis funds for Montana are short.
Then the increased costs of employing peo-
ple causes fewer to be employed.

Conservation districts will be hurt
by not being able to employ these students.
This program made it possible for districts
to match their limited funds to employ
worthy competent help especially in low
income rural areas to get much extra con-
servation work done.

The bill to fund College Work-Study
is presently In the Senate. District sup-
ervisors should let Senators Mansfield and
Metcalf know of their concern for this ^
p rog ram .

# if f

MORE CITIES AND TOWNS VOTE
INTO CONSERVATION DISTRICTS

Eleven cities and towns voted favor-
ably in conjunction with their April 5
elections to be Included In conservation
Districts. Those voting favorable were
Deer Lodge, Poison, Choteau, Shelby, Kevin,
Bridger, Plentywood, Medicine Lake, Scobey,
Boulder and Whitehall. The towns of Out-
look and Sunburst both voted with 57$ vot-
ing in favor but 65$ is required. The
town of Fairfield was the only other town
voting. The voters there turned the ref-
erendun down decisively.

The people of these towns now will
have urban supervisors representing them
on the district boards, and thereby have
a voice in developing and carrying out
conservation programs at the local level
to include service to towns as well as ^
rural areas.

DISTRICT DOINGS

CASCADE SWCD - Freeholders within the
Sand Coulee Watershed voted 80 to 47
March 16, 1971 in favor of creating
a project area under the SWCD law for
the purpose of carrying out planning
and development for flood control and
related land use.

BITTERROOT RC&D - Secretary of Agricul-
ture Hardin has approved extension of
the Bitterroot Valley Resource Conser-
vation and Development Project to in-
clude Mineral County and that area of
Missoula County not originally includ-
ed in the project area. The addition-
al area is now eligible to receive plan-
ning and operations assistance under
the RC&D program.

BIG HORN SWCD - Schools In Wyola, Lodge
Grass, Crow Agency St. Xavier Mission,
Fort Smith, St. Charles Mission, Pryor
Public School, and Lame Deer School
were were presented conservation pro-
grams February 22-26 through the co-
. operation of the Land Operations
^Branch of the Bureau of Indian Affairs
and Indian Extension Service. The film
"Montana Acres", covering soils forma-
tion, growing seasons, and animal and
plant life, together with films on
range management, 4-H, etc. were shown.
354 students from the upper grades at-
tended and learned a great deal as
evidenced by their response.

COMING EVENTS

Soil Stewardship Week: May 16-23

MASWCD Directors Meeting: June 13, 1:00 PM
Rainbow Hotel, Great Falls, Montana

NACD Northern Plains Area Meeting: June 13-15
Rainbow Hotel, Great Falls, Montana

Soil Conservation Society of America
Montana Chapter June 26, 1971
SUB, College of Great Falls

4-H Conservation Camp: July 6-10, 1971

Beaver Creek Camp, Hill County, Montana

State MACD Meeting: Oct. 31, Nov. 1-2, 1971
Florence Hotel, Missoula, Montana

CHOUTEAU COUNTY SWCD - Letters from Mal-
colm Charlton, Area Manager for the Bur-
eau of Land Management, and M. W. Drazich,
Bureau of Reclamation, were read. Both
letters commended our annual work plan.

NORTH POWELL SWCD - A Bureau of Land Man-
agement representative will be invited to
the next meeting as several of the manage-
ment plans in this area concern B.L.M. land.

GARFIELD COUNTY SWCD - Coulter introduced
Mr. Leibinger and Mr. Lawrence of Burling-
ton-Northern Land Office to discuss farm-
ing and conservation practices on railroad
lands in Garfield County. Possibility of
Burlington-Northern becoming a district
cooperator was discussed.

PHILLIPS COUNTY SWCD - Otto Keith John-
son was selected as outstanding consei —
vat ion Farmer to be named at the annual
meeting. Dr. Curtis, Malta veterinarian,
agreed to be a speaker. Senator Good-
heart and Representative Perry have been
invited to be on the program.

SWEET GRASS COUNTY SWCD -

John Yost, right being presented with a
plaqje from Bob Brown lee for 10 years
service as a supervisor of Sweet Grass
County Soil & Water Conservation District:
- 1961 to 1971 -.

Soil Stewardship Week May 16-23.1971

Consider the Earth

It's the mountains and valleys, the forests and flowers;

It's the sky overhead, and summertime showers.
It's the storehouse of waters, the source of our food;

It's the fish and the sheep and the giant redwood.
It's the place of four seasons; it's day after night.

It's an empire of beauty. It is here there is life!

Who but the Lord could give sunshine and soil?

Who but He, give us oceans and oil?
Think of the atom, the wind and the rain.

Think of His gifts of colors and grain.
What price would you pay for the coo of a dove?

And how would you value a young mother's love?
Where but on Earth are there children and air?

Where but around us, a planet to share?

The earth is the Lord's, with riches unmeasured;

The home where we live, a world to be treasured.
We can spoil it, or keep it, as a land full fair

For we are His stewards; His earth is our care.

Consider the earth. Consider it well.

MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF SOIL & WATER

CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
224 Mitchell Building - Helena , Montana

i^e^wi yaa/c ccp^(^:

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

nO\'T ST.MZ ' I DHARY
930 E LVn,;LE
HELEi.'A MO.'IT 505CI

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SOIL t MATER
\C0NSIRVATIONi

Editor, Capitol Station, Helena, Montana

OFFICIAL NEWS BULLETIN

JULY-AUGUST 1971

^^m\

BOB ANDERSON - PRESIDENT SEZ

As I write this article I am fin-
ishing a very enjoyable week's vacation
spent at Swan Lake with my family.
After the pressure of the session this
winter and summer and the long hours
of ranch work, it is surely a pleasure
to just sit, relax, and count your
blessings. I hope each of you have a
chance to do likewise in the near
future.

I was asked by the Counci I of
Natural Resources to present testimony
regarding Senator Metcalf's Wild River
Bill. This affects the Missouri River
between Fort Benton and the Fred Robin-
son bridge. I believe that no associ-
ation, as a general rule, is opposed
to wi I derness declarations or any
other single use. My position at
Fort Benton favored development for
recreation at the present time, with-
in land capability, but no inter-
ference with other development,

(cont'd page 2)

PRIVATE LAND RESOURCES REVIEW

"Private Land Resources Review -
Land Use Planning" is the theme of
the annual meeting of the Western
States (Soil) Conservation Committees,
Commissions and Boards to be held at
the Stagecoach Inn, West Yellowstone,
Montana, September 19-21. This year's
meeting is being hosted by the Montana
Conservation O^mmission. Each year
delegates from the II western states
meet to exchange information and coor-
dinate efforts which will be helpful
in improving each states resource
conservation programs.

Increased pressures on the land
for a variety of uses and increased
concern by the public for a clean and
pleasing environment is cause for a
review of the Private Land Resources,
the area in which (Soil) Conservation
Commissiofis and Conservation Districts
have primary jurisdiction.

The program includes speakers from
each state appearing on panels dealing
with Basic Land Uses, Public Use of
Private Land, State Land Use Plans,
and Reaching for Public Understanding.

H. Wayne Pritchard, Executive
Director, Soil Conservation Society of
America from Ankeny, Iowa, will give
the keynote address. Private Land
Resource Review - A National Policy for
Land Use Planning. Francis T. Colbert,
Executive Secretary, Society for Range
Management, will be the final speaker
and will summarize Land Use Planning.

(cont'd page 2)

President Sez cont'd

MONTANA RANGELAND RESOURCE PROGRAM

agricultural or other, again within
the capability of the land. My
testimony was also entered into
Senator Moss's proceedings at Great
Fa I I s .

I spent a day in Missoula this
week planning our coming State Con-
vention October 31, November i and 2.
This will be held at the Florence
Hotel. The thene of our convention
this year is "Land Use Planning".
This has the sound of Zoning which
many of you will dislike, however
there is good and bad in everything
and this is what we need to talk
about and make some decisions.

We are endeavoring to make this
a convention in which each of you can
participate. Most of our time will
be spent in committee meetings and gen-
eral session where I want each and
everyone to have a chance to be heard.
Your association is at a crossroads,
we are either going to move ahead or
we w i I I die, there is no in between.
We have the talented leadership
throughout this State to do the job
we are assigned. We need only to
gather together, rally our forces,
and aim at a common goal.

I am looking forward to seeing
each of you at the various Area
meetings throughout the State this
October and at the State Convention
in Missoula October 31, November I
and 2.

# # #

Private Land Resources Review cont'd

Ted Schwinden, Montana Commis-
sioner of State Lands will give the
welcome address. Anyone interested
in the subject of Land Use Planning -
Private Land Resource Review is
cordially welcome to sit in on this
meeting.

The new State Range Program is
starting to move in a smooth steady
manner toward its full implementation
which will be approximately the first
of January.

It is vitally important that any
program that shows such promise should
be extremely cautious in starting out,
for hurried programs can make bad
mistakes very easily.

Persons who wish to contact the
program office, it is located in Room
421 on the fourth floor of the Mitchell
Building, Capitol Complex, Helena,
Montana 59601. The telephone number
is 449-2608, which is the number of
the State Conservation Commission.

It is our desire to discuss range
problems with everyone who has some-
thing to offer and especially sugges-
tions for work to be done by the
Coordinator.

The true strength of the program
is participation by people at all
levels of government, industry, and
the general public. One word of
caution, the program coordinator is
not a technician, or should the
coordinator attempt to supply this
type of assistance, for Montana is
blessed with many fine capable people
to handle this part of the Range
Management work. On the other hand
for example, should you have a project
you wish to see started let us know
and we will be happy to work with
you to see if it is practical, and
then make every effort to gain its
implementation.

There are copies of the Program
at the office, so should you wish a
copy feel free to ask. The number
is limited but it is our intention
to have a second edition printed
In the near future so that every-
one interested can obtain one.

Conservation is the preservation of the maximum freedom of choice for future generation*"

BACK TO SCHOOL ~ BACK CONSERVATION

By Mrs. H. F. Uhlrich
President Ladies Auxiliary

Now is the time for all good
ladies to come to the aid of their
conservation-minded husbands. Al-
though some of us live where there
is no organized district auxiliary,
we are automatically eligible to
be auxiliary members and should feel
a sense of obligation to help when
needed. Since it has been our aim
as a group to promote conservation
education, it would seem most timely
that we offer to help our husbands
plan their next meeting this fall —
and be their guests'. With their
permission, why not arrange to invite
the county superintendent, school
superintendent, or administrator
to come and discuss conservation
education in the schools? The
supervisors could suggest the
materials and services that could be
supplied through the districts, some
of which might be:

I

2.

3.

4.

Conservation, Natural Resource
and Environmental reference
materials and books in the
school and public libraries.
(Provide a list of basic
periodicals and books that
coul d be obtai ned. )
Sponsor essay contests, speech
contests, etc. in school on
conservation projects.
Sponsor teacher workshops.
Sponsor student workshops.

tours and camps to teach
conservation .

5. Provide curriculum guides to
schools for teachers to use.
Examples are "People and Their
Environment Curriculum Guides
for Teachers, Grades I through
12", which can be ordered from
the J. G. Ferguson Company, 6
North Michigan Avenue, Chicago,
Illinois 60602. Also, a new
Environmental Curriculum is
currently being tested by the
Department of Public Instruction
and is expected to be available
this fal I .

6. Soil Conservation Society of
America (SCSA) Educational
Cartoon Booklets for distribu-
tion to students:

a. The Story of Land

b. The Wonder of Water

c. Food and the Land

d. Working Together for a
Livable Land

e. Help Keep our Land
Beautiful

f. Making a Home for Wild-
life on the Land

g. Dennis the Menace and Dirt

7. Acquire land for establishment
of an outdoor Conservation
Laboratory .

8. Scholarships for teachers to
attend col lege to take con-
servation education courses
qualifying them for conser-
vation teaching.

9. Slide series with audio
commentary, "Quality Life and
Environment", available through
the local Soi I Conservation
Service office.

How about it gals? Now that your
husband has referred this little mes-
sage to you, show him that you, too,
are interested in conservation and
would like to be a part of this back-
to-school meeting — and ultimately be
a part of having achieved better
conservation education through even
one of the above ^uv^nested methods.

(This page sponsored ^v the Montana
Ladies Auxi I iary )

PROPER LAND USE

by A. B. Linford
SCS, Montana

One of the most pressing conser-
vation issues of today is the deter-
mination of and effecting proper land
use. Too many decisions on land use
are made on the basis of short term
benefits or economic conditions which
are not always in the best long time
interest of the environment or of
peop I e .

Much has been said about a land
use policy for the United States.

In 1948, the Soil Conservation
Society of America, a professional
organization, adopted a land use policy.
At that time, and since, many attempts
have been made to develop a land use
policy for the country. Whether or
not we have such a policy anywhere in
the United States is a moot question.

We are indebted to James D. Strange,
Associate Director of the Forest Serv-
ice, Atlanta, for his comments on a
Land Use Policy. Some of the points
he brought out are worth repeating
here — he says, "Every American
should frequently look at the land
that sustains him at the highest
standard In the world, consider its
bountious beauty, and ask what is
my duty or that of my country to act
to conserve and wisely use this land
which provides me with such riches.
This obligation cannot be passed on
to others."

"This country was formed by
people seeking a land where they
could settle and make their living
without interference from others.
"Most of the Nation's land was
acquired as public domain vaster
and richer than ever possessed by
any other nation. In its enti'-ety
this public domain embraced one
billion three hundred million acres,
acquired by conquest, cession,
purchase and outright occupation.
Within less than a century and a half
it had all been disposed of — set-
tled and farmed, devoted to grazing
use, logged over and mined or set
aside into national reserves. . .early
statesmen held that the public domain
should constitute a source of national
revenue through the gradual sale of
land... later it was held that settle-
ment and cultivation of the public
domain under the Homestead Act were
the true means of increasing wealth
and the national income. Thus by
sale, homesteading, and grants most of
the productive public domain found its
way Into private ownership."

"By 1900, the majority of the
nation's land was in farms. We were
an agriculturally orientated nation.
Our success In settling, clearing,
and cultivating the land, coupled with
its rich yields, has developed a
society and a type of citizen unique
In our short history. Look back to
about 1925 and consider an average
American living In a small community
in rural America — the man grew and
harvested his own needs for food; he
gathered and stored his fuel for the
winter; he had recognition and knew
his community's people; he sold his
surplus to meet his simple needs."

That was less than fifty years
ago before the dust bowl became a
reality, before crop adjustments and
allotments, and before the advent of
technology which permitted agriculture
in this country to produce far in
excess of our national needs. When we
reflect on these programs we can see
that the major thrust was economic
and limited attention was devoted to
a national policy for land use.

We are confronted with the fact
that land Is limited here on earth
"moon landings not withstanding".
We can shift or adjust land use by
devoting more acres to crops, to
grass or trees or highways or urban
areas, but we cannot materially in-
crease the amount. As demands on
land increase, we can and do Increase
the intensity of management with
drainage. Irrigation, fertilizer, or
cultural practices.

We must recognize the effects of
law, use taxes, zoning incentives,
occupation, and transfers of tenure
rights, and limitations on land use.

President Nixon, in speaking of
population growth and pressures on
land use said:

"Throughout the nation there is
a critical need for more effective
land use planning, for better controls
over the use of land and the living
systems that depend on It. Through-
out our history, our greatest resource
has been the land - forests and
plains, mountains and marshlands,
rivers and lakes. Our land has
sustained us. It has given us a
love of freedom, a sense of security,
and courage to test the unknown."

"We have treated our land as If
it were a limitless resource. Tradi-
tionally, Americans have felt that
what they do with their own land Is
their own business. This attitude
has been a natural outgrowth of the
pioneer spirit. Today we are coining

-4-

to realize that our land Is finite,
while our population is growing.
The uses to which our generation
puts the land can either expand or
seriously limit the choices our
children will have. The time has
come when we must accept the idea
that none of us has a right to
abuse the land, and that on the
contrary society as a whole has a
legitimate Interest in proper
land use. There is a national
interest in effective land use
planning all across the nation."

Recently, several attempts have
been made at the national level to
Introduce legislation establishing
National Land Use Policy. One such
proposal by Senator Jackson of the
State of Washington attempts to do
just that. His proposal states in
part:

"...while the primary respon-
sibility and constitutional authority
for land use planning authority for
land use planning and management of
nonfederal lands rests with state and
local governments under our system.
It is increasingly evident that the
manner in which this responsibility is
exercised has a fremendous influence
upon the utility, the value, and the
future of public domain lands, the
national parks, forests, seashores,
recreation and wiJderness areas, and
other federal lands; that the interest
of the public in state and local
decisions affecting these areas
extends to the citizens of all states;
and that the failure to plan and, in
some cases, poor land use planning at
the state and local level pose
serious problems of broad, national,
regional and public concern and often
result in irreparable damage to
commonly owned assets of great
national importance..."

This appears to be an attempt to
substitute federal action for the
vacuum that exists locally In land use
planning. Some provisions in Senator
Jackson's proposal calls for compre-
hensive land use planning on a state
basts.

Most states in the Union have now
passed enabling legislation which per-
mits zoning for land use although such
zoning Is quite limited in practice as
of this writing.

Citizens of Montana have the
authority through local government to
plan for and decide the best use of
land and related resources to meet
their needs and those of the land.

Some important points to consider
In land use planning appear to be
va 1 1 d :

1. Planning should be based on land
capability with adequate soils
survey and inventory information.

2. Plans should prepare for orderly
growth and prudent use of the
land.

3. Our best agricultural lands should
be reserved for food production.

4. The concept of multiple use of
land as contrasted to single
purpose use should be considered
to the greatest extent possible.

5. Lands economically unsuitable
for crop and timber production
should be converted to a less
intensive use.

6. Consideration of various grant-
in-aid tax credit and cost-
share programs including appro-
priate incentives to prevent
damage and pollution of land-
scapes, soil, air, and water,

7. Private and public lands should
be used and conserved in a
system where protection of either
does not jeopardize the other
through over use or erosion.

8. A continuing program of
scientific study, research,
efficient use, in balance with
present and future needs is
essential to good planning.
The needs for economic growth,
social welfare and a quality
environment should be kept in
mind.

9. Because we are affluent we
have the opportunity to plan
for and give order to the use
of our land and its related
resources of air and water

to provide maximum benefit
to people and other inhabitants
of the land. City and county
planning commissioners have
much to gain from cooperation
with conservation districts.
Conservation districts have a
ioog history of land use
planning based on sound in-
ventory data. They have
access to sound technical
assistance. They can involve
people of diverse points of
view In land use planning. They
know the value of conmunlty effort
in comprehensive planning. They
have seen the results of land
abuse where land treatment was
inadequate. They have access to
resources needed to Imp lenient
land use plans.

-5-

CONSERVATION AND YOU

Audrey Tronrud, winner of the
Sweet Grass Conservation District
essay conte5+ on Conservation,
attended the State 4-H Conservation
Camp at Havre. Following is Audrey's
winning essay:

Conservation means using and man-
aging our natural resources to an ad-
vantage for everything. People, ani-
mals, and plants depend on our natural
resources.

All the natural resources tie in
together. Man and animals depend on
the grasslands, water is essential for
the grass to grow, and the grasses live
and grow in rich soil.

Animals and wildlife eat grass or
other animals which eat grass. Grass
is the world's largest crop. So grass
and grasslands are very important to
conservation and you.

Water is very important but it
causes a lot of problems. There are
cloudbursts and droughts but through
all these problems nothing can survive
without water. The fish live in it,
the wildlife drink it, plants and
forests need it to grow, and man needs
it for many purposes. Water covers
three-fourths of the world's area.

Forests provide shelter for wild-
life, and lumber for homes and build-
ings for man. Forests also help
regulate water flow. Forest lands
cover one-third of our Nation's
land area.

Wildlife is demanded upon as food,
recreation, and industrial products.
It is not likely that these demands will
decrease. Wildlife plays an important
part in the national economy.

Most fish and wildlife management
is left up to the State however private
land owners properties provide more than
eighty percent of the small game and
birds.

Much is being done in manage-
ment and research of wildlife. The
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service con-
trols over twenty-eight million acres
of ranges and refuges. It also oper-
ates sixty research stations. The
government is doing a lot to protect,
manage and use wildlife to an advan-
tage, but the citizens and land owners
of America must do more; our natural
resources depend on it.

There are about four hundred
fifty million acres used for crop-
lands now. Soil is very important.
Without good, rich soil food can't
be grown, and wildlife can't live.

Most of the minerals needed for
rich soil are readily available and
the elements which are lacking can
be replaced to build up the soil.
The farmers and ranchers need to know
how to use the land and what con-
servation practices will protect it
while in that use. Without this
information the soil will soon lose
its ferti I ity .

Water can help farm soil but
it can also erode the soil. Conser-
vation has to control the water so
that it helps instead of hinders
growth. Without soil, civilization
as we know it would cease to exist.

Conservation is everyone's
responsibility. You owe it to your-
self to help conserve our natural
resources Our success and welfare
depend on the ways we use and manage
our natural resources. The existence
of everything depends on conservation.

As thp story goes, after the
draion finished eating Sir
Ijncolot, lie remarked: "Tender
is the knight."

Somr- tasks liave to be put
off dozens of times before they
slip your mind.

-6-

JOBS FOR UNEMPLOYED

The Emergency Employment Act recently passed by Congress is expected to
provide $4 million to Montana. County Commissioners have received initial
funding. Montana Conservation Districts have indicated they have need for and
could employ 165 persons in various jobs under this program. A bottleneck is
developing however, in the districts must apply to the County Commissioners, and
County Commissioners are reluctant to give priority to prospective district
employees. The Montana Employment Service is the Administrator of the program
for the Department of Labor in Montana.

# # #

NEW ADDRESS -- CONSERVATION COMMISSION MOVES

The Montana State Conservation Commission office (formerly State Soli
Conservation Committee) has moved to new space on the fourth floor of the
Mitchell Building in Helena. The new address is Room 422, Mitchell Building,
Helena. The Commission also announces the employment of a new Administrative
Assistant, Jeanne Baluka, who started work August 2, 1971.

# # #

DATES TO REMEMBER

Western States (Soil) Conservation (kjmmission Annual Meeting

Stagecoach Inn, West Yellowstone, Montana

September 19-21, 1971

MACD Area Meetings

Area

VI

Three Forks

October 4

Lewis and Clark CD

Area

V

Po 1 son

October 5

Lake CD, Host

Area

III

Cut Bank

October 6

Glacier CD. Host

Area

1

Malta

October 7

Fergus CD. Host

Area

IV

Bi 1 1 ings

October 8

Rosebud CD. Host

Area

1 i

Wi baux

October 8

Wibaux CD. Host

Host

Montana Water Development Association
Yogo Inn, Lewistown — October 13-15, 1971

Montana Association Conservation Districts

Florence Hotel, Missoula

October 31, November 1-2, 1971

DISTRICT DOINGS

Flathead CD - The Montana Association of Conservation Districts and
Associated Utilities Cooperative Conservation Speech Contest was considered.
Wes Roath volunteered to contact schools in the Big Fork system. Merle Lyda will
contact Flathead High School, Herb Koenig will contact Whiteflsh School officials,
and Jay Penny will dontact Columbia Falls school officials.

Treasure County CD - Beckers showed some excellent slides on good environment
and gave a talk on each as it was shown.

Phi I I ips CD - Herman Uhlrich commented on the SCS budget for fiscal year 1972
and intermittent employment. He reviewed the general program of the Water Bank
Bll I.

Gal latin Val ley CD - A public hearing on proposed zoning regulations for the
Bridger Canyon zoning district has been scheduled for July 29. The purpose of the
meeting will be for adoption of proposed ordinances for the district and to consider
creation of a development pattern. The proposed regulations are on file at the
City-County Planning Office.

North Custer CD - Jack Kanalz, Area Conservationist, met with the board to
discuss the need for long range planning in relation to District long range goals.
Also discussed was rural zoning, pointing out the needs for the district to be
involved in cietermining land use policy.

Carbon CD - Hyem and Brunsvold discussed their participation in August 2
meeting of the Red Lodge - Carbon County Planning Board. Mrs. Kuhlman also
attended. Brunsvold presented a program using overlays to demonstrate how soil
surveys can be interpreted for land use planning. The Planning Board adopted a
policy of asking each land developer presenting preliminary plats to contact the
SCS office and secure soil interpretations. These would become a part of their
plats. Qualified electors residing In the towns of Fromberg and Red Lodge will
be voting September 14 whether or not their towns should be added to the Carbon
Conservation District. Grass Range voters in Fergus county also will be con-
sidering a like proposition.

Toole County CD - The Goodyear Award material has been received. Herb
Karst was appointed by the chairman as head of the program. — State certification
was filed with the Clerk & Recorder for the Inclusion of Kevin and Sheltry Into
the Toole County Conservation District.

MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF SOIL & WATER
CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
422 Mitchell Building Helena, Montana

Hi

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

Wi yaa/c ccpy(^:

LV

'"0"' 1

55 3CI

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ne-asume

' ' ' '"■ -■To

NOV 3 )S7I

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/«/sOIL I WATERI

IsIconscrvationI^

0. M. Ueland, Editor, Capitol Station, Helena, Montana

OFFICIAL NEWS BULLETIN

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1971

BOB ANDERSON - PRESIDENT SEZ

The month of October is slipping by and
election time will soon be upon us. Voter
turn out at the primaries ti7as certainly a
disappointment but perhaps the sales in-
come tax issue will bring a better turn
out in November. It seems to me that
those x7ho fail to exercise their votinp
privileges are not reallv entitled to
complain too much about results . Our
State Convention will conflict somewhat
with the election, so bv all means cast
your absentee ballot if necessarv.

Many of your Constitutional Convention
Candidates are having to campaign in
extremely large areas, making individual
contacts almost Impossible. A little
r^B'arch on your part will probably give
you a better evaluation and a hand shake
anyway, so pick vour delegates carefully
and again, don't fail to vote.

(cont'd page 2)

CONSERVATION DISTRICT SUPERVISORS
READY FOR ANNUAL MEETING

Conservation District leaders from through-
out the state will meet in Missoula,
October 31 - November 2 for the 30th
Annual Convention of the Montana Associa-
tion of (Soil and Water) Conservation
Districts. The theme of the convention
will be "Land Use Planning",

ROY PECK

Keynote Speaker at the luncheon, Monday,
November 1, will be Roy Peck, Chairman of
the Natural Resources Council, Federation
of Rocky Mountain States, Riverton,

V'yoming .

In addition to the keynote address, high-
lights of the convention will be Soil
Stewardship Vesper Services Sunday evening;
a panel on 'Land Use Planning" Hondav
morning featuring Hal Price, Senior
Planner from the Montana Department of
Planning and Economic Development,

(cont'd page 2)

President Sez cont'd

The various Area Meetings throughout the
state \;hich were held earlier this month
were a complete success. It is certainly
a pleasure to meet with dedicated people
who recognize their jobs and are proceed-
ing. Meetings such as these produce new
ideas, methods etc., and they are the
backbone of your Association. I hope that
each of you had a chance to be heard and
will follow-up with ideas at the State
Convention.

Our conventions produce the resolutions
that guide your Association throughout
the year. U'e will be talking about dues,
land use planning. Plant Materials Center
etc. — all important subjects. Inject
your ideas at the convention and again,
don't forget to vote.

// # # // //

Annual Meeting cont'd

Representative Norris Nichols , farmer-
rancher from Stevensville . Representative
Pete Jackson, rancher from Harrison rep-
resenting the Society for Range Management,
Ave Linford, Soil Conservation Service
State Conservationist from Bozeraan repre-
senting the Soil Conservation Society of
America, Bruce Bugbee of I'!issoula repre-
senting the Regional Planning Association
of Western Montana: Committee Meetings
Monday afternoon; and an Av.'ards Banquet
Monday night.

The meeting will conclude with a luncheon
Tuesday noon to feature the finals of the
First Annual Conservation Speech Contest
sponsored jointly by the Conservation
Districts Association and the Montana
Associated Utilities.

President Bob Anderson and the Directors
of the Association have a full agenda of
items needing attention at the committee
meetings and business sessions.

President Mrs. H. F. Ulilrich of the Ladies
Auxiliary will have as their special guest,
Mrs. Earl McClellan, N.\CD Auxiliary
President from Idaho.

PLANMINC,

THEME FOR TODAY'S WORLD

(.

In todays fast-moving complex world vjith
our many problems, everything reauires
planning. A successful project is the
end result of planning. A trip to the
grocery store requires planning to deter-
mine items needed, where the best bargains
are and how much the goods will cost. A
fishing trip without planning usually
ends being just that ... A trip vith no
catch I Although careful planning will
not necessarily make the fish bite, it
will prepare a person to increase his
chances of catching fish. Likewise,
planning determines whether or not a
program is a success.

Plannine cannot be a 'hit and miss" or
"'bv guess and by gosh'' proposition. It
requires considerable thought. The
questions of "who, what, when, where,
whv and how'' need to be answered. To
solve a problem, a plan needs to be
developed, information gathered, alterna-
tives evaluated, priorities set, and
action taken.

If districts are to be effective in theii
role as local units of government having
authority of conserving natural resources,
long range resource planning is a must.
With the rapid multiplication of our
population, demands on resources are
exceeding their development. Therefore,
Conservation Districts must set Long
Range Total Resource Development Planning
at the top of their priority list.

Nov that Montana is completely organized
into 12 multi-county planning districts,
planning will be a must if districts,
counties, and municipalities are to
share in state and federal funds for
improvement. Lets plan our district
program wisely I

# // # it

A wife is a woman who
stands by her husband through
all the troubles he wouldn't
have if he were single.

t (

- 2

MONTANA CONSERVATION COMMISSION HOSTS UESTEFJ'I STATES MEETINC,

A good turnout from all of the Eleven
Western States attended the Eighth Annual
Meeting of their States (Soil) Conserva-
tion Committees, Commissions and Boards,
hosted this year by the Montana Conserva-
tion Commission at West Yellowstone,
September 19-21.

Excellent papers were given on a variety
of subjects dealing with land use plan-
ning. Perhaps one striking comment that
poses a challenge for Conservation Districts
was made by a VJyoming delegate who ex-
plained, if land use planning is going to
be done, districts are going to have to
do it.

The states of Washington, Oregon, Calif-
ornia, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Colo-
rado, Utah, Idaho, VJyoming and Montana
each spent much time in preparing for this
conference. The presentations were so
outstanding in the minds of tlie conferees,
it was decided proceedings should be pub-

^lished and .^tiven wide dissemination by each
of the states. Strong empliasis was given
that much exchange of information and
publicity should be given on the subject
of land use planning, and big league"'
measures instituted to do this it was
asserted.

Wayne Pritchard, Executive Secretary,
SCSA, Ankeny, Iov;a, talks about land
use policy in his Keynote Address.

Bob Baum, KACD Prograi.; Advisor, Pacific
Area, sun'marizes his thoughts on land
use planninn.

# /' // /' Ji ii # /' ii it

ENVIRONI-IENTAL FILM SERVICE ANNOUNCED

Establishment of a new environmental film service began operation Thursday,
September 13, 1971 it was announced by officials of the National Association
of Conservation Districts (NACD) at League City, Texas.

Nearly two thousand prints of films of 154 different titles have been acquired
to be loaned on a nominal service charge basis to conservation districts, schools,
colleges, universities, TV stations, civic clubs, and otlier groups concerned about
environmental matters. The goal of the NACD Environmental Film Service is to
provide a national center of visual aids for furthering environmental education.

The films, now the core of the center, were granted to NACD by the USDA Soil
Conservation Service (SCS) , following a shut do^vn of four regional films centers.
NACD has added facilities for reviewing, inspecting, repairing, and rejuvenation
of prints.

Free catalogs of the preliminary holdings are available from the NACD Environmental
Film Service, P. 0. Box 855, League City, Texas 77573.

3 -

AREA MEETINGS ARE WELL ATTENDED

r

The six Area Meetings of the Montana Assoc-
iation of Conservation Districts which
v/ere held at Tliree Forks, Poison, Cut Bank,
Malta, Wibaux, and Billings were very well
attended. A major topic of discussion was
land use planning.

Typical of the many speakers was a pre-
sentation at Billings by V7ally McRae, a
rancher from Colstrip and Director of the
Montana Stock Growers Association. He
spoke constructively that it is inevitable
that we are going to get changes in land
use that we don't like, but good planning
V7ill lessen the bad effects. He used to
fight strip miners but has changed his
opinion that it is better to work with
them to get as much good accomplished as
possible. McRae issued challenges to the
fact that we are going to have more land
use planning and don't have any other
good choice.

Helmer Holje, Director of the Montana
Joint University Water Research Center,
speaking at Malta told of the need by
water users to establish rights. "Legal
water rights are not really very sound",
he said. There won't be definite proof
of use which means it is very important
to keep a record of use to substantiate
even decreed rights if someone really
wanted to contest beneficial use.

Ave Linford and Amos Garrison in relating
the Soil Conservation Service report,
told of budgets that are suffij^ient to
hire more people, but can't be done

because of the current freeze on wages
and prices. The subject of revenue shar-
ing is temporarily suspended but is a
probability in the future. District
contributions for technical services for
last year amounted to $89,000, and $120,000
is planned for next year. They emphasized
that districts need to get involved in
county-wide land use planning. Many
districts have been involved. The SCS now
has a Type IV Study authorized for the
Clark Fork of the Columbia in addition to
the Clark Fork of the Yellowstone. SCS
has recently begun a Flood Plain Study
of the Bozeman area in cooperation with
the Montana Water Resources Board.

Bob Anderson, Association President, and
A. G. Slattery, Association Vice President,
told of the purchase of a building from
the Carbon Conservation District for the
Plant Materials Center and suggested an
$80 assessment per district to pay for
this. Association legislative activity
Included meetings with the Montana delega-
tion in Washington, D. C. '

Amos Garrison told of SCS involvement
changing their role from planning exclusive-
ly with individuals to groups and units
of government. Broad planning serves
more people, has far reaching effects and
considers environment. Only 4*2% of the
population is actively engaged in agri-
culture. By giving service to all of
society, this has the effect of strength-
ening agriculture.

# // // // // // // //

Me need to be more imaginative and more far-thinking if we are to
achieve our objectives; to provide more natural resources to meet
society's needs; to protect man's health, safety and welfare, and
to preserve and improve the environment. The balance between
these thre<? goals is delicate; the relationship intricate; the
needs ever-changing. That is the nature of our challenge.

John G. McLean, President
Continental Oil Company

-4-

FIELD LAB DEDICATED TO USE

^|s the primary user, the Circle Schools
■^wlll administer the facility and program
its use and maintenance with technical
assistance provided by the Soil Conserva-
tion Service when requested.

m

McCone Conservation District Supervisor,
Stan Robbins, speaks at dedication

^^reraonies for Earth Science Field

^Rboratory .

Circle High School Principal Robert
McDonald dedicated the new Earth Sciences
Field Laboratory to "Use". It is to be
used by "anyone interested in using it —
the young or only the young in spirit",
according to McDonald. He also told the
guests and students the lab is there to
enable them to study the earth sciences
first hand; to get more from their classes
than what is found in textbooks .

The land was donated by the County
Commissioners on behalf of the residents
of the county. McCone Conservation
District Supervisors agreed to provide
publicity and information concerning its
use and donated study guides for teachers
in the Circle Schools to use in relation
to the lab .

// ff a #

^^lution is one of those things that
everybody talks about and everybody
does something about — like

contributing to it.

CONSERVATION CA'^IP - by Rosanne Gross

The 25th Annual 4-H Conservation Camp
was held July 6-10 at Camp Kiwanis, south
of Havre. Delegates attended from 37
counties. The camp lias a beautiful
setting and is part of the Beaver Creek
Recreation ^rea.

Five workshops were presented. One in
Wildlife, Recreation Area Management,
Plants and Man, Soils and Range Manage-
ment. Each person selected the area they
wanted to learn about and spent some 18
hours in this specialized field. I was
enrolled in the workshop Recreation Area
Management. I learned box-; to identify
plants which is an essential steo in
recreation planning and planting. T-Je
gathered many of our local plants,
discussed them, and learned to use a plant
identification key. I learned how to
graft and bud; a technique used for in-
creasing the number of plants. We tried
our hand at grafting and planted the
results of our efforts for future recrea-
tion groups to study.

To measure man's influence on the ecology,
we inventoried undisturbed spots, areas
under automobile use and places where
human feet have trampled. Ground cover
conservation is a major recreation maint-
enance problem.

The last afternoon of camp we had a
chance to show the rest of the campers
what we learned in our workshop about
plant identification.

They have a beautiful pool at camp and
many of us took the advantage of the pool
as it got real warm on the last two days
of camp. Everybody seemed to like to
play volley ball and it took up most of
the spare time when classes and evening
programs were not in session. Meal time
was a pleasant time. At each meal we had
entertainment and sang songs which were
generally led by the return campers.

The camp was enjoyable and fun. I hope
more boys and girls will attend.

# // // //

(This page sponsored by the Montana
Ladies Auxiliary)

- 5 -

? CAN YOU ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS ?

1. Why the concern for land use planning? Who should be concerned? Land
decisions, who is responsible?

2. What does "land use" planning involve?

3. IVhat is comprehensive land use planning?

4. How can plans be made comprehensive? Who should do it?

5. What is land use policy? What should be the role of federal government?
Of state government? Of local government?

6. How can land use plans be implemented? What kind of laws, rules and
regulations are needed? What laws or regulations are in effect now?

7. How can best agricultural lands be reserved for food production?

8. Should Conservation Districts become actively involved in county-wide
planning?

9. Should Conservation Districts take an active stance on implementing
comprehensive plans such as flood plain zoning?

10. How do you feel about SCS technicians spending time working with
planning commissions, municipalities, etc. to assist with comprehensive
land use planning?

11. Do you think that Montana needs a broad land use policy covering
private lands to include all natural resources?

12. Should there be more stringent laws governing land use?

13. Do you think private land owners have the right to use their land as they
see fit, even though it may be detrimental to his neighbors?

lA, Is this a Problem? More and more districts in areas where urbanization

is taking place are furnishinp local governments with evaluations regarding
development potentials. They point out limitations and capabilities of
soils and resource areas for agriculture, residential construction, high-
way construction, commercial development, open space, recreation, and
other land uses.

In some communities, local officials also renuest assessments from the
district of the overall Impact of proposed developments on the area's
natural resources.

The potential problem arises when developers themselves make application
to the district for technical assistance in planning conservation work on
their properties — sometimes Involving whole new planned communities.
Ts there any conflict of interest involved In the district servicing these
t'-.'o types of cooperators -- the local governments and the developers?

- 6

n

r

c

I

DISTRICT DOINGS

Liberty County C. D. — Bjomstad dis-
cussed the feasibility of conducting
a local experiment to gain Information
regarding yield adjustment on winter
and spring grain with established
field windbreak plantings. Bjornstad
asked Carlson to contact resource
people with CES to determine a practi-
cal plot layout, etc. Neighboring
counties will be asked at the Triangle
Area Meeting whether or not they care
to run similar experiments in their
counties for overall area comparison
purposes.

Sweet Grass C. D. — The wilderness
proposals were discussed. It was de-
cided to have a special meeting Wed-
nesday, October 13 to develop a pro-
posal that would give consideration
to water resource development and
grazing permits.

North Custer C. D. — Some efforts were
made to work on the Program of Work,
however much more time and effort will
need to be devoted to this project by
Supervisors. It was decided that the
next meeting should be set up for this
purpose.

Chouteau County C. D. — Pasha report-
«.d on the work he has done on planning
the annual meeting. Chet Huntley has
been lined up for the speaker. He
said the school in Hlghwood is avail-
able, and can handle 350 - 400 people,
and seating is available for 300 more.
The Hlghwood Women's Club will take
care of preparing the meal.

North Powell C. D.

We discussed our

II

outstanding conservationist for 1971
and agreed to award it to John Manley.
No tour will be held this year.
Bert is to order a plaque to be pre-
sented to John at a dinner meeting in
January or later. Frank read a letter
from Triers Studio in Glendive, asking
if we were interested in obtaining a
16 X 20 color aerial photo of the out-
standing conservationist's ranch. The
?cretary is to write and ask for more
iformation and the estimated cost.

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION — How will
Montana's upcoming constitutional
convention affect Conservation Districts?
Local Government?

ANNUAL REPORT — The State Conserva-
tion Commission Annual Report to the
Governor ending June 30, 1971 lists
among major accomplishments that invest-
ments of over $12 million were made by
Montana people as a result of assist-
ance provided through districts to
cooperators .

CONSERVATION DISTRICT CONTRIBUTIONS —
Non-federal contributions of funds and
service to Conservation District pro-
grams for fiscal year 1971 shows state
government $1,330,623, local govern-
ment $391,289, unpaid time of C. D.
Supervisors $134,345, other Individuals
$215,705, private contractors and
commercial institutions $131,725 and
other $25,456 for a total of $2,229,143.

MONTANA CITIZENS WATER CODE STUDY ~
The Governor's Council on Natural
Resources and Development which consists
of 16 state agencies under the Chairman-
ship of the Director of the Water
Resources Board has set up a New
Modern Water Code Study subcommittee.
Initial plans are to invite all interest-
ed persons to participate in a review
of Montana's surface water laws as
they relate to the present and future
needs of agriculture, municipalities,
industries, flood control, recreation,
fish, wildlife, water quality, etc.
A tentative date of November 26, 1971
for the first meeting in Helena has
been set. ;;}i

* ^ * * ■•• .^, _.- r-'t^-

Eastern Sanders C. D. — Ed Mage r a
reported on work through the summer
months. He stated he is working pri-
marily on pasture leases of Indian
lands and tribal range units. Wlltzen
talked on range planning concepts on
tribal summer range units .

Glands may como, and glands
imy po, but. monkey business
SOPS on forever.

7 -

TO PAY A DEBT

"My community owes me nothing.

If accounts were balanced at this date, I would be the debtor.

All these years I have lived within the limits of the community
and shared all its benefits. I have had the use of its library,
park and public places; I have had the protection of its fire,
police and health departments: its people, during all this time,
have been gathering for me, from the four comers of the earth,
food for my table, clothing for mv body and material for my home.

This community has furnished the patronage by which I have been
successful in my business. It has furnished the best friends of
my life, whose ideals have been my inspiration, xjhose kind words
have been my cheer, and whose helpfulness has carried me over the
greatest difficulties.

^•Jhat shall I give in return? Not simply taxes; I want to give
more; enough that I can rightfully say, 'This is my community',
so that I can take deserved pride in its prosperity, in the honors
V7hich come to its citizens and all that makes it greater and better.

I can do this only by becoming a part of my community ; by
giving of myself. In that v;ay only can I pay the debt I owe
to my community." - The Three Forks Herald

rr^

MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF SOIL & WATER
CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
422 Mitchell Building Helena, Montana

He^zzi ycxxA. ccp^(^:

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

r 55oCi

%A CD Proposes Education I Media Project

333. 7 >i

J^^^' This issue of TREASURE ACRES
'97/ marks a milestone in the develop
ment and direction of the Montana
Association of Conservation Dis
tricts. It also appears destined to be
singular on a national level— and in
the history of the National Associa-
tion of Conservation Districts

In cooperation with the office of
Montana's Superintendent of Public
Instruction, the Montana Associa
tion of Conservation Districts pro-
poses a pilot program of conserve
tion education which, if approved,
will set up a yearlong program of
conservation and environmental ed-
ucation for the state's school dis-
tricts—involving more than 200,000
primary and secondary school child-
ren in Montana

Additionally, the more than 20,000
conservation cooperators of Mon-
tana's 58 conservation districts,
through their boards of supervis-
ors, will serve as "resource advisors"
to the pilot school districts in provid-
ing both classroom and field work
assistance and advice

The district supervisors, assisted
by the Soil Conservation Service and
other advisory federal agencies, will
work with the selected conservation
teachers to provide supplemental
"resident " expertise for in-the-field
student education, according to Rob-
ert Anderson, Fort Benton, president
of MACD and originator of the proj-
ect idea

TREASURE ACRES becomes a
vital aspect of the program in that
as proposed, the publication will
be used to supplement classroom
and in-field study with timely infor-
mation on actual conservation pro-
grams being developed by MACD
conservation cooperators m all parts
of Montana

As evidence of the role TREASURE
ACRES will play in the program, this
issue will be submitted to the US
Office of Education as the "principal
exhibit" in the application for federal
funding of what is believed to be the
most unique and extensive program
of conservation education and pub-
lic information ever attempted under
provisions of the Environmental Ed-
ucation Act (Public Law 91 -51 6).

Anderson explains the proposed
project and its inspiration as follows

"For at least the last decade, MA-
CD has sought an effective way to
broaden dissemination of conserva-
tion information in Montana (we
spend too much time talking to our-
selves') and to help in the establish-
ment of an adequately funded con-
servation curriculum for Montana's

school districts under the direction
of the State Superintendent of Pub-
lic Instruction

"As what we feel will be a signifi-
cant move in the direction of accom-
plishing both of these objectives and
also to provide an area of involve
ment by our 58 member Conserva-
tion Districts with the youth of Mon-
tana, we propose a close working al
liance with Montana's conservation
educators — using TREASURE
ACRES as the supporting medium
and as a teaching tool' for our
schools

"Essentially, in our application for
Office of Education funding and as-
sistance in starting the program, we
plan to broaden the news' function
of TREASURE ACRES to feature
general educational and informa-

tional material of interest to MACD's
membership PLUS special material
keyed to the proposed conservation
education curriculum of Montana's
primary and secondary school sys-
tems TREASURE ACRES also will
be used as the base for news and
feature material for news (print)
media releases and radio and televi-
sion programming,"' Anderson said

According to MACD, one of the
most "encouraging"" aspects of the
proposed program has been the re-
sponse of other groups, associa-
tions, agencies and individuals who
have volunteered to participate in
the project Among groups who
have expressed interest in cooperat-
ing as "resource people" in the pro-
gram are:

Montana"s Department of Natur-

al Resources, Department of Health
(environmental protection and air
and water pollution), the Environ-
mental Protection Council, Fish and
Game Department, the State Plan-
ning Board,

Montana Wildlife Federation, Mon-
tana Conservation Council, Montana
Stockgrowers, Montana Woolgrow-
ers. Farmers Union, Farm Bureau.
Montana Grain Growers Associa-
tion, Montana Associated Utilities;

The US Department of Agricui-
ture"s Soil Conservation Service
(state, area and district level). Agri-
cultural Stabilization and Conserva-
tion Service, Forest Service (Re-
gion 1 );

The US Department of Interior's
Bureau of Land Management (Mon-
(Continued on Page 2)

montana's

2,::tlcocuments

197?

Vol. XXIII, No. VI

November/December, 1971

MAU/MACD Again Planning
Annual Speech Competition

Montana Associated Utilities,
statewide association of rural elec-
tric cooperatives, will again provide
S500 in scholarship money for
MACDs Second Annual High School
Speech competition, according to
Riley Childers, executive secretary
of MAU

The contest, sponsored jointly by
Montana Associated Utilities and the
Montana Association of Conserva-
tion Districts, is open to all high
school students in the state with
awards of S250, SI 50 and SI 00
awarded the top three state final-
ists

Individual high school contests
will be conducted under the aus-
pices of county and area Conserva-
tion Districts and must be com-

pleted before Oct. 1, 1972 Coun-
ty-level winners will advance to one
of the area-level contests where
finalists will be chosen.

The top six finalists will appear for
final judging at MACD's annual con-
vention in Miles City in late October.

Entry blanks and contest informa-
tion may be obtained from district
and area conservation district offi-
ces, and also from any of Montana's
rural electric cooperatives, accord-
ing to Yugo Nayematsu, Hardin,
MACD education chairman and com-
petition coordinator

Winner of the 1971 contest was
Pat Holt of Missoula, followed by
Jeanne Huntley of Baker and Calvin
Christensen of Dillon.

RE-ELECTED AS OFFICERS of the Montana Association of Con-
servation Districts for 1971-72 were (l-rj Robert Anderson. Fort
Benton, president. A G Slattery. Hardin, vice president. Mrs.
William (Jeanne) Baluka. Helena, secretary Not shown is Wendell
Martinelf Butte, re-elected treasurer

EFFECTIVE as of now. the two men shown
below~~long known as Ole and Pete — have
new titles Under state reorganization.
Ole's (top photo j new title is 0 M Ueland.
Chief. Soil Conservation Bureau. Conser-
vation Districts Division. Department of
Natural Resources. 422 Mitchell BIdg..
Helena 59601 Pete /lower photo) be-
comes Peter V Jackson. Chief. Grass Con-
servation Bureau. Conservation Districts
Division, etc . etc as above The two bu-
reaus will handle the work previously as-
signed the State Conservation Commis-
sion and the State Grazing Commission.

Supervisor Workshops

Su|}e(v'sor workshops, aimed at assislmg Distncl Conservalion Boaids m set
ting up land use planning guidelines, have been scheduled lor late January. February
and March m 1 2 Montana cities Related land use agency personnel also are mviled
'Tentative schedule of meetings (from 9 30 a m 3 30 p m m all instances) is as
follows

Havre- Feb 1 (Tuesday)- for Hill
Liberty, Blame. Big Sandy and Chou
teau CDs

Conrad -feb 2 (VVednesday) for
Toole. Glacier. Pondera, Telon and
Cascade CDs

Lewis(own-Feb 23 ( Wednesdayllor
Judith Basin, Fergus, Petroleum, Up-
per Musselshell and Lower Mussel-
shell CDs

Billings -9pb 24 (Thursday) lor Big
Horn Yellowstone Carbon. StiH-
waief and Sweet Grass CDs

Boteman -V^eh 25 (Friday) lor Park,
Meagher Gallatin. Madison and
Ruby Valley CDs

Helena March 7 (TuesdayHor Lew
IS and Clark. Jefferson and Broad
water CDs

ffaAspe//- March 8 (Wednesday) for

Kalispell. Flathead Lir>coln and Lake

CDs
Missoula - March 9 (Thursday | lor

Sanders, Green Mountain. Mineral

Missoula, Rava'li and Granite CDs
flurre-March lU (fnday) for Boa

verhead Mile High, Deer Lodge and

North Powell CDs
Glasgow - March 15 (Wednesdayllor

Phillips. Valley. Darnels. Sheridan and

Roosevelt CDs
Circle-Match 1 6 (Thursday) for Gar

field, McCone, Richland, Dawson.

Wibaux and Praine CDs
Miles CitY-Maich 17 (Friday) for

Custer. Little Beaver. Box Elder

Powder River. Rosebud and Trea

sure CDs

'Because there may be changes in this tentative schedule, please check with local
SCSor County Extension olfices lor lime and place

By

Marge

Uhlrich

We knew she was coming, so we baked a cake Bui she
brought the frosting!

Mrs. Eart (Thelma) McClellan, Auxiliary president of the
National Association of Conservation Districts, was invited to
attend the MACD's annual meeting in Missoula and was the
guest speaker for the ladies' breakfast meeting

As a member of the National Education Committee she was
particularly interested in the efforts being made to promote
conservation m the Montana school system curriculum She
expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to participate m
the Education Committee meeting and to attend the workshop
conducted by Duane Bosworth of the Western Regional Techm
cal Service Center for the SCS, Portland. Oregon She com
mented that these activities, along with the tour of the Missoula
County High School Land Laboratory, conducted by Harold
Knapp. Forestry Environment Education Director, fit m perfectly
with the conservation education opportunities proposed by the
National Association Education Committee which include

1. Outdoor Classrooms — A project in which every Dis-
trict can be involved with local schools and make an
important contribution in conservation education

2. Teacher Workshops — Since most teachers have had
little or no background in conservation education, it is
essential that teachers at all grade levels be given an op-
portunity to attend conservation workshops

3. Curriculum Guides — Encouraging all Districts to par-
ticipate with the Ladies Auxiliary in getting conservation
curriculum guides in the schools

4. Conservation Education Advisory Councils — To en
courage State Associations to help establish such coun-
cils at state level with the state departments of educa-
tion and at the District level in cooperation with local
school districts

Mrs McClellan enthusiastically outlined her 1971-1972 pro)
ect for the NACD Auxiliary With the cooperation of the
National Council of State Garden Clubs, it is suggested that
Teachers' Curriculum Guides to Conservation Education be dis
tributed to every school in the United States The Teachers'
guides entitled. 'People and Their Environment," were written
for teachers, by teachers, and designed to make conservation
education an essential part of any school system's curriculum
Mrs Don Naegti, Green Mountain CD, was appointed as educa
tion chairman to study the possibility of cooperating with this
project on a state level

Commenting on the convention theme "Land Use Planning' .
Mrs. McClellan urged that auxiliary members become involved
in such roles as district supervisors, commissioners or directors
As individuals, members were also encouraged to beautify their
own yards and land, be conscious of all pollution prevention,
and promote recycling of household items.

Reaffirming her concern, she concluded:

"As women you naturally care about the kind of world our
children will inherit You are sensitive to the beauty'of earth
and want to safeguard its values for future generations The
challenge to the women of America is clear, and getting louder,
understand and support conservation efforts, then ACT' HOW'
By becoming involved in land use planning and help to create
a national environmental conscience' "

Coming Events

Feb, S-U—

SRM Society for Range Manage-

ment Meeting, Washington, D.C.

CM

Feb. 13-17

^

NACD Convention, Washington,

<

D.C.

ill

Feb. 15—

_)

Goodyear Soil Conservation Awards

LU

Program Score Sheets due

V-

"Today resource conservation
touches the lives of everyone. . .
whether we live on the farm, in
the city or in the suburbs," Rob-
ert Anderson, Fort Benton, pres
dent of the Montana Association
of Conservation Districts, told
MACD delegates to the 30th an-
nual meeting of the group.

Meeting in Missoula, district
conservation supervisors from
across Montana spent their
three-day convention period dis-
cussing means to achieve "Land
Use Planning," theme of the
meeting.

"It is not enough to be con-
cerned only with the most obvi-
ous calamities that destroy our
resources," Anderson said in
making his annual membership
report. "We must also concern
ourselves with the 'everyday'
changes taking place all around
us— the city creeping out into
the country, the little marsh that
becomes a golf course, the
wheatfield inundated by a reser-
voir, the dam that changes a
stream into a lake.

"A filling station located on a
floodplain, a dream house on un-
stable soils, billboards masking
the beauty of the countryside . . .
these are costly mistal<es that
take their toll of property, happi-

at

work
and
play .

1971 MACD CONVENTION picture highlights included the Mis-
soula Boy Scout troop (above) which presented the colors at the
opening session, the "candid" shot of Area Conservationist Harm
Uhlrich fright I: the land use panel of (l-r) Bruce Bugbee, A B
Linford. Hal Price. Pete Jackson and Norris Nichols fright above!.
MACD Auxiliary officers for 1 972 fl-r) Mrs Raymond Patrick, vice
president. Mrs. H. F. Uhlrich. president, and Mrs. James McCann.

ness and sometimes lives. But
they don't have to happen if we
do our job," Anderson told the
delegates.

Enforcing the convention
theme, the main panel of the con-
vention was on "Land Use Plan-
ning," with Rep. Norris Nichols,
Stevensville; Rep. Peter V. Jack-
son, Harrison; A. B. Linford,
Bozeman, Montana State Con-
servationist; Bruce Bugbee, Mis-
soula city and county land use
consultant, and Hal Price, Helena,
senior planner to the Montana
Department of Planning and Eco-
nomic Development.

The annual Awards Banquet
of MACD featured recognition
of Ernest Wills and John Schroe-
der, both of the Missoula County
Conservation District, and Les-
lie Criswell, Treasure County
Conservation District, for 25
years of service, and a 20-year
award to William Kesler, Flat-
head County Conservation Dis-
trict.

Other service awards went to:

Ralph Briggs, Cascade Coun-
ty; Henry Van Hoorn, Gallatin
County; Charles E. Lane, Gran-
ite County; Harold Jensen, Lit-
tle Beaver Conservation District,
and L. M. Jeffers, Madison Coun-
ty (all 15-year awards.)

Ernest Fouhy, Daniels County;
Mervy Long, Gallatin County;
Ray Shaw, Garfield County; Gary
Gershmel, Petroleum County;
Omer Erickson, Rosebud Coun-
ty; John Yost, Sweet Grass
County; I. H. Mclntyre and Ray-
mond Melby, both of Valley
County, and Orton Kirkvold,
Froid (all 10-year awards.)

Outstanding supervisor awards
went to Bradley Parrish, Fergus

(more about) MACD PtOpOSeii

(Continuad from Page 1 )

tana office). Bureau of Outdoor Rec-
reation. Bureau of Reclamation. Bu-
reau of Sport Fisheries and Wild-
life, and VVater Quality Administra-
tion

As a further expansion of the
MACD public information program,
both the school system and TREA-
SURE ACRES feature coverage will
be developed for media program
presentation with Montana's televi-
sion and radio networks — all of
whom have indicated plans to co-
operate with the proposed project
The material developed for TREA-
SURE ACRES also will be made
available for Montana's print media
with Sunday feature page coverage
seen as the most likely area of public
presentation, according to the proj-

ects developers

Selected column-type presenta-
tions will be made available for both
weekly and daily newspaper use. as
well as Montana's specialized verti-
cal publications

MACD will work most closely with
the Montana Department of Public
Instruction in developing a program
coordinated with the planned cur-
riculum of the pilot school systems.

Present plans call for coordinat-
ing the curriculum with the "People
and Their Environment" text series,
developed by Drs Paul F Brand-
wein and Matthew J Brennan of the
Pinchot Institute for Conservation
Studies The text, available in eight
spiral-bound volumes, is recom-
mended by both the National Asso-

Sii'C

\

ttv.

-#;

County; Robert Brown, McCone
County; Dean Hanson, Hill Coun-
ty; Yugo Navematsu, Big Horn
County; Don Naegle, Green
Mountain Conservation District,
and L. T. Robbins of Jefferson
Valley.

Certificate of appreciation
awards were presented to Peter
Jackson, Carl H. Johnson, R. C.
Setterstrom, Mary J. Seccombe
and Lauretta Gossack, with the
annual President's Award given
to Nayematsu for his work as
chairman of MACD's education
committee.

Newsletter awards went to
Big Horn, Big Sandy and Granite
Conservation Districts. Lewis and
Clark Conservation District was
announced as the 1971 Good-
year Conservation Award win-
ner, with runnerup honors going
to the Bitterroot Conservation
District.

High school speech contest
winners, sponsored jointly by
MACD and the Montana Associ-
ated Utilities, were Pat Holt of
Missoula, Jeanne Huntley of Bak-
er and Calvin Christensen of Dil-
lon, awarded $250, $150 and
$100, respectively. Other state-
wide finalists were Jeanette
Sweeting of Frazer, Harvey Bont-
rager of Belfry and Jim McLean

secretary-treasurer Icenter. right}: an unidentified vocalist with
the Bitterroot Chorus (far right): speech contest finalists (l-r) Pat
Holt, Jeanette Sweeting. Calvin Christensen. Harvey Bontrager.
Jeanne Huntley and Jim McLean flower left), and Keynoter Roy
Peck and an appreciative Everett Snortland. luncheon master of
ceremonies {bottom right).

of Brady.

All MACD officers were re-
elected for 1971-72: Anderson,
president; A. G. Slattery, Hard-
in, vice president; Jeanne Balu-
ka, Helena, secretary, and Wen-
dell Martinell, Butte, treasurer.

MACD women's auxiliary offi-
cers for 1971-72 include Mrs. H.
F. Uhlrich, Lewistown, president;
Mrs. Raymond Patrick, Havre,
vice president, and Mrs. James
McCann, Harlem, secretary-trea-
surer.

Miles City was selected as the
siteforthe 1 972 annual meeting.

By

Robert

Anderson

Our convention m Missoula marked the end of a busy year
and the beginning of yet another The Mtssoula District can
certainly be proud of a )ob well done I have heard many favor-
able comments on the program, arrangements, and accommo-
dations We, of course, hope to make each convention better
than the last — not an easy task

One of the important topics and the theme of our convention
was land use planning I strongly suspect that this may be one
of the least understood subjects of the day. and those things
that we do not understand, we naturally fear

There are some pretty sound reasons for planning It provides
for the logical sequence of rooms to the homebuilder Homes
are then arranged in a pleasing residential district with ade-
quate parks, schools, water, sewers, roads, etc provided
There is a place to expand if necessary The same basic ideas
can be applied to the business district, industrial sites, and
service areas

The farmer-rancher is a planner He examines cropping alterna-
tives, considers economics, and yes, he is interested m the
environment

We are all individual land use planners Very often, however,
we are out of step with each other A little communication
would prevent some predictable tragedies The expensive home
built on a flood plain or on unsound footings is soon a slum or
unbearable expense to maintain People demand that feedlots
built where contamination will result be closed The unplanned
city becomes a hodgepodge of traffic snarls, slums, water and
sewer problems etc

HB79. passed in the last Legislative session, provides for
county planning boards Our convention passed a resolution
supporting implementation of this legislation Districts can
provide some valuable help in this area Work with your Com-
missioners and let's have a planning board m every county of
this state before the year ends This doesn't have to be an
expense to your county In many cases you can do your own
planning with help provided you from the Department of Plan-
ning in Helena Other counties will want to hire a professional
planner, using funds derived from the permissive levy and
matching funds available Remember, planning boards have no
real authority, the power m this framework is m your local
county commissioners Where better?

Let's meet this challenge and measure up to the trust placed
in us as supervisors and cooperators in the leading conserva-
tion organization of this State!

\ Education Media Project

elation of Conservation Districts and
the National Council of State Garden
Clubs and their Montana affiliates
Designed for Grades 1-12. the text
series advises Vol 1 for Grades 1
2, 3. Vol 2 for Grades 4, 5, 6. Vol
3 for science study for Grades 7, 8
9. Vol 4 for social studies for Grades
7, 8, 9. Vol 5 tor Grades 10,11
1 2 (social studies). Vol 6 for Grades
9. 10, 11, 12 (home economics)
and Vol 8 as an outdoor laboratory
guide for all grades

Nonformal and innovative in con-
:ept (no other conservation group
n the nation has attempted a pro-
gram in such close alliance with edu
:ators), the proposed project would
align practicing conservationists with
I -onservation educators As envi-

sioned by (VIACD the general editor
lal content of TREASURE ACRES
will be attuned to the conservation
education program as established
for the pilot schools in (VIontana
The school level conservation
curriculum would be supported by
on-the-spot examples provided by
the various MACD districts with
knowledge and experience in the
study areas TREASURE ACRES
would thus reflect the in-field exper-
ience of Montana's farmers and
ranchers and would be available to
educators in a joint program of edu-
cation for "tomorrow's conserva-
tionists—our youth," according to
Anderson and Montana's Office of
the Superintendent of Public In
struction

—Highlight Resolutions

Research — recognized the saline seep problem as the most ur-
gent conservation problem on the nonjrrigated cultivated land.
Much more information through research is needed Therefore,
in consideration of the urgency and seriousness of the problem,
the MACD is asking the US Congress for federal funds in an
amount to adequately solve the saline seep and associated prob-
lems in a reasonable time A five-year estimate of $840,000 is
figured to do the job in the Highwood and two or three other
research areas.

Planning — encouraged each district to take the lead in broad land
use planning to provide guidance in proper land use in accordance
with the moral obligations and legal responsibilities given them
by the people of Montana.

Special Use Foes— deals with the intent by US Forest Service
to charge annual fees for water delivery systems and seeks clari-
fication as to whether these charges are legal and valid

Revenue Sharing — asks that should revenue sharing be approv-
ed, such funding allocated to the State of Montana under the
Revenue Sharing Plan be redistributed to existing conservation
programs at essentially the same rate now in effect.

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