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MftR 1'^ 1968

STATE DOCUMENTS

0. H. Ueland, Editor, Montana College of Mineral Science & Technology, Butte^, Montana
JANUARY - FEBRUARY, 1968

PETER V. JAOCSON, MASWCD PRESIDENT SEZi

I have just returned from our National
Convention at Dallas, Texas. The first
thing I would like to say is Thank You
to all the folks who made the trip and
worked so hard to get our resolutions
passed. We were very successful, in
spite of not getting everything com-
pleted; but all in all, having gotten
over 80% of the resolutions passed and
strengthening relationships with our
fellow states, made the time well spent.

During the last few months a rather
peculiar situation has been developing.
I have been told by good authority that
there are several Conservancy District
bills being written for our next Legis-
lature. If this is true, I find the
whole situation both humorous and irri-
tating.

conservation is far too important to
be treated so lightly. It is a very
serious dutv that has been given to us.
The development and protection of our
natural resources are certalnlv going
to be given the due respect that con-
aervatlon deserves.

GOVERNOR BABCOCK APPOINTS DEAN A. HANSON
TO A NEW FOUR YEAR TERM ON THE STATE SOIL
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

Governor Babcock announced the appointment
of Dean A. Hanson of Gildford to a new four
year term on the State Soil Conservation
Committee.

Hanson is a grain and livestock farmer and
is a supervisor of the Hill County Soil and
Water Conservation District. He has been
particularly active in promoting watershed
projects in the state and the Beaver Creek
project near Havre, which includes flood con-
trol, recreation, and irrigation benefits la
about to be realized.

Hanson is currently Vice-Chalrman of the
State Soil Conservation Committee. Other
Governor appointees are William P. D'Ewart,
Wllsall, Chairman; John Schroeder, LoLo; and
Oscar B. Hlppe, Frold. Ex-officlo members
are the Director of Extension Service, Torlief
Aashelm; Director of Experiment Station, Joe
Asleson; and Commissioner of Agriculture,
Lowell Purdy. Ave Linford, State Conserva-
tionist for the Soil Conservation Service,
serves as an advlsorv member.

President Sez, Continued

DATES TO REMEMBER

This coming year we are going to trv
to revamp our basic District Law In Just
a few places so that we will be able to
do the work of conservation as It should
fcmd must be done In a carefully and com-
pletely planned procedure that will pro-
duce good steady progress. Don't take
me wrong; I'm not saying we aren't con-
cerned or won't hurry. On the contrary,
we have to move just as fast as It Is
humanly possible, but not to sacrifice
the quality of the work necessary to
keep the people properly fed and clothed
today, tomorrow, and yes, from now on.
At least I hope the world Isn't going
to end in the year 2000 or 2030.

So please think clearly before you make
any decisions when you are approached by
politicians who are trying to make poli-
tical hay by using conservation as their
hue and cry. It seems that conservation
is being classed alont with freedom and
Motherhood, an easy way to get notoriety
and votes.

VHiat I am trying to say is that we
certainly don't want to get involved in
some political struggle and lose sight
of the true objective and responsibility
that we are charged with. It is far more
sensible to stick to our own standards
that are tried and found true. All we
need is a few changes, and we can do the
Job right.

Maybe it won't look so glamorous, but
when the limelight dims and the newness
wears off, we will still be doing the work
and proud of having stayed above petty
nonsense by using mature wisdom.

Pete

State Soil Coneervation CorrrCttee

Meeting

Highway Corrmieaion Bldg,

Conference Room - Helena

Montana Conservation Council
Annual Meeting
Jorgenson'a - Helena

Montana Youth Conference on
Natural Beauty and Conaervation
DeMolay Bldg. - Great Falle

Montana Association of Soil &
Water Conservation Districts
Director's Meeting - Lewistown

Shelterbelt Tour through Hill,
Liberty^ Chouteau^ and Cascade
Counties

Northern Great Plains Area

Meeting

Biemarckt North Dakota

American Society of Range
Management Annual Meeting
A Iberta. Canada

Montana Association of Soil &
Water Conservation Districts
Annual Meeting
LaLonde Hotel , Sidney i

**********

Mopoh 9$i «#
/tpril 19; iO
April i7, ia
June S, 4
June 6^7,8
June 9,10, 11

July 25, 20
and 27

October 30, 31
November 1

A FE\^ DO's AND DON'Ts FOR YOUR ANNUAL MEETING

Plan your Annual Meeting well in advance — de-
tails are time consuming but necessary.
Announce the meeting several times through all
channels of communication.

Nomlntalons should be handled quickly, but in a
formal manner.

Introduce visiting dignitaries and others by
standing. Ask for a few remarks.
Close meeting at scheduled time.

And above all—DON'T PANIC. These details
mentioned above fit Into a logical order and
when combined with the "right" program, will
cause the audience to WANT TO HEAR MORE.

A specialist is a doctor who has
trained his patients to be ill during
office hours.

I put It In the closet last winter — did you find It, dear?"

FORESTRY ASSISTANCE TO CONSERVATION DISTRICTS

by

C. E. Wright, Cooperative Forest Management Supervisor. State Forester's Office

Wise and productive use of Montana's re-
sources and the protection of these resources
are jobs of Soil and Water Conservation Dis-
tricts throughout the State. Soil and Water
Conservation Districts are not alone in their
efforts to wisely use and protect these re«
sources. Among the various federal and state
agencies assigned responsibility for resource
management is the OffjLce of Montana State
Forester.

Assistance from the State Forester's Office
Is available to each Soil and Water Conserva-
tion District in Montana. The Districts la
Montana and the Office of State Forester have
realized that they share the common objectives
of helping to insure that each acre of land is
used within the limits of its capabilities and that each acre is treated in accordance with
its need for protection and improvement. The State Forester and the Montana Soil and Water
Conservation Districts also recognize the interrelationships of forestland treatment to
the basic resources of soil and water.

^ To establish cooperation and assistance on an enduring basis in order to obtain their
^mutual objectives, all Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Montana have entered into
formal Memorandums of Understanding with the Office of State Forester. The Soil and Water
Conservation Districts in Montana and the State Forester reciprocally assist each other in
overcoming many types of resource problems dealing with the management of woodlands and
trees.

At the request of Soil and Water Conservation Distticts, the Office of State Forester
has supplied information to Districts and to individuals within Districts pertaining to:

1. Forest fire protection. Insect, disease, wind and water erosion, and management needs
of their area.

2. Formulate plans for landowners for establishing needed fire protection, programs for
timber management, timber stand improvement, and tree planting.

3. Help in actually setting up local fire suppression organizations.

A. Provide technical on-the-ground assistance to forestland owners, and wood processors.

5. Provide trees at reasonable cost from the State Forest Nursery of proper species, age
class, and size best suited for forest plantingf, windbreaks, and shelterbelts in
Montana.

6. Forest Product Utilization service to forestland owners and wood processors.

Our past accomplisliments have proved that Districts and the State Forester's Office can
work effectively to overcome problems in the management of our vast forest resources.
However, we have a long way to go to achieve full utilization.

Assistance is now available through District State Forest Offices at Kalispell, Missoula,
and Helena ^^^ State Office Is located in Missoula at 2705 Spurgin Road.

-3-

DISTRICT DOINGS

BLAINE COUNTY SWCD - Herb DeVrles reported
on educational matter such as revision of
the public school conservation guide which
was prepared In 1960. About 1,000 copies
of this book were prepared and the supply
has been used up. He suggested that su-
pervisors look at the booklet and make
any suggestions or additions they feel
would be valuable or necessary.

DeVrles also reported on proposed school
children Conservation Tours such as have
been held in the past. He asked for
suggestions and Ideas as to how these
tours might be carried out to the great-
est extent for Conservation Education.
He asked that the supervisors think
about these tours and offer suggestions.

BROADWATER SWCD - Russell opened a dis-
cussion on the weed control and suggested
having a meeting with various interested
groups to set up a program. A date of
March 12 was decided upon and Russell
will make the arrangonents.

The A-H Fair Displays were discussed
and the District decided to pay the
awards of $3.00, 2.00 and $1.00 in the
3 categories.

EASTERN SANDERS COUNTY SWCD AND GREEN
MOUNTAIN SWCD - Congressman Arnold
Olsen attended a joint meeting of Sup-
ervisors February 12 at Plains. Super-
vliors explained the critical need for
technical help to keep up with the grow-
ing demands of land occupiers to apply
conservation practices. The noxious
weed problem In Sanders County and
other areas of Montana was also brought
to Mr. Olsen' s attention as well as
several impediments to the water devel-
opment program.

GARFIELD COUNTY SWCD - Coulter reviewed
correspondence from Francis Slddoway,
Director of the Soil and Water Research
Center, Sidney, on setting up the pro-
ced»u:e to be used In determining maximum
water use development of watersheds in
the county.

Allen Barnes presented information from
the State ASCS Committee in regard to
further water development on the Smoky
Butte Drainages. It was determined small
pits and stock dams could be developed.

RUBY VALLEY SWCD - The State meeting of Dig- ^
trlct Supervisors was discussed. Reports to
the supervisors was made by Lowell Gilman and
H. L. Smith on the committees they attended
which was the Research and the Water Resources
and Public Lands Committee. The resolutions
of these committees were read and those posted
noted.

UPPER MUSSELSHELL SWCD - First order of
busitjess was highway signs received since the
last meeting. It was decided to place the
new signs on the eastern and western borders
of the District. Both signs to be placed
on No. 12 Highway. Paul to check size of:,
signs with frames.

WIBAUX SWCD - A letter pertaining to the
Watershed Program Information from A. B»
Llnford was read. This letter indicated
where possible construction of watershed
could be initiated in Eastern Montana.

Wayne Marcus, Mayor of Wibaux, presented the
petitions, signed by the necessary 10 land
occupiers of the city of Wibaux, to allow
the city to become a part of the Wibaux
Soil and Water Conservation District. The A
next step is for the local District to ^
establish a date and arrange for a hearing
for the city and district to take part in.

STILLWATER SWCD GOALS (Taken from the
Stillwater SWCDs Annual Report for 1967)

"The use of each acre according to Its
capabilities, and the treatment of each
acre according to its needs."

It is not the intention of your Soil and
Water Conservation District to give some-
thing for nothing. Your Supervisors hope to
instill in the minds of all landowners and
operators that it is their individual respon-
sibility to get conservation measures (both
annual and permanent) applied to the land
as rapidly as possible.

m going to kindergarten, of course. Where
elae would a five-vear.oId be going?"

■executive secretary meets with district
Boards

Durlnp the month of February, 0. M. Ueland,
Executive Secretary of the State Soil Conser-
vation Committee, met with Soil & Water Con-
servation District Boards of Supervisors in
the Western Montana and Triangle Areas.
Attendance was good at all but a couple of
meetings. Goal discussions were had con-
cerning district financing, resource con-
servation planning and development, and on
district problems. Area Directors of the
MASWCD discussed legislation of concern to
districts.

Comments from supervisors included such
as: "Range and pasture offers biggest po-
tential for development in Montana; looks
like we need a full time Public Relations
man; noxious weeds are serious; fanners
and ranchers cannot live by themselves;
there is a need to plan much more effec-
tively than in the past; need to get in-
volved with urban communities; 20% of pop-
ulation in Montana is on the farm and ranch;
planning is retrospective and anticipatory;
need to revive Arbor Day to plant trees;
hold conservation tours; flying tours are
^ good way to observe conservation; there
is always more conservation to be applied,
never get caught up; education and finan-
cing is needed; some say we are brain-
washed by the Soil Conservation Service
and Agricultural Stabilization and Conser-
vation Service; think sometimes city peo-
ple are more informed than rural people;
we need to be more alert to the problems
of the district; farmers are indifferent
to what we are trying to do, call meetings,
very few farmers show; districts should
express public opinion on conservation;
drives of each agency sometimes box in
cooperation; districts will have to supp-
lement SCS funds; should inform Legisla-
tors arid Congress of conservation needs;
Conservation Charley needs pushing; good
to get supervisors acquainted with neigh-
boring district supervisors; we will have
to set priorities and choose the practices
to work on with what money and help is
available; farmers wonder what Soil and
Water Conservation District Boards are
all abouti"

Vfhat hardships the pioneers
endured: Imagine pushing west-
ward, day after day, without
sunglasses!

MONTANA YOUTH CONFERENCE ON GONSERVATION

Several Montana Soil and Water Conserva-
tion Districts have indicated they will
sponsor sending youth from their locali-
ties to the Montana Youth Conference on
Conservation, which will be held April 27-
28, 1968 at the DeMolay Youth Center in
Great Falls.

This conference is a challenge to young
people to set for themselves conservation
gdals which will ensure optimum utiliza-
tion of resources and better living; to
identify what needs to be done to improve
our natural environment; and to develop
a philosophy of living in harmony with
our land and its resources.

Governor Babcock will address the op«n-
ing session.

MULTIPLE-COUNTY PLANNING URGED

Assistant Secretary of Agriculture OMd
a Rural Areas Development Conference In
Bozeman the Federal Government will push
for new town-and-country development leg-
islation. He said Multiple-County Plan-
ning will provide for a "melting together
of town and country". Secretary Baker has
established Technical Action Panels (TAP)
in the Department of Agriculture to get
better communication and coordination be-
tween agencies and to be on tap (not on
top) for assistance to local organizations
and groups.

NACD PROCEEDINGS AVAILABLE

Any Soil and Water Conservation District*
which desires a copy of the Proocedlngs of
the Twenty-Second Annual Convention may
obtain one by writing to the NACD Service
Departnient, Box 855, League City, Texas
77573 before April 15.

Look ai^t the window fro* tte
breakfast ta^e "qiikI you see tbe
bird after the won, the cat
after the bird, adA the dog
after the oat. This will give
you a little better understand-
ing of the Boj-nlng** aertm.

DISTRICT LEADERSHIP

There is urgent need for strong leadership In conservation districts. In farm organiza-
tions and rural community chambers of commerce, among conservationists, tradesmen, bankers,
and newsmen, to Identify the array of new Issues now facing the countryside and to devise
constructive programs for dealing with them.

The key to the new approach: 1) Involving more people In resource work; 2) Extending
district services to additional people; 3) Placing more emphasis on broad-based resource
planning; and 4) At the same time continuing the original purpose of the district as an
effective local-action organization to get as much total conservation on the land as fast
as possible.

T0T7N OF DRUMMOND OFFICIALLY BECOMES A PART OF THE GRANITE SWCD

The town of Drummond, Montana has officially become a part of the Granite Soil and
Water Conservation District. An election was held on this proposition by mall and was
concluded on February 20, 1968. Those voting for the proposition were 92; only three
voted against It.

The Big Sandy Soil and Water Conservation District Is Currentlv conducting an election
by mall as to whether the town of Big Sandy should be Included In the Big Sandy Soil and
Water Conservation District.

Hearings will be held shortly by the State Soil Conservation Committee as to whether
a referendum should take place for the addition of the to^ms of Fort Benton and
Geraldlne to the Chouteau County Soil and Water Conservation District.

********** "

o ^ O-*"^) r ^ ^1 Permit No. 171

a'^'S J^WJ TreaSDreH Butte, Montana

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APR ? fi 19G8

STATE DOCUMENTS

c re §

0. M. Deland, Editor, Montana Tech, Butte, Montana
MARCH - APRIL, 1968

PETER V. JACKSON, MASWCD PRESIDENT SEZ:

Since the last edition of Treasure Acres,
I have had the opportunity to read the conven-
tion agendas of several organizations.

It was pleasing to see that they are all
considering Public Lands, Recreation, and Nat-
ural Resources. Perhaps at last we are look-
ing at the whole broad scope of our natural
resources In Montana, both renewable and non-
renewable.

I well realize It Is much easier and
glamorous to take one problem - for example
water - and give It great publicity. But sin-
cere common sense demands that we consider
all of the aspects of our natural resources
to be able to make real progress. To be able
to make real progress, a uniform plan must be
followed in developing each resource so that
o' vdoes not hold up the progress of another.
I ^example, it makes no sense to build a
reservoir unless the range lands are well
protected against erosion; likewise farm-
land without proper wind and water erosion

STATE SOIL CONSERVATION CCTIMITTEE MEETING

The State Soil Conservation Comittee had
a very busy meeting, March 28th and 29th. To
start things off, a delegation presented an
application for a proposed watershed flood
prevention project for the City of Browning.
Mayor Edward J. Aubert and George Hlnkel, City-
County Planning Director, spoke on behalf of
the project.

Watershed applications were also received
from the Missoula County SWCD for Pattee Creek
and Miller Creek. The South Missoula residen-
tial area occupies much of the flood plain of
Pattee Creek, for which relief Is being sought.

Also presented to the State Soil Conser-
vation Committee for approval were Resource
Conservation and Development applications for
the Beartooth area, comprising Carbon and
Stillwater Counties, and the Headwaters Area,
comprising all of Deer Lodge, Silver Bow, and
Jefferson Counties and parts of Powell and
Madison. Bill Langford, William Skorupa, and
Otto Yedlicka, County Commissioner, led a del-
egation in behalf of the Beartooth application.
This group has worked on the proposal for sev-
eral years and are well organized and enthus-
iastic about proceeding with needed new re-
source developments. Dick Setterstrom, Sup-
ervisor of the Mile Hi^h District, and Don
Gates, County Commissioner from Deer Lodge
County, Sandy Ryerson, County Commissioner
from Powell County, appeared in behalf of the
Headwaters application.

The SSCC reorganized by re-electing
William D'Ewart, Wilsall, as Chairman and
Dean Hanson of Gildford, Vice-Chalrman. 0. M.
Ueland of Silver Bow was retained as Secretary.

President Sez, Continued

controls can easily ruin a good irrigation de-
velopment by literally filling the basin with
silt during one bad storm. This has actually
happened in our own State. Shouldn't we profit
by our mistakes?

It will take a lot of just plain stubborness
and guts to keep a level-headed course of action
in our plan to keep good sensible development
moving. This we can do and easily, as long as
the glamour doesn't get in our eyes.

I'm very happy to report that we have
taken action on every resolution passed at our
annual convention. This has been quite a job,
but an interesting and productive one. I only
wish that we could say that we were successful
on each one, but this isn't the case; however,
we are continuing to work on the stubborn ones.
In case you are unaware of the outcome of your
favorite resolution, you may write Wajme Slbson,
our Secretary, or myself; and we will fill you
in on the details.

One final thing, as you remember, we are
trying hard to develop our Public Relations
Program. When your District completes a pro-
ject that you are especially proud of, get a
story in the papers and magazines. We have
done far too many important projects and had
them go unnoticed. It may come as a surprise
to you, but there are many prominent people in
this State that are completely unaware of the
tremendous volume of work tnvned out by the
Districts every year.

I am sure that by now you have heard of
the State Association group that went to
Washington, D. C. I have intentionally left
this out of my report because the other mem-
bers of our group will discuss the many things
accomplished. However, I would like to make
one comment: The group that I went with was
a credit to your Association. Their capacity
for work seemed endless, and it was my pleas-
ure and privilege to have had the chance to
accompany them.

DATES TO REMEMBER

MASWCD Director's Meeting
Yogo Inn, Lewistown

SSCC Meeting

Yogo Inn, Lewistown

"Show Me Shelterbelt Tour"

NACD Northern Plains Area

Meeting

Bismarck, North Dakota

Montana Chapter, Soil
Conservation Society of
America - Helena

American Society of Range
Management, Intermountaln
Section, Annual Meeting
Alberta, Canada

Montana Stockgrowers

Association

Great Falls

Montana Wildlife Association
Hamilton

Montana County Commissioners
Association - Livingston

MASWCD Annual Meeting
LaLonde Hotel, Sidney

June 4

June 3, 4
June 5-7

June 9 - U

June 7-8

July 25 - 27

May 23 - 25

June IJm
June 10 - 12

October 30, 3
and November

**********

GLACIER COUNTY SWCD ACQUIRES DEMONSTRATION
FARM

The Bureau of Indian Affairs recently
granted the Glacier County SWCD an 80 acre
tract of land to be used for demonstration
purposes. A conservation plan Is being
drawn up.

Irrigation, water management, drainage,
and farm tillage methods will be demon-
strated. Adapted grasses and crops will
be grown.

If you can spend a few
minutes each day using tonic t
save your hair, can't you
spend a few minutes each year
at the polls to save your

The District hopes to demonstrate that
a profit can be realized as well from this
operation. A

As a child, the big fat man
ig stomach, but that's

MONTANANS AT THE NATION'S CAPITOL

Sho'vn here withCongressman Jim Battin
is a delegation of Montana Soil and Water
Conservation District Officers on their
recent visit to Washington, D.C. They are
Carl Johnson, Frank Thompson, Charles
Lane, Elmer Lund, A.B.Linford, A.G.
"Slim" Slattery and Peter Jackson.

These men also conferred with Congreee-
man Arnold Olsen, Senators Mike Mans-
field and Lee Metcalf , their staffs and other
government officials. Listed below are ex-
cerpts from reports they have made of their

Carl Johnson

Somewhere I read a book or saw a movie wherein "Mr. Deeds went to Washington". Sever-
al Mr. Deeds* from the Montana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts went to
Washington on March 16, 1968.

Probably the biggest purpose of the trip was to acquaint our Montana Congressmen with
what we as members of the MASWCD are trying to do; some of the problems we must overcome;
how we proposed to solve them; and to ask for their help.

We were very well recelvedl Through the efforts of our State President, Pete Jackson,
many of our appointments were set up In advance. A great deal of data was prepared by Pres-
ident Jackson and some phase of It was Introduced (in an Informal manner) by one of the del-
egates to each group or person with whom we had an audience.

So much for "Introductory statements" — My personal opinion la that the Soil and Water
Conservation movement Is held In high esteem by our Montana Congressional Delegation. Any
information we send them Is greatly appreciated and well used. All of them agreed whole-
heartedly with what we are trying to do and what we had to present.

We discussed Soil Conservation Service funding. Interpretation of P. L. 566, technical
^slstance to districts, etc. and were assured of support in all these things.

We were a small cry from out of the Wilderness, but we were heardi

Charles Lane

Our trip to Washington, D. C. was one of the highlights of my life. It was probably W
most educational and enjoyable trips I have ever taken. To be In the Capitol when Congress
Is In session as we were, one can almost feel the power and Intensity of the problems that
are there. I believe all of us, Pete, Carl, Frank, Slim, Elmer and I had the same feeling.

The reason for our trip was to let the people In Washington know that there are some
people out here In Montana that know about conservation problems, and we are working to try
to solve some of them. We wanted to tell them we appreciate what help we have received and
would like some more In the future.

We tried to stress tli all agency people that we are all after the same thing and to cut
down on duplication of effort. There Is too much to do and too little time to waste time
doing things twice. We asked for more cooperation In overall planning of natural resources.
We on the land and the agency people must work together; we must combine the best Ideas and
efforts of both to get the Job done.

One thing that Impressed us was that most of the people we talked to understood quite
a bit of our program. They appeared as concerned as we are. This Is good. Now I feel vf
should follow this trip up with another one at least once a year. We seen to have people
on our side and In order to keep them Informed first-hand, we must conraunlcate with them
first-hand. With the ground work w? laid on this flr-^t trip, we must follow It up.

The people we met with Included: Senator Mike Mansfield; Representative James Battln;
Representative Arnold Olsen; Vic Relnemer; Ray Dockstetter; Representative James Whltten;
Alfred L. Edwards, Deputy Assistant Secretary, USDA; Kermeth Grant, Associate Administrator,
SCS; George McCarthy, Office of Economic Opportunity; Charles W. McDougal, Assistant Admin-
istrator, USDA; Edward Cliff, Chief of Forest Service, DSDA; Boyd Rasmussen, Director, ELM;
and Gil Stamm, Acting Comnlssloner, Bureau of Reclamation. A

You can see we had a busy three days meeting with the above people. It was a privi-
lege to be one of the representatives of the MASWCD, and I feel we did ourselves some good.
Thank you,

**********
Frank Thompson

The success and effectiveness of our trip In behalf of Soil and Water Conservation Is
hard to evaluate as yet. It may take considerable length of time before any real and tan-
gible results come to light.

The following left on March 16th and returned on the 20th: Carl Johnson, A. G.
Slattery, Elmer Lund, Charles Lane, Frank Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jackson, and Mr. and
Mrs. A. B. Llnford. If the manner In which we were received by those with whom we had
appointments Is any measure of our success, I would say we did very well. The discussion
and question sessions took much more time than we had planned to ask for.

We had appointments with the following Congressmen: the Honorable James Whltten,
Representatives James Battln and Arnold Olsen, Senators Mike Mansfield and Lee Metcalf . We
told them the facts as we see them from the grassroots standpoint. We explored the possi-
bility of getting funds restored for the ASCS, which have been cut from the budget and an
Increase in Conservation Operation Funds for the SCS and urged support for other legislation
of interest to Conservation Districts.

Sessions were held with the following agency personnel. We met with Mr. Gil
Assistant Administrator of the Bureau of Reclamation and talked on small watershed project^
and the 160 acre limitation. There seems to be some action to amend the law to change thlj

-A-

Frank Thompson article, continued

^ We met with Mr. Boyd Rasmussen, Administrator of the Bureau of Land Management; multiple
xand use was the topic. We also met with Mr. Edward P. Cliff, Chief of Forest Service and
Mr. Alfred L. Edwards, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Department of Agriculture on mul-
tiple use of forest lands and wilderness area designations.

Mr. Charles W. McDougal, Assistant U. S. Department of Agriculture, a friendly former
County Agent, was a real pleasant fellow to visit with. Our topics were Conservation Educa-
tion through the Extension Service, programs of rural zoning, urbanization, and basic con-
servation as It affects extension work.

Another Montanan we ran Into was George McCarthy, Office of Economic Opportunity. We
asked him If there were any programs administered by his office whereby we may be able to
hire office help for districts. After some discussion, he assured us that If the proper
procedure was followed we could secure some help through his office.

More funds for additional technicians was the chief topic which we discussed with Mr,
Kenneth Grant, Associate Administrator of the Soil Conservation Service. He was well aware
of our problem and assured us that they at the National level were doing everything possible
at this time to obtain more funds.

In my opinion our trip was a success. We probably were there at the very worst time
possible because of the gold situation, the Vietnam War and other social and political
problems that seemed to make the situation very tense. We would all like to see some
follow-up in years to come and to continue this practice of personal contact whereby we
could show real results and progress.

lilmer Luni

In evaluating the results of our trip, we might ask "How much did we accomplish in
Washington and was there some way we could have made our efforts more effective?"

I feel that we did accomplish a great deal while we were in Washington. Ve didn't
come as paid lobbyists. The very fact that a group of active ranchers *K)uld take time
out of their busy schedule to present to our legislators the case of conservation that
effects everyone carries a lot of weight. As we presented to them our stand that conser-
vation does have priorities in agricultural appropriations, these statements were well
received and we were promised that they would be presented to the Committee and the
House when appropriations are being considered. Ourvlislts to other agency offices, I
believe, will also bear fruit. Work of this kind is often of an intangible nature, but
the good will we create and showing them the fact that conservation has our devoted in-
terest and support will produce results as time goes on.

Another thing I want to mention is that every legislator we talked to was for us.
This was fine, and we tried to give them material they could use to help our cause when
they could. However, I believe It was Mr. Whltten who suggested that we should present
our case to those who do not have a full understanding of what conservation means to our
State and our Nation, or to those who feel that other agencies or departments should have
priority of funds over conservation work. It would have been very interesting to have
made some contacts with those who favor a cut in conservation funds and to hear their
side of the story. In presenting our side of the story to them, we might have been able
to sow some seeds that would have helped our cause.

^ Our whole trip had been very well planned, thanks to the work of Peter Jackson and
Ave Llnford. Pete, as our leader in making the contacts, did an outstanding job; and
everything moved right along and on schedule. I'm sure that as long as conservation is
in the hands of capable, dedicated men such as these, we are going to move forward and
accomplish our goals. I'm glad I can have some part in this good work, and am thankful
to have been asked to be a part of this delegation.

-5-

A. G. "Slim" Slattery

The purpose of the trip was to l*-on out our problems of the Soil and Water Conserva-
tion Districts, including funding, small watersheds, technical assistance, combining agen-
cies, standardizing of specifications exchanging data, education, and cooperative effort
in agencies.

Our Montana delegation presented prepared documentary proof at the hearings. Mr.
Jackson, our State President, did an excellent Job with this evidence. Each delegate had
the same proof, but each one gave his own testimony and was responsible for the particular
phase on which he testified and was responsible for that testimony.

We also met with the Representatives, Arnold Olsen, western district, and James

Battin, eastern district. Senator Mike Mansfield prepared an office heating for the

group, at which we were very well received. Each presented his evidence as we had at
the other hearings.

* * * * *

*****

GOODYEAR WINNER

Reed Christensen, outstanding conservation farmer,
and Dale Marxer, Chairman of the Cascade Soil and Water
Conservation District, are shown as they try on hats
during their trip to Goodyear Farms in Arizona last
December.

Dale Marxer reports: "The four days Apent in
Arizona's Valley of the sun with the other 52 Soil and^
Water Conservation District officials and the 53 out-^
standing farmers and ranchers, including my fellow
traveler. Reed Christensen, will long be remembered as
one of the most wonderful experiences of my life.

The thing that startled Reed and I the most was the
water irrigation. They literally use the water until
they wear it out. They irrigate down through the fields
and at the end of each field the water is ditched or
piped to another field until it gets to the lower end
of the ranch where it is caught in a huge basin and is
pumped back up to the other end, mixed with fresh water
and started off all over again.

The water is pumped from ddep wells which average 882 feet In depth. The water table
is dropping at the rate of 10 feet per year. Believe me, those people aren!t talking about
'If they can get water from their neighbors to the north', but 'when', and you can easily
see why when it costs $40,000 for a well and pump, not to mention the cost of pumping. One
well will irrigate 100 acres of cotton and some crops take even more, of course. They were
pasturing their 7th crop of alfalfa. The cotton was about all harvested. We saw many
different types of implements, some in the experimental stages yet.

It was rewarding to exchange ideas with the other fellows on the way their Districts
operate and raise money to finance some of their various activities. States operate much
t>ie same as we do here in Montana, but others seem to have almost unlimited funds for op-
eration of districts provided by the state.

^B

As I said in the beginning, this was a trip that I will long remember; and I shall ^
never forget the wonderful friends that I exchanged thoughts with. I certainly urge all
districts to participate in the Goodyear Program, not only for the trip, but for the
improvement of the district and more and better conservation.

DISTRICT DOINGS

I #

JDajTIELS county SWCD - Discussed was the plant-

I Ing of trees along the county road to stop snow

drifting. The County Commissioners agreed to

provide the county tree planter free for these

plantings for the next calendar year. The

Commissioners asked that the trees be planted

at least 5 rods from the road right-of-way.

NORTH CUSTER SWCD - Art Kegel suggested that a
Conservation Day be established at Klnsey and
to have school students make up contest mater-
ial, put on stunts, etc.

BIG SANDY SWCD - Discussion had on volunteer
donations to district on engineering help
hired by the District. Motion by Halvorsen
and seconded by Sibra. This is to be a sli-
ding scale of $5.00 for one day or less and
$10.00 for over one day by cooperator. A
like amount is to be collected from contractor
if needed for this job. This is to be used
to hire technical help by the District due
to the lack of funds for this type of help
by the Soil Conservation Service. Motion
passed.

R ^BUD COUNTY SWCD - Chairman Steiger read
letters regarding SCS funds. Letters were
received from all Congressmen expressing
their support for needed funds by which to
operate. The supervisors were pleased to
hear from them.

Oath of Office was given and signed by the
newly elected supervisor J. M. Nansel.

FLATHEAD SWCD - Mr. Warren Hook, represen-
ting the Anaconda Aluminum Company visited
with the Supervisors about weed Inventory
on the Company's land. He reported they
are anxious to cooperate.

JEFFERSON VALLEY SV7CD - Urban representation
on the Board of Supervisors was discussed.
It was decided on the suggestion of Jeff
Lauderdale that he attend the next town
council meeting to inform the officials of
the advantages of membership in the dis-
trict and to extend an invitation to them
for a member to attend the supervisor's
meeting in the near future.

TRAINING PROGRAMS IN CONSERVATION EDUCATION
SCHEDULED

Schedule of conservation courses carry-
ing credits is as follows:

Eastern Montana College
Conservation Course June lO-July 12

Montana State University
Geography Course June 17-Augu8t 16

Montana Tech
Mineral Resource Course June lO-July 3

Western Montana College
Conservation Course July IS-August 9

Dawson College
Conservation Course July 15-August 9

Northern Montana College
Conservation Workshop July 15-August 9

Montana Conservation Council
Workshop for Women August 12-14

University of Montana
Conservation Workshop June 17-July 17

University of Montana
Family Camping & Rec. July 21-28

SODIUM CARBONATE USED TO SEAL PONDS

U. S. Department of Agriculture Scien-
tists disked sodium carbonate into dry pond
bottoms to prevent seepage and found that
periodic "booster shots" will keep the stock
ponds leak-proof. The sodium ions bonded to
the clay particles in the soil and caused the
soil to swell, creating an Impermeable seal.
Once treated, ponds receiving handfuls of
sodium carbonate will be maintained at a
high degree of impermeability.

**********

"A TIME FOR INITIATIVE"

Observe Soil Stewardship Week
May 19 - 26, 1968

-7-

"SHOW ME" SHELTERBELT TOUR

Bill Kesler, Chairman of the Farm Forestry Committee of the MASWCD, has engaged tT^
State Forester to take charge of a "Show Me" Shelterbelt Tour, June 5th through the 7th.

June 5 - Board busses at 8:00 A. M. in Great Falls. Travel to Tiber Daa recraation area,
arrival at 11:00 A. M. — Lunch provided by Liberty County SWCD at Sanford Park. Traral
in afternoon to various windbreak plantings. Arrival in Chester at 5:30 P. M. for a
banquet. Travel to Havre for over-night stay.

June 6 - Depart Havre 8:00 A. M. Tour route north of Havre on Route 232, viewing fan-
stead windbreaks and field shelterbelts, returning south through Glldford and to Port
Assinniboine and Experiment Station for lunch sponsored by the Hill County SWCD. Depart
Experiment Station 2:00 P. M. and travel to Great Falls with two stops at Carter, Montana
to view farmstead and field plantings and recreation planting. Stay overnight in Great
Falls.

June 7 - Depart Great Falls 8:00 A. M. Travel to the north to view older farmstead
breaks (established for 20 to 25 years) and some newer field windbreaks.

Return to Great Falls at noon and end tour.

Supervisors should notify the State Forester's Office by Hay 10 on the nimber of persons
who will be Making this tour from your District. The address to write to Is: 2705
Spurgin Road, Missoula, Montana 59801.

Arrangements must be made for those parsons who will be going. However, do not hold btflk
because you think there will be too many going. If at the last minute you sea that you
are free to make the trip, you will be more than welcome even though you haven't made ,
reservations.

Hon-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage PD.
..,,>„, , Permit No. 171

v^xL iTr<e5SVreA Butte, Montana

^^W y(XCA: C(p^(^:

reasire
ficres

9 30 E LY'IjALU
HELENA MO.-.'T 59 301

JUL 23 1968

0. M. Ueland, Editor, Montana Tech, Butte, Montana
MAY - JUNE, 1968

PETER V. JACKSON, MASWCD PRESIDENT SEZ:

I would like to use this article to
report on the progress of our legislation.

The Executive Committee and Secretary
have worked hard to get your wishes on
paper so that we could have a good look
at them and see just how much is needed,
what we can eliminate, and if only minor
changes in our law could do the job.

First, your Secretary, Wayne Gibson,
made a careful study of resolutions and
our District law. He then wrote up the
changes that were needed. At this point,
your Executive Committee met and went over
the work very carefully. Several major
cb-'nges were made and some additions were

This was all re-typed, "thanks to
donations from outside sources and our
work-study secretary Miss Pat Kruss", for
presentation to the combined Board of Dir-

GOVERNOR TIM BABCOCK PROCLAIMS
SOIL STEWARDSHIP WEEK

Montana joined other states of the na-
tion when Governor Tim Babcock signed a proc-
lamation denoting the week of May 19-26 as
Soil Stewardship Week.

Reports indicate that many programs,
sermons, and news releases took place asso-
ciated with the theme "A Time for Initiative."

The Governor's proclamation noted that
natural resources are the subject of increas-
ing attention by people throughout Montana in
to^vms, as well as in our cities and suburbs.
Clear water and air, trees and soil are tak-
ing on new meanings with the discovery that
these resources are not only limited but vital
and have been fouled, wasted and ruined. It
is time for all of us to examine and measure
how well we are meeting our responsibilities
for the care of natural resources and identi-
fy what new or added steps we can take as re-
sponsible citizens to develop and protect the
resources around us.

President Sez, Continued

URBAN VOTES FAVORABLE

ectors and Executive Committee at Lewistoxm
on June 3rd where the work was completely
gone over and studied again.

I can assure you all that no word went
unheeded at this meeting. Our Directors
should be praised for their serious business-
like manner in which they considered the
changes needed in our law.

You can feel secure that this legisla-
tion contains no hidden clauses or devious
wording. I'Hien the work is done and ready
for presentation to our legislators, we
can be proud tb discuss these needs with any-
one. For it will reflect only the basic
needs of an agressive, sensible grassroots
organization which has been charged with
doing the big job of Natural Resource Con-
servation and has every intention of facing
up to their responsibilities and getting the
job done.

Your Association was well represented
at the Area V Meeting in Bismarck, North
Dakota. In spite of the worst time of the
year, a delegation of fourteen came from
Montana. I would like to take this time to
thank you all for the hard work you did at
Bismarck. This work will always pay off,
if nothing more than in cemenfng good sin-
cere relationships with our fellow states.

I have watched a major change that has
slowly taken place in our Districts. Today
supervisors are now looking at the entire
scope of the problems they are trying to
solve. Whether the problems are rural or
urban has no longer any effect, only to
remedy the true cause of the trouble Is
what Is important.

I personally believe this is a wonder-
ful sign of maturity and proof positive
that Soil and Water Conservation Districts
are truly the responsible people to handle
resource development and especially from
the local level and up. "^

The Great Society — that
strange society under wtiich
wives as well as their hus-
bands must work to pay their
taxes so the government can
spend billions to support
families in which the wives and
husbands don't work at all.

Six towns voted favorably at a refer-
endum held in conjunction with the June 4
primary for addition to their respective
Soil and Water Conservation Districts. They
were Broadus 116 to 11, Fort Benton 35A to
66, Geraldine 74 to 8, Harlowton 441 to 33,
Hysham 131 to 9, and Wibaux 191 to 13.

Big Sandy 517 to 21, and Drummond 92
to 6 voted earlier this spring. Havre and
Hingham have had hearings and will be vot-
ing in conjunction with the general elec-
tion in November. Jordan has submitted a
petition for addition. It is estimated
that perhaps 20 more petitions will be
received by September.

WATERSHED BOND ISSUES FAVORABLE

On June 4 property owners of Lewlstown
voted 1,328 to 746 in favor of a $250,000
bond issue to finance their share of the
$1,500,000 Lewlstown Flood Control Project.
The stage is now set for the building of
five dams, one of which will be for recre-
ation, on Big Spring Creek and its trib|
taries. The project will be built unde».
the P. L. 566 Watershed Program.

Also voting on a bond issue of $65,000
June 4 were property owners of Columbia
Falls for the Cedar Creek Flood Project.
Their vote was 419 to 82 in favor. The
estimated cost of this watershed project
is $412,656. Benefits are flood control
and municipal water.

**************

Genetics was labeled the "most neglected area
in the beef business" at the Production In-
dexing Center Field Day and Beef Cattle Forum
at Stanford, Montana. But Banker James
Wempner, Billings, selected management of
grass as the most neglected area. A study of
15 ranches showed a difference in net returns
of $15,000 per year (the best made $9,000.^
the poorest lost $6,000); the difference was
largely in the way the range was managed.
About 1,000 cattlemen from Montana, Alberta,
and elsewhere in the northern plains took in
the field day and sale. *

Sublety is the art of saying
wliiit you think, and getting out
of range before it is under-
stood.

JOHN <^CHROEDF.R RECEIVES CONSERVATION
AWARD

Shown above is Don Aldrich, Presi-
dent of the Montana Wildlife Association
A^d former recipient of the American Motors
rtward, presenting John Schroeder of LoLo
with the American Motors bronze sculptural
medallion award at the Soil Conservation
Society of America Annual Meeting June 8.

ROAD DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL IS FORMED

A lliphwav Joint Development Council has '
been formed by the Montana iilghwav Commission
to consider recreation, conservation, and
scenic aspects of construction In rural areas.
Tlie State Soil Conservation Committee, the
Montana Fish and Game Department, the Montana
Department of Planning and Economic Develop-
ment, State Land Board, State Forester, U. S,
Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, are
among state and federal agencies represented
on the Council.

The Montana Fish and Game Department
and Highway Depaetment have been working to-
gether on planning some fishing reservoirs
along new highway construction in Montana.
Soil and Water Conservation District Super-
visors will be Interested in coordinatijig
soils information, potential watershed and
water development facilities, as well as
recreation and beautlf icatlon projects. Dis-
tricts have spearheaded grass seeding and
weed control programs. Long range planning
and financing will be necessary to properly
coordinate these things.

A big start has been made.

****************

This award is presented annually to
ten professional and ten non-professional
conservationists throughout the United
States for dedicated efforts in the field
of renewable natural resources, which
would not otherwise gain widespread public
recognition.

John is a long time supervisor of
the Missoula County Soil and Water Conser-
vation District. He was selected for his
leadership in the conservation of natural
resources in Montana. He has been espe-
cially effective in achieving cooperation
and understanding between conservation
organizations and in initiating and
supporting education and conservation
legislation. In addition, he has been
appointed by three governors to serve as
a member of the Montana Soil Conservation
romralttee.

0

Seated in the foreground is Mrs.
John Casey, Mistress of Ceremonies.

Harold Houlton, Agronomist of North Montana
ExperlBBOt Station tells Blaine County School
Conservation Tour members about range Improve-
ment.

Approximately 100 attended the tour.

Gas station attendant to
woman nbtori'^t with dented
fender: "I don't know whether
I should sell you any east
Looks to me as though you'
had enough already."

5 line

DISTRICT DOINGS

Fl^RCUS COirWTY SVJCD - Mrs. Ellen Rlckl pre-
sented some ideas on what the district
could do to assist in conservation educa-
tion-information for the schools. After
much discussion it was decided that the
Fergus County orientation meeting for
rural teachers will be held at the Agri-
cultural Building August 23, and the Dis-
trict will present the afternoon program
to the teachers. The District will also
furnish coffee and donuts for the teachers
for both afternoon and morning sessions.

LITTLE BEAVER SWCD - The supervisors dis-
cussed the need for priority on conserva-
tion practices and feel that they should
contact the ACP office to learn if it
would be better to give various practices
priority instead of pay for the practices
in the order they are signed up. They
will discuss this with Everett Zinne, man-
ager of the ASCS Office, and others be-
fore any action is taken.

GARFIELD COUIITY SWCD - Mrs. Alma Rowton is
to be notified that as soon as she has re-
ceived verification that she has been
accepted in a conservation course at an
approved college she will be eligible to
receive the District's $50.00 cash conser-
vation scholarship.

Guptill and Mooney have completed a
conservation filn list for use by the grade
school teachers & 4-H leaders. The list
has been distributed.
CARBON SWCD - There is still interest
among the supervisors to take a tour of
the area south of the Pryors where the
controversial wild horses exist. Brunsvold
will be in contact with Sterle Dale and
will have him make arrangements with the
Bureau of Land Management for a tour some-
time during the week of July 15.

A discussion was held on the Soil and Water
Conservation Tour scheduled for the Libby
area on June 13. Most of the supervisors
were unable to attend this tour and it was
decided to wait until more projects had been
completed in the Libby area.

LEWIS & CLARK COUNTY SWCD - Myrlin Donaldson
asked if the SWCD would be in a position to
help out with beautif ication on projects
such as the Fair Grounds. The Board expressed
a desire to work on beautif ication and since
Mr. Donaldson is on the Fair Board, he will
see if there are any projects appropriate.
He will report back to the Board.

Paul Kleffner volunteered to work with the
Chamber of Commerce Agricultural Committee
on an Urban Conservation Tour in June.

ROOSEVELT COUNTY SWCDs - Jack Wicks reported
that final arrangements have been made for
an eighth grade conservation tour at Wolf
Point and Culbertson & Froid schools. Harry
Swank reported that Poplar was also inter-
ested in these tours and asked that arrange-
ments be made to hold a tour in the Poplar 4

RICHLAND COUNTY SWCD - The vote on the recre-

ation lake was discussed at length. Walt
Anderson answered questions on taxes, location,
and precinct votes on the lake. The super-
visors decided that another attempt should
be made as soon as possible to obtain the
lake. The general concensus of the Board
was to press for another vote on the recrea-
tion area in the fall election in November.

LIBERTY COUNTY SWCD - The District decided
they would donate the use of the tree plant-
er to the Chester Community Recreation Park
as their contribution to the Park.

Dykstra reported that personnel from the
geological survey in Billings have agreed
to make measurements of water losses in
some representative ditches around the
District.

LINCOLN SWCD - Conservation tours for 8th

grade students of the Eureka area schools
were held on May 1 and of Troy area schools
on May 2. These tours were conducted by
Louis Rollman, County Extension Agent, and
Bill Shelley, Work Unit Conservationist.

StrtET GRASS COUNTY SWCD - Mabry distributed
literature on "Montana Soil Conservation
Districts Contribution to Water Development".
It was suggested that the same information
on a county basis be worked up for a news
item or for the annual meeting. A dis-
trict newsletter was discussed and the idea
tabled. It was suggested that a news item
be published in tlie local paper once a month.

A beautiful woman is one you
notice, while a charming woman
is one who notices vou.

'Tin: FUTtlRK OF DISTRICTS'

We hear a lot today about organizational and social activities that are locally based
and oriented with the people of the community affected. I think we are all agreed that
local participation and grassroots control of orp.anizatlons , subdivisions of Government
and Government itself. Is highly commendable and the most Democratic process of all human
social activity.

Local Soil & Water Conservation Districts have, from their Inception, been locally
organized and controlled, a fact, we may all he proud of. The march of time and man's
progress has not changed this concept and let us hope that it never will. However, man*s
technological and scientific advancement and its changing social pattern has dramatically
changed the outlook and complexity of resource conservation and planning. These changes in
turn demand a changing and receptive attitude on all organizations and groups administering
and sponsoring the broad aspects of conservation. In our Districts, we have failed to meet
the challenge of this change. In the matter of District financing, we are a "beggar group"
in a world of high-powered finance and advertising. We are the destitute champions of a
cause that effects every man, woman and child in our nation.

Our changing social structure dictates that we can no longer be concerned with prob-
lems of strictly local nature. Such problems as flood control, water pollution, urtian
water supplv, air pollution and the many facets of recreation are demanding our attention.

The Districts, as presently established, are financially and by virtue of statute,
unable to effectively administer the multi-interest and multi-purpose resource develop-
ments refiulred by our modern day society.

, It is in view of our limitations as Districts that we must look forward toward new
^enabling legislation, providing new and supporting entities entrusted with new powers and

responsibilities necessary to expedite resource conservation and development with the

complex Interests concerned.

The powers necessary to achieve this must Include among others: the power of
eminent domain, the power of taxation and the power of bonding. The Governing Boards
shall receive these powers onlv at the consent of the people being taxed and bonded.
The people must have representation on the Board equal to their respective participation
and benefit in the project concerned.

If we fail to receive legislative updating, the alternative could well be the in-
creased role of higher echelons of state and federal government in resource development
and the consequent loss of local control*

The above was written bv Walter Mvllvmakl, Chairman of tlie Judith Basin SWCD.

DATES TO EE'-IEMBER
4-H Camp at Little Bitterroot Camp - Kalispell

American Society of Range Management , Intermountain Section Annual Meeting^
A Iberta, Canada

MASWCD AREA MEETINGS
Western Montana (Area V) Kalispell

Triangle (Area HI) Great Falls

Heatiuaters (Area VI) Three Forks

^outhcentral (Area V) Billings

(Area I) Glasnou

ilortkeastem
Southeastern

(Area II)

LaLonde Hotel

Baker

Sidney

■5-

July 8-12
July 25-27

September 30
October 1
October 2
October 3
October 4
October 5

October 30, 31,
■? November 1

W1L\T IS A SWCD LADIES' AmCILIARY?

Behind the Soil Conservation Supervi-
sors is a group known as the Auxiliary. We
stand ready to help when we are needed —
passing out Soil Stewardship material to the
various churches of the County, joining in
the Education Program of the Youth, serving
lunches to the men on our meeting nights and
helping to serve lunches on Research Field
Day. There are the "fun times" too. The
picnics, the steak dinners, conventions, etc.
We've made a scrapbook to tell the story of
our activities since we organized. We had
fun making favors for some of the state
conventions.

Our resources are many, but we need to
conserve them as individuals, as families,
as communities and as a country.

Let's paint a picture. "Let's go fish-
ing." "Okay I Mom get some lunch together
and we'll all go down to the pond." Do
you hear this at your home? We have tried
to make a place for family fun and recrea-
tion where we can be close to jv^ture and
hence close to our Maker who "entrusted
this land to our keeping." Here we have
water, wildlife, (the pond was stocked with
trout - and there may be some ducks swim-
ming if you approach quietly), some trees
have been planted which in time will make
cover for more wildlife, and though the
banks are not covered with graas yet, we
picture this in the near future. Our pic-
ture isn't complete without a fireplace,
and a picnic table with the family gather-
ed around, pausing to give thanks for this
great land of ours.

Let's unite in our efforts to make
this a better land to leave to future
"Stewards".

(The above article was taken from the
Roosevelt County SWCD Newsletter and
was written by Mrs. Harry Swank, Jr.,
Vice-President of the SWCD Auxiliary of
Roosevelt County.)

A CHALLENGE TO ALL INCUMBENT AND PROSPECTi^
SUPERVISORS ^

We recognize the importance as well as
the difficulty of the Job of District Super-
visor. Wlien a Supervisor files his Oath of
Office, he assumes a legal and moral respon-
sibility in the conservation and orderly
development of the land, water and related
resources of his community and State. A
Supervisor holds a responsible and unique
position. A supervisor is a member of the
District governing body directing a legal
subdivision of the State, responsible to
landowners of the District.

A District's success is dependent upon
what Supervisors choose to make of their
many opportunities. Supervisors can place
time and energy into the work and see the
entire area grow and prosper, or Supervisors
can slide along without much effort and be
Supervisors in name only.

Supervisors receive no monetary reward
for services and efforts. At times, it
seems Supervisors are performing a thankleea
task, but reward comes in full measure frociL.
the personal satisfaction in realization c^B
the pleasure of the giving of time and tal-
ents to the community and State, and in the
knowledge of having helped to establish a
perpetually stronger base upon which a great-
er and more prosperous America may be built.
Supervisor's accomplishments will largely
determine the length of time our country
will endura as a land blessed with abun-
dance, prosperity, and a standard of liv-
ing unsurpassed anywhere on earth.

Districts can and do receive invalu-
able assistance from many agencies, organi-
zations and individuals. How well Super-
visors make use of this assistance and how
well they are able to coordinate these
cooperative efforts in the building of an
effective District program will be reflected

in the District's success. Courtesy

of the Arizona Association of SWCDs Newsletter,

Joe: "My wife dreamed she married a

millionaire last night."
Jack: "You're lucky. Mine thinks tliat in

the daytime.

Small Boy to Chum: "So that's it.
I always figured tl>e stork had too ^
short a wingspread to carry an elght-tcA
ten pound load." "*'

'S'UIW ME"

.TERBKLT TOUR A SUCCESS

A "Show Me" Shelterbelt Tour was held
on June 5, 6, and 7 tl-.rough parts of Liberty,
Hill, Cascade, and Chouteau Counties. Tran-
sportation was furnished by tlie State For-
ester's Office. Forty people attended tha
tour on the first day, 30 the second day, and
20 on the third day. Twelve people made the
entire trip.

Chuck Wright, wlio coordinated the trip
for the State Forester's Office, stated that
the tour was a success.

Comments were made from the various
landowners whose shelterbelts were visited
that field shelterbelts were fairly easy
to manage and that they really do some good.

Pictured below is Joe Ostebauer, a
Hill County SWCD Cooperator, explaining the
establishment and management of his field
windbreak plantings. Mr. Ostebauer's ranch
is located north of Glldford, Montana.

LIBERTY COUNTY YOUTHS WIN
INTERNATIONAL LAND JUDGING CONTEST

Four youngsters from Liberty County,
Gail Good, Garth Good, Curtis Sciiuhmacher ,
and Bill Cole attended the International
Land, Range, & Pasture Judging Contest at
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma the week of April
29th. They were accompanied on the trip
by Larry Brownell, County Extension Agent,
Chester, and Mrs. Charles Good of Chester.

Gail, Garth, Curtis & Bill took first
place in the Land Judging Contest. The
trophy they won was inscribed as follows:

"International Land Judging Contest
Western Region Champion 4-}l Team"

Each one received a certificate sta-
ting they had competed in this contest.

This contest is sponsored by WKY
Television in Oklahoma City.

The Montana Association of Soil &
Water Conservation Dlxtricts were co-
sponsors in paying the expenses of these
youths to Oklahoma City. Sincere con-
gratulations to them and their leaders
for an outstanding performance of which
Montana can be proud.

.m^g^^

"DAUGHTER," said the mother, "didn't I
tell you not to let strange men come into
your apartment? You know tilings like that
worry me."

Don't be ridiculous, Motherl" laughed the
jyjl. "I went to his apartment this time.
i.„rf, let his mother v;orrvI"

"HOLSTERS" - It was a Saturday evening, and a man was
waiting' for a friend in front of a store on Main St.
Nearby stood a cowboy In boots and stetson, beside him
a small boy who was a junior-size version of himself.
Tlie child stared for a tine Into the shop window,
which featured a display of brassieres, and then asked,
"Ifliat are those. Daddy?" The cowboy turned his head
briefly to look, then drawled, "Well, son, they're
kinda like holsters."

CONSERVATION WORKSHOP DISPLAY

r

Shown above is a Conservation Plan display located at Northern Montana College in
Havre which will be used as a visual aid in the conservation workshop conducted by Mr.
Hagener and in the farm and ranch management classes taught by Mr. Siebrasse. The plan
is for the combination farm-ranch of Sig Meland, north of Havre, and he has consented to
allow the students to visit his ranch to see the application of the conservation practices
listed in the plan.

This display was prepared by the Hill County Soil & Water Conservation District with
tlie assistance of the local Soil Conservation Service office. The plan was written by A
Bill Armstrong, Soil Conservationist in Hill County.

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Permit No.l71
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MOMT STATE LIDI^ARY

930 E LYriDALE

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STATE DOCUMENTS

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OFFICIAL NEWS BULLETIN

n. M. Ueland, Editor, Montana Tech, Butte, Montana

JULY - AUGUST, 196fi

The time Is fast approaching when we will
be holding our annual area tneetlnp.s over the
State. These meetings are extremelv Important
due to the fact that It Is Impossible for ev-
eryone to attend our Annual State Convention.
Again this vear Carl Johnson, your Vice-Pres-
ident, and myself will be attending all six
area meetings.

First, we f«el that the very Importance
of these meetings demand our attendance, but
more especially we have some verv Important
legislative matters to discuss and explain
to all the supervisors and legislators. The
legislation that we are attempting to put
together will have a tremendous effect on
r^e status, atmosphere, and general attitude
^districts and their boards of supervisors.

It is an undisputed fact that the dis-
tricts now have a huge responsibility. The

l;ftk Q.fkr f^aot Lke,

It was a vintage year at the 22nd annu-
al Montana A-H Conservation Camp held for the
first time In three years at Little Bitter
Root Lake, east of Kalispell, July 9-13. An
outstanding group of 109 delegates and return
campers had perfect weather and the right
frame of mind to absorb a revamped, action-
packed program.

RETURN CAMPERS KEEP THINGS MOVING
These were return campers who planned much of
the program for the Montana A-H Conservation
Camp at Little Bitter Root Lake. Left to
right are Joe Bratsky, Bridger, Bruce Blxby,
Wolf Point, Dave Chalmers, Choteau; Ina Ann
Beaudry, Valler; Joe Warner, Whlteflsh;
Helen hannon. Darby; Carol Kelsey, Bridger;
and Linda Harxer, Great Falls.

Continued on Page 2

Continued on Page

Pete Jackson, Harrison, Montana, Presi-
dent of the MASWCD, has been asked by Secre-
tary of Agriculture, Orvllle Freeman, to serve
on an 18 member committee which represents a
broad range of soil and water conservation In-
terest throughout the United States.

The term of office for Committee Members
of the Public Advisory Committee Is two years.
The Advisory Committee is asked to meet at
least once each year and at such other occa-
sions as may be mutually found desirable.

It is the purpose of Mr. Freeman to ob-
tain from the Committee objective evaluation
and constructive suggestions for program needs
and development in the field of soil and water
conservation. Mr. Freeman states, "I consider
the soil and water conservation activities of
the Department of Agriculture as extremely
Important to the welfare of our nation. Re-
search, education, technical assistance, cost-
sharing and credit are all essential tools for
helping the private landowners in our country
to properly use and conserve their land for
its future protection and Improvement".

The 1968 Annual Meeting of the Public
Advisory Committee will be held in Washington,
D. C, October 9, 10, and 11, 1968.

**********

DATES TO REMEMBER
MASWCD AREA MELTIUGS
Western Montana Kalispell
Triangle Great Falls

Headwaters Three Forks

Southaentral Billings

Northeastern Glasgow

Southeastern Baker

LaLonde Hotel

MASWCD ANNUAL MEETING
Sidney

September 30
October 1
October 2
October 3
October 4
October 5

October 30, 31,
& November 1

Following an oppration, tho
Medicare patient woke up and
found a placard on his incision.
It read: "This is a Federal
project, showing your dollar at
work . "

President Sez, Continued from Page 1

easiest way to see Just how large the respon-
sibility really is, is to read the Soil and
Water Conservation District Law. In the years
just past, these awesome charges were passed
over as something to be reckoned with in the
future. The time has arrived where the demands
of a hungry multitude, not only in the U.S.A.,
but all over the world are coupled with
spreading suburbia, airports, factories, high-
ways, and recreation areas. We aren't just
independent agrarian people working In our
fields — the true example of free enterprise.
Now, all these factors are crowding in on us
and demanding that we perform our task of
making sure that the natural resources of soil
and water are preserved and made to produce
what is needed todav to meet our standard of
living.

One final fact of life - there will be
no turning back to the good old days. This
is impossible. Likewise, the same good old
days of our districts are gone. But this
isn't bad. In fact, it's good, even exciting
to think that we are really that important 0
all the other people and they must be so de-
pendent on us.

The one satisfying thing about all this
Is that we are already getting underway. With
the new additions and changes put into our
district law, we will he able to do our part
In conservation in the manner required of us.

Our area meetings are also the starting
point for resolutions for the annual meeting.
Legislation mav be all Important, but some-
one must tend the shop. So if vou have a
resolution to present, get it ready and you
can feel assured that it will get the Associ-
ation's full attention. For the record, we
acted on every resolution from last year's
convention by March of 1968. We weren't
sufccessful on every one, but we sure tried
our very best and we did a lot of good too.

In conclusion, don't forget to call that
legislator and invite him to the area meeting.
Better yet, give him a lift - then you can
get better •cquainted during the trip. You
iuBt might be surprised that these politicians
are human beings and darn nice fellows to boot.

"Mommy, can I swim in the

ocean?"
"No, the water's too rough
"But daddy's swimming."
''Daddy's insured."

The Montana State Soil and Water Conservation Districts Auxiliarv was organized on
November 15, 1958 In Bozeman, Montana when 20 ladles united topether.

The first officers elected for the Auxiliary were Mrs. Oscar Hlppe of Froid, President;
Mrs. Leslie Crlswell of Hysham, Vice-President; and Mrs. Frank Thompson of Wolf Creek, Sec-
retary-Treasurer. The Vice-President was selected to be the Historian for the organization
and to take care of the scrapbook.

Presidents elected bv the Auxiliary since its inception are:

Mrs. Oscar Hlppe, Froid 1959-1960

Mrs. Leslie Crlswell, Hysham 1961-1962

Mrs. Frank Thompson, Wolf Creek 1963-196A

Mrs. Harold Jensen, Baker 1965-1966

Mrs. Eupene Larsen, Culbertson Was elected

President In 1967 and is the current President

for 1968.

The Auxiliary has been verv active In several projects over the years; one project, has
been distributing Che Soil Stewardship material to pastors of churches and urging them to use
the material and to observe Soil Stewardship Sunday.

Each year the Auxiliary donates gifts for door prizes for Area and National Conventions.
In 1963 a poster contest was held with a bond given as first prize, and a donation of $5.00
'jas given to the restoration of the old Governor- 's Mansion in Helena.

Each year the Auxiliary donates to t'r.e "Chatterbox". A donation was sent to the Davis
Menorial Library for the purpose of purchasing a book one year.

Montana has only 1 organized District Auxiliary, which is the Roosevelt County SWCD
Auxiliary. This Auxiliary made earrings from local sagebrush for favors for each lady et
the Area Meeting in 1965. In 1966 they made the table decorations for the 25th Annual
Meeting of the Montana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

At the 1967 Convention of the MASWCD, the State Aoxillary was asked to attend the
Education Committee meeting. The turnout was so good they had to find a larger room to
accomodate Qkose in attendance. The ladles were asked to stress the educational phase of
Soil and Water Conservation in their respective communities.

Pictured below are the 1968 Officers of the Ladies Auxiliarv.

m

m^h^

Mrs. Eugene Larsen
President

-s. Dean A. Hanson
Vice-President

Mrs. Kenneth Coulter
Secretarv-Treasurer

Little Bitter Root Lake 4-H Conservation Camp, Continued

The youths were reminded they have the brainpower to solve the problems of waste and
pollution, and were urged to come up with the courage and fortitude to do it by WILLIAM J.
KESLER of Kalispell, past president of the Montana Association of Soil and Water Conserva-
tion Districts. County SWCDs paid transportation for most of the delegates.

Kesler explained, "everyone is only inches from a 'desert', and the soil and moisture
covering the land must be protected so that the one-ln-eight of those who will become farm-
ers or ranchers will be able to continue to produce food and fiber for himself and 44 others
— or more."

"Some 24 million acres annually are lost to highways, urban growth, industry and other
non-agricultural needs," Kesler said. "The air and water of many communities fast is be-
coming polluted and there are new threats," he said.

"Pollutlod and waste can be controlled, and possibly could be non-existent by the year
2000, " Kesler said. "Be not the polluters of our present and past generations," he asked
the youths.

Kesler' 8 description of Soil and Water Conservation Districts goals — to keep a balance
between water and soil resources needed for commercial agriculture production — were re-
peated In various ways by instructors and speakers.

"America faces a decision on the amount of land which it can put under asphalf" said
John Harris, University of Montana Wildlife Extension Director from Missoula. He said
California is ulng 100 acres a day for urban growth.

"Of 36 billion acres of real estate in the world, four billion acres have been used u|
for agriculture and development, most of what is suitable," Dr. Harris said. "Anything done
to land affects something else, particularly the food chain or energy-nutrient cycle
which produces potential food," he said. "In this chain only about 10 percent is trans-
ferred in each stage as the sun, water and soil nutrients combine to create minute plants
and animals, which in turn provide food for insects, grasses and plants," Dr. Harris said.
"These in turn are consumed by forage fish or animals to in turn provide food for game
fish, game animals or man," he explained. "Whether the grass-rabblt-hawk, plankton-insect-
forage fish-game fish or other cycle, any change in air or water quality changes the bal-
ance," he said.

The food chain was detailed as basis for wildlife classes by Eldon Smith, Extension

Wildlife Specialist. He related the transfer of energy in nutrient form for fish, game

animals, upland birds and waterfowl as he described the type of management required to

maintain both wildlife and its habitat.

"Hunter harvest may be far wiser conservation than trying to feed elk or any unnatural
effort to build up game numbers," Smith said. He said "wild Montana elk produce three to
four times as many live calves for a given number of cows as the Jackson, Wyoming herd
which has been fed hay for years."

"Anyone can be a conservationist, but far too few people are," said George Ostrua,
Kalispell business consultant and former Forest Service smokejumper instructor. He
described Montana's 'blue-ribbon trout stream', the Madison River, as 'completely like
a garbage dump from one end to the other on both sides'.

"Having only 14 million of two billion acres of wilderness left is like starting with
$1,000 and having only $7.00 left," Ostrum said.

Ostrum said, "as an 'anti-dam man' he opposes a dam on the Big Hole River or the
Missouri River in Montana and termed high mountain lakes for irrigation storage in the

Continued on Page 5

Mttle Rltter Root Lake 4-H Conservation Camp, Continued

Bitter Root Valley area as a threat to primitive or wilderness status." As a founder of
the 'Save the Grlzxly Bear Club', Ostrum said "both two fatal Grizzly maulings and costly
fires in Glacier National Park could have been prevented." He decried shooting of bald
eagles on McDonald Creek in the Park.

Emergency preparedness, based on civil defense information hut geared to outdoor sur-
vival, was taught as a new course by Harold Strobel of Bozeman, Extension Adult Civil
Defense Specialist.

Alan Epps, an MSU graduate student, taught recreation area management and emphasized
importance of utilizing a natural look. He was assisted by Jim Krall, an MSU Student.

Also new was a water resources class directed by Jane Campbell, Lake County Extension
Agent. She was assisted by Dick Bauer, Future Fanner of America advisor at Ronan, and
Eugene PhillijJs, Kalispell Attorney. Ned Jeffries of Bozeman, Extension Range Specialist,
taught range plant Identification as a way of determining range condition, assisted by Jack
Parcell of Missoula, Soil Conservation Service Soil Scientist. This helped replace the
usual soils course, which with weeds was not taught this year.

Firing on the range with .22s under tutelage of C. W. (Brick) Vaughn, State A-H Exten-
sion Specialist, campfires, swimming, volleyball and other activities kept the youths busy
at the Lions Camp. The 4-H members found time to come up with their own ideas about their
responsibilities and potentials as stewards of the resources needed now and for future
generations.

SIX INCHES FROM DESERT
Bill Kesler of Kalispell, past president of
the Montana Association of Soil & Water Con-
servation Districts, told conservation camp
members they are only six inches from a desert
nd starvation in urging protection of the
^-and and resources. Conservatinn problems can
be solved by 2000, he said.

CONSERVATION CAMP STAFF
It takes a big staff to run a conservation
camp, and not all were present at any one
time. Left to right are Harold Strobel, Ex*-
tension Civil Defense Specialist; Ned Jeffries
Extension Range Specialist; Jane Campbell,
Lake County Extension Agent; Alan Epps, MSU
graduate student; Don Becker, Granite County
Extension Agent; Jim Krall, MSU Student;
Elson Smith, Extension Wildlife Specialist
C. W. Vaughn, Extension State

John Harris,

4-H Specialist,
UofM Wildlife Extension Director.

The biggest pooling agreement yet in the state, "The Racetrack Ditch Association" in
Powell County, a concrete canal lining project, was dedicated and put into use June 19, 1968.

The $200,000 water conservation project of 5^ miles of concrete-lined canals will elim-
inate water seepage losses of over 50 percent and replace 36 miles of gravel and earth ditches.

The voluntary association of 13 fanners and ranchers is under the leadership of John
Vanisko, Chairman of the Deer Lodge Valley Soil and Water Conservation District. Cost-
sharing was provided by the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation. Engineering was
done by the Soil Conservation Service.

About 150 people attended the dedication ceremonies, which was highlighted by a barbecue
and speeches by Ave Linford, State Conservationist, SCS, and Viola Herak, Chairman, State
ASCS Committee.

Jack Kelly, a farmer in the project, told that this was a 25 year dream come true. At
one time, a dam was proposed. The saving of water la this project will make about 7,000 acre
feet more water available, besides other benefits. Ave Linford, observed that this project
shows what patience, persistence, and desire can do, and of what people working together ^an
accomplish. Mrs. Herak observed how wonderful it is to have water when needed.

Main canal on the Racetrack Ditch Consolidation. The water
will serve over 5,000 acres of prime agricultural land.
Crops, such as potatoes, grain, hay, and irrigated pasture
are being raised. Alvln Lane of Three Forks was the contractor.

******

WINDBREAKS INCREASE CROP YIELDS

The quoted material below was taken from the North Dakota Publication. It is interest-
ing to note how a farmer who has tried field windbreaks, and experienced the beneficial re-
sults, talks about them. \Jind erosion was a problem for this fanner and so in 1966, he
planted pattern type tree rows at AO rod spacing on approximately 600 acres of his 12A0 acre
farm. Her is what he has to say about them.

"My Increase in yield has been approximately three bushels per acre, and If the trees
were planted at 20 rod intervals, instead of 40, the increase In yield would be doubledw"

The tree plantings have improved crop production and reduced soil erosion, snow cover-
age is better, land values are up, and beauty has been added to the farm land.

JJi'sir I 'qj Jyoj 'lO ^s

SHF.RIDAN COUNTY SWCD - The Montana W.>od Con-
trol Law and proposed modifications was dis-
cussed and it was suggested that the local
legislative candidates be invited to attend
a meeting of the Hoard of Supervisors to
discuss the weed law with them and to urge
their support. It is felt that noxious
weeds are becoming a major problem in the
county.

PONDERA COUNTY SWCD - Chairman Snortland re-
ported he had met with the Conrad City Coun-
cil concerning their coming Into the SWCD.
He answered questions councilmen had and
provided them with general infoj-raatlon. No
decision was reached due to other business.
The Valier Mayor has been contacted and
he will bring it up at their next Council
meeting. Followup will continue with these
towns.

BOX ELDER SWCD - There was considerable dis-
cussion concerning the fact that the ASCS
office does not have as much money this
year as last year. It was felt that some
priority on various types of projects
^^lould be made.

MCCONE SWCD - Bob Brown reported on the
Field Tour on June 15 at the Research Cen-
ter at Sidney. He said It was a very in-
teresting tour, well planned and worthwhile.
Brown, Eggebrecht, Robbins and Bishop also
attended.

LIBERTY COUNTY SWCD - Larry Brownell brought
up that on the Range Tour, June 27 and 28 at
the Sweetgrass Hills, a new range team had
been chosen for the 1968-69 year. The mem-
bers of the team are Vonda Mattson, Bill
Cole, Toni Rae Brown and Randi Lelghton.
A trophy will be ordered to be presented on
Achievement Night, and the ribbons are al-
ready here.

TREASURE COL^TY SWCD - A discussion was held
regarding the 6 points in a letter from
Wayne Gibson, MASWCD Secretary, concerning
rancher-sportsmen relationships. It would
make good subject matter for a district in-
formational leaflet. Harold Miller, Montana
Wildlife Federation President, requested a
copv of the letter; he also showed 3 signs
hich are available for farmers to use in
^ -sting their land. Mr. Miller suggested
that the District apparently wants to
help get the message across that farmers

and ranchers generally would be willing to
provide sportsmen the opportunity to hunt
if they ask for permission and respect the
privilege of being allowed to hunt.

Gary Cunningham said the District would
likely print some leaflet to help make better
understanding between sportsmen and land-
owners. Harold Miller suggested printing it
in the paper about two weeks before the hunt-
ing season.

FLATHEAD SWCD - Members put the final touches
on plans for the Western Division of the
Montana Association of Soil & Water Conserva-
tion Districts meeting to be hosted by
Kalispell, September 30.

Report on the Supervisors Weed Tour was
given by Carter Hardy and Lewis Fuller. A
very good tour and the Supervisors are grate-
ful to Russ Marsh for his part in the tour,

PARK SWCD - Carl Johnson moved the District
purchase one-half page or a full page ad In
the Montana Annual Meetings Program brochure
and sell business card ads to local business-
men and contractors to assist in paving for
the ad. Individual board members were des-
ignated to contact contractors and business-
men and report back at the next meeting.

DAWSON COUNTY SWCD - Supervisors discussed
the displav for the Dawson County Fair and
suggested that If possible. Ken Kaul work
up an exhibit on noxious weeds. Bergland
stated he could get pamphlets on most of
these weeds to be handed out In the booth.

RUBY VALLEY SWCD - The Fiscal Plan 6f Work
for 1969 was read and approved by the Super-
visors. It was decided to have it copied
by stencil.

Letters had been written to the mayors
of Virginia City, Sheridan, and Twin Bridges
about the communities becoming members of the
District, but no word has been received as
of yet.

DEER LODGE VALLEY SWCD - John Vanlsko re-
ported the news that the Deer Lodge County
is taking the initial steps to form a Weed
Control District. He asked about the possi-
bility of getting more ranchers to work on
the Weed Board so as to give the countv
better coverage. Albert Beck explained that
the number of members on the weed board was
set by state law, but the Board was more
than willing to accept all voluntary help
or Information.

l/epe^Js ifK>o jMv^t^/vp/yfe^L ^ Cor Wi'6sy ^t^oorct^

Governor Tim Babcock told the Pacific Uorthwest River Basins Commission at its meet-
ing in MlsBoula, July 25, "the west depends for life upon its water supplies. .. .certainly
the expansion of Montana's economic base depends upon development of our water resources."
He said proposals which we feel tend to restrict our future development are not viewed with
approval by Montanans. Montanans realize, he said, that the water in our rivers belongs to
those who make beneficial use of it, and that the user can just as well live in New Orleans
or Portland as in Montana. Nevertheless, tlie Governor stated, we would argue that it is
grossly unfair to deprive Montana of her future in order to guarantee one for the people
of another state, whether that state be located downstream or outside the basin.

Governor Babcock said Montana's concern about her water future was well expressed in
our last legis'lature. He cited examples of amendments to the SWCD Law to allow municipali-
ties to become part of existing districts, to have representation and participate in water
planning and developments of the districts. In addition, the legislature expanded the
authority of cities and towns and counties to not only create districts for flood control,
but for water conservation. He stated the term "water conservation" is further defined By
the legislature to be "conservation, development, storage, distribution, drainage, and any
other beneficial purpose, including industrial and municipal water supply". Even further
he stated, the law includes under the term "water conservation" recreation, wildlife, irri-
gation, strearaflow stabilization, household, and domestic use and pollution abatement.

Perhaps the most important and far-reaching legislation of all,
:, was the authorizing of the Water Resources Board to conduct i
to formulate a long-range plan for the utilization of Montana's water resources.

according to the Gc -
ernor, was the authorizing of the Water Resources Board to conduct a comprehensive stud'

Governor Babcock stated we must create a right to water by putting it to beneficial
use. Legislation is Just a vehicle to action. Action and action alone will establish the
right of use.

The Governor related that at the present time we are doing a great many things in the
area of water resources which receive little attention. Last year, for example, $12 millioa
was spent on small Soil and Water Conservation Projects (through Soil and Water Conservation
Districts).

The
abundant

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Governor concluded by stating that in order to develop our abundant resources,
high quality water is needed.

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Butte, Montana

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HELEMA M0:JT 53501

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'^ Pris.^i'c/c-r?'C 3e-2.

PETER V. JACKSON

I have just completed a statewide trip to our six
Area Meetings. We have had to travel many miles with a
minimum of sleep, but It was worth every moment of It.
Wlien you get to sit In on meetings and hear supervisors
communicate on such an Intelligent level, then you can
feel completely reassured that what you have said about
them was true.

Soil and Water Conservation Districts are ready,
able, and willing to take on and carry to completion
the job that we are preparing for, which Is the modem
concept of resource development. No longer can we talk
of simple wind and water erosion control programs; in-
stead, we will work on the situation as a %rtiole. The
entire economic community of an area must be considered
and worked on If we are to get full value for our money
spent. This will be our overall plan of attack that
we will be following In the future.

At one meeting 1 was akked by a new, young Super-*
visor, "How do you use the State Association, the Soil Conservation Service, and the State
Committee?" The question seemed easy to answer, but after I had told him what my ideas
were, he still seemed to be a little confused. Therefore, I proceeded to try to explain
In detail, and to my amazement, I believe 1 explained It to myself also.

The Soil Conservation Service, of course, provides the technical assistance, but this
becomes very broad too, for as you discuss new projects either on your own fann or at a 4
District meeting you realize that there is something different here than with some other
governmental agency. The Soil Conservation Service is here to assist, not order, and
they have to wait to be asked. I believe this is cooperation In its finest form, for they
must prove their worth on every job they do in order to stay in existence.

The State Association of Districts is an action group. Here, you have benefit of the
sharp minds of Supervisors from all over the State working together to solve problems, im-
plenent programs, and represent the Districts at every level, be it local. State, or
National. For our program to be useful, this Organization must be kept strong and inde-
pendent, so as to keep It active. Whenever the Association gets lack-a-daisical or depen-
dent, nearly all our progress ceases and we simply struggle to stay alive.

The State Soil Conservation Committee has some very particular duties charged to its
care. These are to give advice and counsel to Districts, see that the District law is
properly interpreted and adhered to. This Is a precise duty and should be only done at
this level. Should you need advice on some particular question, don't take it to the
State Association for an interpretive answer, but be sure you go to the State Committee.
If they can't give you an accurate answer immediately, they are in a position to get it
for you. It is very important that answers are given correctly if our image and reputa-
tion are to stay Intact. Also, the State Committee answers directly to the State Govern-
ment because of the appointments by the Governor to this Committee. This is a legal tie;
Districts are a subdivision of the State and therefor district responsibility must be
observed. Also, the State Committee handles matters pertaining to State level actions
working in Joint liaison with other Bureaus and Agencies.

After considering all things affecting our relationship, it comes out that coopera-
tion Is the key to our success. No one id dependent; we are all Independent, but to gain
any semblance of success we must work closely together in a cooperative joint effort. A
Bureaucracy or Federal control is Impossible under these terms. I personally have never
seen a more workable plan; it demands respect, cooperation, and honesty. I am proud to
be a part of this Organization, and I am sure it will accomplish great thing* in the future.

-2-

Wednesday, October 30. 19b8

1:00 P. v.. - State Directors Meetinp

Pete Jackson Presiding
2:00 P. M. - Registration - Lalonde Hotel
3:00 P. M. - Tour by Bus to Knife Coal Mine

and Lewis & Clark Power Station
6:00 P. M. - Social Hour - Lalonde Hotel

Courtesy of Caterpillar Dealers of

Montana
7:00 P. M. - Smorgasbord - Lalonde Hotel
7:30 P. M. - Resolutions Committee

Carl Johnson (Legislation)

Harold Strand (Speaker)
8:00 P. M. - Entertainment - "America the

Beautiful" presentation by Mr. & Mrs.

Roger Hill & Mr. & Mrs. Dwayne Herman,

Esmond, North Dakota

Thursday, October 31, 1968

:00 A. M. - Registration - Lalonde Hotel
;30 A. M. - Opening Session - Center

Theater - Carl Johnson, Presiding
Talk - Dr. Erhardt Hehn - "Zoning in
Montana & the Districts Responsibility"
:00 A. M. - Area Meetings - Directors in

Charge

Coffee Break - Courtesy Sidney Chamber

of Commerce
45 A. M. - Committee Meetings
00 Noon - Kevnote Luncheon - Elks Hall

Master of Ceremonies - Gary Torgerson

Invocation - Rev. Dean Rohner,

Assembly of God Church

Color Ceremony

Mayor's Welcome - Oscar Anderson

Entertainment - Sidney High School

Music Department

Keynote Address - George Darrow
;00 P. M. - Address - Mons Teigen

Topic: "Conservation on State Lands"
:30 P. M. - Gareth Moon - Topic:

"State Forests & Soil Districts"
Coffee Break - Courtesy Sidney National
Bank
1:00 P. M. - Panel - "Unified Action by
Federal Agencies"
Moderator - A. G. "Slim" Slattery
Panelists: A. B. Linford, SCS
Jim Llnne, BLM
Ken Keenev, USPS
>!lke Drazich, Bureau of Reel.
W. H. McKenzie III - Corps of

Engineers
Ansen Baker, BIA

5:30 P. M. - Awards Banquet - Lalonde Hotel
Master of Cerejnonies - Selmar Jordheim
Invocation - Rev. Charles Dever, St.
Matthew's Catholic Church
Entertainment - Sidney High School

Music Department
Address - Sam Studebaker
Goodyear Awards

Newsletter Awards - Elmer Lund
Supervisor Awards - Yugo Nayematsu
Work Unit Conservationist Awards -

Everett Snort land
County Agent Awards - Clint McFarland
10-25 Year Supervisor Awards -

liarry Swank, Jr.

Friday, November 1, 1968

7:00 A. M. - Directors Breakfast - Peter

Jackson, Presiding - Governor's Room,
Lalonde Hotel - Courtesy of Lower
Yellowstone REA
8:00 A. M. - Milo Hilstad, Presiding

Center Theater
8:20 A. M. - Panel of Neighbors
Moderator - Don Praker
Panelists: Bill Bosse, North Dakota
Carl Johnson, Montana
Peter Melke, Wyoming
Orion Eldon, South Dakota
9:30 A. M. - Coffee Break - Courtesy

Richland National Bank
9:50 A. M. - President's Report - Peter
Jackson

Ladies Auxiliary Report - Mrs. Eugene
Larsen

Secretary's Report - Wayne Gibson
Treasurer's Report - Wendell Martlnell
State Soil Conservation Committee Report
- William F. D'Ewart
10:A5 A. M. - Business Session - Peter V.

Jackson, Presiding
12:30 P. M. - Luncheon - Moose Hall

Master of Ceremonies - Bill Kesler
Invocation - Rev. Ed Cunningham,
People's Congregational Church
Address - F^enneth Grant, Soil Conserva-
tion Service
Drav/lng for Door Prizes
Adjournment
2:00 P. ■!. - Executive Meeting
2:00 P. ;i. - Tour by Bus to Holly Sugar

Factorv and Agricultural Research Center

Kis VKcj) C<^iryBy ri oy s/'SA Y^its *

GEORGE DARROW

State Representative

Professional Geologist and

Resource Consultant

Billings, Montana

Keynote Address: "CONSERVATION

CHANGING FRONTIERS"

DR. E. R.

Head, Plant & Soil Science Dept.
Montana State University, Bozeman
Topic: "ZONING IN MONTANA AND THE
DISTRICT'S RESPONSIBILITY"

MONS TEIGEN

Commissioner of State Lands &
Investments, Helena
Topic: "CONSERVATION ON STATE LANDS"

GARETH MOON

State Forester, Missoula

Topic: "STATE FORESTS &

SOIL DISTRICTS"

SAM STUDEBAKER

NACD President
Tlpp City, Ohio
BANQUET SPEAKER

KENNETH E. GRANT

Administrator
Soil Conservation Service
Washington, D. C.
Luncheon Speaker: "UNITY IN ACTION"

r

^«* ^

m

"(^yiFi^p AcVor 3r P'^petrxx. age^oss'

PANEL SPEAKERS

AVE LINFORD

State Conservationist
Soil Conservation Service
Bozeman, Montana

MIKE DRAXICH

Project Manager
Bureau of Reclamation
Great Falls. Montana

HAROLD TYSK

State Director

Bureau of Land Management

Billings, Montana

ANSEN BAKER

Superintendent

Port Peck Agency

Bureau of Indian Affairs

Poplar, Montana

KENNETH A. KEENEY

Chief, Information & Education

U. S. Forest Service

Missoula, Montana

WILLIAM H. McKENZIE III

Corps of Engineers
Omaha. Nebraska

(No Picture)

f

''Pi street Poiy^^s

DANIELS COUNTY SWCD - Plans for the Fall
tour were discussed. All teachers In the
County will be asked. Personal contact
will be made by the SWCD members to the
schools.

Jack Sprague reported that he started 11
Boy Scouts on their Conservation Merit
Badge.

PHILLIPS SWCD - The Public Land Use Comm-
ission Committee spent sometime in Phillips
County analyzing the impact of public lands
in this area.

POWDER RIVER SWCD - Proposed legislation for
Montana Weed Control Association was re-
viewed by Carl Smith. Copies were given
to everyone.

BIG SANDY SWCD - Grass seed for roadside
seeding was discussed and noted that Art
Roth has plenty of Crested Wheatgrass that
he will donate to the District for road-
side seeding. Milan Pavlovick offered to
donate sacks for the seed to be stored in
and this will be done as soon as possible.

CARBON SWCD - The District's tour of the
Pryor Mountains, July 18, was discussed.
In the opinion of the Supervisors, there
are too many horses in the area and there
is serious overgrazing and soil erosion»
The number of horses must be reduced to
the carrying capacity of the range. Bill
Skorupa will draft a letter to the BLM
giving the District's viewpoint.

Report was given on the ditch measuring that
was done by the U. S. Geological Survey on
the various ditches around the county. This
data will be put together and copies sent to
each of the ditch companies involved. Water
losses ranged from 14% to 52% and averaged
30%.

BITTERROOT SWCD - There was a general dis-
dusslon in regard to the zoning and planning
that needed to be done in Ravalli County for
future development. Many houses are being
built in areas that will be flooded, nat-
ural resources are not being used to their
maximum potential. Someone will have to
accept the responsibilities of developing
this plan. It was felt that the Soil and
Water Conservation District x,?ere probably
in tlie best position of anyone in the county

to start this program. It will not be
easyi. There will be many problems in-
volved, but it is something that needs to
be done. Clarence Popham moved that the
Soil and Water Conservation District
sponsor a plan for the orderly develop-
ment of resources including county-wide
zoning and planning which would include
the following considerations: 1) Water
pollution; 2) Recreation development;
3) Air pollution; A) Transportation
system; 5) Zoning of areas for residen-
tial, industrial and agricultural uses;
6) Natural beauty preservation. Edgar
Wetzsteon seconded the motion; the
motion carried. Jack Iman moved that this
be made into a proposal and submitted to
RC&D. Edgar Wetzsteon seconded the mo-
tion; this motion carried.

MADISON SWCD - Jackson introduced Dick
McEldry, District Manager for the BLM
at Dillon, who spoke on BLM plans and
activities in this area. Most of the
Bureau's work has been on recreation
and will probably continue that way. At ^
the present time, plans are to build a
new road into the Ruby Creek campground.

McEldry also discussed public land law
revisions and proposed plans for reten-
tion and disposition of public lands In
this area as well as Sections 3 and 15
leases under the Taylor Grazing Act and
fire protection and sagebrush spraying
on public lands.

BOX ELDER SWCD - There was considerable

discussion on the need for weed control
in Carter County. It is felt that the
only way to get adequate control of weeds
in the soils district is to create. some
type of a weed control district, A mo-
tion was made and carried that the super-
visors were in favor of the county adopt-
ing a regulation for taxing real estate
owners an undetermined mill levy (this
to be determined by the county commiss-
ioners) for the control of noxious weeds
in Carter County. This mill levy is to
be used to assist those who are not fi-
nancially able to control weeds on their
ovjn lands. The secretary is to contact
the county attorney to determine if this ^
would he possible and how it should be
handled if such a regulation is adopted
in the county.

- /9/^£^ A^eer/A/G /y/6//i/6//TS - -

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^-i

Representative George Da,.-o«oI

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head, Tom Judge o^Le^s ^^^^

Wayrynen oi su\t;L
Setterstrom of Butte.

'^P- Arnold Von

.-(sS^.. , -^"&ir

P,-ogram ^dv^-oi^P ^^^ ^^^^^.gd
area meetings. He c ^^^.^

Montana ^P^^^^^ ^^ sWCD's effective
SSJtotrUerource development.

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^«^'^ev P. 5°^e^-t Cotton t-^^'-^-y

BueiVHt^'^^'^^'

Veda
- -Lund wi tr^r' ^^J'^^ard anri

«• Pete Jackson "^'"^^ox.

The MASUCD area raeetiuRs held at t:alispell, ^reat Falls, Tliree Forks, Billings,
Glasgow, and llaker September SO-October 5 were quite well attended. Legislators
and candidates were represented at all meetings. Legislative Chairman Carl Johnson
and President I'ete Jackson presented the association proposals for amending the
SWCDlaw to provide district supervisors with permissive authority to set up
project areas for any combination of natural resource development, and which would
include powers of taxation, eiainent domain, and Issuance of revenue bonds, within
the limits of the act. Tliese area meetings liave set the stage for the annual
meeting wiiicli will l.t; held in Sidnev Oct. 30 - Nov. 1, at whicli various resolutions
will be acted on ana officers of tiie association elected.

The Montana Water Resources Board held
its first hearing on proposed Comprehensive
Water and Related Land Resources Plan for
the State of Montana, October 14 in Helena.
Members of the staff presented the frame-
work for the plan which will be developed
in four phases :

1) Inventory

2) Water requirements and projection

3) Recommended developments for 1980,

2000, and 2020

4) Implementation

Objectives of the plan is to set out
a progressive program for the conservation,
development, and utilization of the State's
water resources, propose the most effective
means by which these resources may be
applied for the benefit of the people, with
due consideration of alternative uses and
combinations of uses.

J/^ytci tc Jicj^^/rfi^r I

International Mountain Section

American Society of Range

Management

O'Hare Manor, Great Falls Nov.

1. 9

8, 9
7, 8

Montana Water Development

Association Annual Meeting
Jorgenson's Holiday Inn
Helena Nov.

Montana Weed District

Association - Lewistown Nov.

Upper Missouri Water Users

Association
Northern Hotel, Billings Dec.

State Rural Areas Development

Committee Annual Meeting
Baxter Hotel, Bozeman Dec. 4, 5

WHEl^ TWO PEOPLE MEET AND EXCHANGE A DOLLAB, EACH STILL HAS A DOLLAB, BUT WHEN
TWO PEOPLE MEET AND EXCHANGE AN IDEA, EACH IS THE RICHER BY TWO IDEAS. ATTEND
YOUR ASSOCIATION MEETING IN SIDNEY AND BE ENRICHED BY AN EXCHANGE OF IDEAS.

Noi. I'rofit Org.
U.S. Postage PD.
Permit No. 171
Butte, Montana

Montana Association ol SoU and

Water Conservation Districts

(Return postage guaranteed)

Tje^ze/L y(XCK. ccp^(^:

' 1 reasuine I-

■TP-T'" nr,r.

iQCUl^^^

O. M.lleland, Editor, School of Mines, Butte, Montar

OFFICIAL NEWS BULLETIN i

c re §

MOVEMBER - DECEMBER, 1968

- rv

Uor/ 'Uonn^on fres/'Jertt ^<^t^

^o\/t.rno

T'Blejid' lirrtsf m^Jtr^^t

Perhaps as my first article for Treasure
Acres, as President of the Montana Associa-
tion of Soil and Water Conservation Districts,
I should start by thanking you for your vote
of confidence in electing me to this very
laportant office. I trust that I may fulfill
the duties of it as efficiently as has been
done In the past.

A Soil and Water Conservation District is
not a single purpose district. It is a legal
■ubdivlsion of state government responsible
for leadership In the conservation of soil.
water, and related natural resources. To
fulfill this role, A Soil and Water Conser-
vation District works with local agencies,
citizen's groups, and Individuals to correct
existing soil and water problems, to prevent
new ones, and to develop the communities*
natural resources to their proper and full

"Conservation of Montana's water resources
Is a must - but before this can be aceoB-
pllshed, various groups fighting for use of
water on their own terms must forget their
differences and forge coamon, interrelated
goals to Justify the retention of waters new
rapidly slipping from our grasp to downstrean
states.

We must remember that we cannot perfectly
ir.pose today's values on the fotare.

Stronger efforts must be made to find new
uses for water resources, to find methods for
stretching and properly allocating present
supplies.

It is also no secret that federal laws
regarding so-called "navigable" bodies of
water aecd revision. The State of Montana

(Continued Page 2)

(Continued Page 2)

President Sez, Continued

est use. To further eoiphaslze the Impcrtance
of the Job that districts have to do I vould
like to quote froo NACD's Tuesday letter of
December 10, 1968: "As District officials,
we stand on the threshold of a new conserva-
tion and agricultural era, so I ask the ques-
tion - Who, better than the Districts thru
their supervisors, has an understanding of
this vital balance of nature and the biolog-
ical processed we speak of? Who, better than
the Districts, can mobilize all forces in the
upstream watersheds to meet the needs of poll-
ution abatement? Who, better than the Dis-
tricts, understands the relationships of soil,
water, and health to the natural biological
chealcal reactions which are constantly at
work? And again I ask, who, better than the
Districts, can meet the challenges and pro-
vide the necessary leadership for water
pollution abatement in the small watersheds?"

The above words were spoken by Dr. Daniel
Hale of West Virginia at the annual meeting
of the South Carolina Association of Soil
and Water Conservation Districts.

Bearing the aforementioned statements in
mind, I pledge to districts the untiring
efforts of your officers, executive coanittee,
board of directors, conmittee chairmen, and
the Ladies Auxiliary in order that we mlRht
achieve the ultimate goal.

I would like to use the rest of this art-
icle AS a means to Inform districts of the
progress the Association is making on resol-
utions adopted at Sidney. The Executive
Committee has met three times since our con-
vention and wish to report that the bill
amending our present law will be printed in
its final form December 19. Other resolutions
have been by-passed in order that we may con-
centrate on legislation.

Several Districts have reported on their
meetings with their state legislators and have
had favorable comments concerning the pro-
posed amendments. It is my hope that all
supervisors will keep in touch with local
legislators and continue to solicit their
support.

Governor-Elect Anderson's artlcl*. Continued

/

must maintain Its rights to present and to-
ture use of all Its waters.

We must come to an agreeacnt that conser-
vation is an elastic term - that proper bal-
ance between actual use of resources aai
setting it aside for its later use aust be
achieved."

Governor-Elect Forrest Auderson will
succeed Tim Babcock as Governor of Montana
in January, 1969. The State Soil Conserva-
tion Comittee and Soil and Water Conserva-
tion Districts pledge their cooperation and
wishes for a successful administration.

ART CHRISTENSEN, CHAIRMAN
PUBLIC LANDS & WATER RESOURCES COHM.

WATER CODE

The consideration of a new water code
will probably be one of the hottest issues
in our next Legislature.

The Montana Legislative Council, along
with the House Interim Connlttee on Water
Law, has worked long and hard in drawing up
a proposed administrative water code. This
act would place the regulation and adninis-
tration of water and water rights under the
Jurisdiction of the Montana Water Resources
Board.

May I take this opportunity to wish each
and all of you a very Merry Christmas and
a Happy New Year I

Proponents of this legislation contend
that present laws are cumbersome and not
adequate if Montana is to make full bene-
ficial use of its water. At present Dis-
trict courts have jurisdiction of that <* t

Water Code Article by Art ChrlateaMn,
Cont Inued

PETE JACKSON, LEGISLATIVE CHAIRMAN

SVVCD LAW AMENDMENTS

Supervisors, you recently received a packet
of legislative material. Included was a copy

•the Soil and Water Conservation District
. This law can be compared to a road map.
Just as a road map helps to guide you to your
destination, the District Law will guide you
In your efforts to achieve your District's
objectives.

The men who wrote the original law had
great wisdom and foresight. They clearly out-
lined the duties and responsibilities of Super-
visors.

You all want to be top-notch Supervisors
and operate an outstanding District. How
long has it been since you read the law to
refresh your memory on your Juties and re-
sponsibilities? If it has been several
months or years, then I urge you to read the
law now or soon.

You will be meeting with your legisla-
tors to explain proposed changes in tlie Dis-
trict law. These changes are for the purpose
of giving you additional tools to accomplish
the purposes set forth in the law. Your Rep-
resentatives and Senators are important and
busy men. Study your District law and the
proposed changes so vou will be well informed
todiscuss the importance of these changes
Ashe continued development and conserva-
tTT^n of Montana's soil and water resources.

of those streams that have decreed water
rights. Many rights are based on "use" or
filings only; and unless a law suit is
tried, the court has no jurisdiction.

In defense of our present systen. It must
be said that most people are satisfied. Our
District Judges are well versed in water law
and have done a good job of administering
water rights on adjudicated streams. Admin-
istrative costs have been held to a minimum.
If water use is to continue as It has in the
past, there seems little need for a change.

On the other hand, if Montana hopes to
hold its water for beneficial use In our
State, we will have to move decisively. It
seems only logical that a single specialised
agency, administered by well-trained per-
sonnel could be handle the administration of
our water codes. District Judges should not
be overburdened with the administrative as-
pects of water law.

The proposed legislation would recognize
existing water rights and would provide for
judicial review for any person who feels he
has been adversely effected by administrative
decisions.

The new legislation would also define bene-
ficial use to Include fish, wildlife, and rec-
reation.

On the surface this provision seems only
fair, but in practice what will happen on a
fluctuating stream, when there isn't enough
water for both fish and irrigation?

Under the proposed act the director may,
in an effort to prevent waste or misuse, mod-
ify some water rights. This provision would
surely be for the general good, but an irri-
gator with a verv old recorded right for more
water than he can properly use, would be hard
to convince that he should surrender part of
his recorded rights.

The Montana Association of Soil and Water
Conservation Districts has taken no official
position on this issue. We recognize that
Montana Water Law must be updated if we are
to fullv develop our water resources. Many
of our members mav disagree with some pro-
visions of the proposed act, but in general,
it is a sound approach, even if it would
take a "Super King Solomon" to administer it
to evervone's satisfaction.

EDUCATION — THE KEY TO CONSERVATIOII
by
Wilson T. Clark

Soil and Water Conaenratlon Districts are unique organ-
izations. Their inportanec to the agricultural geMwth of
Montana is well proven. But their role In the future Is
even aore important.

District Supervisors can and should be the leaders In
helping all Montanans — urban as well as rural ~ under-
stand their absolute dependence on the soil and water bas«
of the State. As urban representatives are elected to
Boards of Supervisors, and as particularly water rcaourc*
development progresses, the walls of aisunderstanding and
ignorance existing between city and farm people can b«
breached.

n

^^^^^^^k ^^^^H ^°° many city people don't recognize the land and w»t«r

^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^B °^ '^^ State as the foundation of all else in the ecenoay.
^^^^^^^^^L ^^^^H Too take for granted that water for every use will
^^^^^^^* ^^^^ always be plentiful, without thought on their part. Too
KM. LB8LIE CRISWELL ™*"y «'^* °^^ fertile irrigated valleys as Ideal locations
for super highways, not recognizing the land base lost to
agriculture and not understanding the irreversible nature of highway construction. And too
■any city people do not appreciate that urban sprawl on good farm land is a self-destructive
and unwise type of city growth.

These are a few of the problems for which Supervisors need to undertake educational pro-
grams. Their knowledge and the knowledge of the Service technicians needs to be tapped to ^
solve many urban problems, and to help urban people put land and resources In better perspec
tive.

Supervisors are apt to "sell themselves short," feel Inadequate for telling the story and
selling the ideas, and think that their business is just tending to District management. But
their opportunities go far beyond this, and Supervisors have much to offer. That this is
true — that they have much to offer — is shown by a review of reports of educational and
service programs of Districts throughout the United States, as reported in the small, but
meaty magazine. Soil Conservation.

Conservation has been defined as the making of intelligent choices among the competitive
uses of resources. Far too often the choices that are made are based on short-term galn^ or
are of a nature that creates further problems, or are totally irreversible. We see cases of
these sorts of choices everywhere. But the number of poor or unintelligent choices can be
reduced if people understand that choices exist, and the relative merits of each. Districts
through sound educational and public relations proRrams, can be (and many have been) major
forces for helping the public make the intelligent choices. But thev can't 4o it by hiding
their lights under bushels.

Has your District made a real coraraltment to Education? Does it see its important role in
building public understanding? Has it tried to tap local resources and people? What speci-
fic programs has it carried out? Is there a feeling on your Board that you do have something
of great value that urban people need to know about — or do you think of yourselves as "Just
fanners and ranchers?"

**********

Editor's Note; At the annual MASWCD Meeting in Sldnev, the Women's Auxiliary agreed to supply
one page of each issue of Treasure Acres. The topic will be Conservation Education, in its
broadest sense. Mrs. Myrtle Criswell of Hysham is Chairman of this project. She is arrangli*,
tor a guest editor' of this page for each issue. In addition, Districts having various sucu .*
tul education or public relations programs should contact Mrs. Criswell, so that other Dis-
tricts can benefit by an exchange of information.

LESLIE CRI SWELL, CHAIRMAN
RECREATION, WILDLIFE, & NATURAL BEAUTY

R. C, SETTERSTRWi, CHAIR>1AN
PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE

The outlook is bright for substantial eco-
nomic returns froo the development of rural
recreation for an expanding population. Pri-
vate campgrounds and picnic areas are excell-
ent places for city people to enjoy extended
vacations at a reasonable expense. Although
private camps charge fees exceeding those of
public parks and campgrounds, family campers
prefer, and will pay a premium to camp in,
private grounds.

The three most common types of privately
owned campgrounds are: transient camps, rec-
reation or vacation camps, and organized
group camps. The demand has never been
greater. Campgrounds near areas for sports,
such as bunging, fishing, golfing, water
sports, horseback riding, and nature trails
have a big appeal to city people seeking a
quiet, relaxing vacation or weekend. Rec-
reation enthusiasts have accepted the grow-
ing custom of being charged fees for camp-
ing space where they may pitch their tents
or set their campers or trailers.

Newsletters are an effective way to coon-
unlcate. When you go over to your neighbor
to borrow something or check on a lost ani-
mail or request help, do you practice how
you are going to ask it? Heck no, you go
over and say it as it comes to your mind,
courteous, but you ain't worried about your
grammar.

Very effective newsletters are those where
you tell your stery just as you would talk
to your neighbor or at one of your local farm
meetings.

Your State Association gives prizes each
year for the best newsletters. Here are the
1968 winners: Fergus Countv Soil and Water
Conservation District, Granite Soil and Water
Conservation District, and Richland County
Soil and Water Conservation District,

The Farm and Industrial Equipment Institute
will be awarding $3,225.00 for the best news-
letters in a national contest.

As with all private recreation facili-
ties, health and sanitation requirements,
liability protection, and safety are of
utmost importance, as well as full and
complete records of family activities.

Will Rogers said, "We are not ignorant
except on different subjects." Newsletters
are an effective wnv to smarten up people who
are Ignorant about the need for soil and water
conservation.

Duplexity?

If more than one mouse is mice, it
seems reasonable that more than one
spouse would be spice.

—THE MILTON ( Canada 1
Canadian Cha.mpion

Witchcraft?

Wife: a person who can look in the top
drawer and find the socks that aren't
there.

— THK Forest Lake (Minn.) times

WATER POLLUTION FROM ACRICOLTUtAL HASTBS

by ^

Claiborne W. Brinck
Director, Division of Envlroiaental Sanitation

For the last several years there has been a vlgorotis pro-
gram carried out by the Montana Vater Pollution Control
Council designed to reduce the amount of wastes trtm htaun
activities that enter Montana streams. Industries and mi-
nlclpalltles have been the principle target, but now that
ail municipalities that are sewered have aoae type of w««t«
treatment and Industries are taking care of aest of their
wastes, yet there Is still some pollution entering our
streams and It Is time that we took a look at this — that
from agricultural activities. It is recognited that many
think that the little bit of waste that thay contribute
from their farming or ranching or activity is of little
account, but do not forget that "little bits" can add up
to real problems.

"We don't return anything to the streams" is a common
C. U. BRINCK statement, but if there are any barnyard drains or if the

high water washes through the barnyard, this may be a
source of water pollution. If you permit excess irrigation water to flow back to the streams
from the fields, this creates water pollution problems, as does the drain lines that are main-
taining a lower water table in some areas.

To control stream pollution from agricultural activities requires both proper planning and
good management. When it is recognized that the wastes from one cow are equMalent to that
of sixteen humans or a thousand cows Is the same as the wastes from 16,000 humans, it is nec^^
•ssary to do all in our power to keep this waste out of the streams and out of the ground ~
vater.

We can't all live at the headwaters and we have to think of the people downstream. Remem-
ber soil and water conservation is water pollution control. The return irrigation water can
be-quite warm and change the qualify of the water in the stream. There have also been cases
where so much water has been removed for Irrigation that the small stream remaining becomes
very warm and can produce a habitat where fish cannot exist.

Proper planning will make it easier to properly manage our soils, which in turn means a
better return for the dollar spent and a greater length of life for the field.

Anything that can be done to save our soil and our waters is good for all of us. It is
hoped that all can be cognizant of this fact as we go about our activities.

************ ^.,

In a recent letter from the Nat-
ional Association of Soil and Water
Conservation District, Richard Nixon's
views on resources were presented,
llere are a few of his ideas on Natural
a.id Human Resources: Anions those that
should escape the budget knife are
appropriations for conservation and
education, for the preservation of
natural and for the development of

human resources. These are the growth g^

stocks of America, which will net us the ^'

greatest long term gains.'

."! 1<

Officers and Directors of Montana SWCD
Carl Johnson, Livingston at far right in
Picture was elected President and succeeds
Pete Jackson, Harrison.

GOODYEAR AWARD
Shown in picture are Kenneth Torgeson,
Leo Hackaby and Lawrence Brown, Sup-
ervisor of the Richland SWCD, who won
the Goodyear award for 1967.

LADIES AUXILIARY

New Officers are : Mrs. Dean Hanson,
Gildford, President; Mrs. Lawrence
Brown, Savage, Vice-President;
Mrs. Harry Swank, Secretary-Treas. Poplar

STATE CONVENTION OF MASCD

Over 200 SWCD Supervisors, wives and
guests attended the three day convention,
of the Montana Association of Soil and
Water Conservation held in Sydney, Oct. 30,
Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 1968.

Sam Studebaker, National Association of

Conservation Districts, was the Banquet

Speaker. Kenneth Grant, SCS Administration

Designate, was luncheon speaker and George

Darrow, Montana Legislator, was keynote

speaker. Don Fraker, NACD Director from

Wyoming, North and South Dakota, a guest

in attendance. It was an excellent meeting

of much work with far reaching significance.

The standing committee worked well together

and accomplished a great deal. The Richland

SWCD were excellent hosts and provided good

entertainment.

DISTRICT DOINGS

CITIES AND TOWNS VOTE INTO SWCDs

Eight cities and tcnms voted favorably
In referenduna held In conjunction with
the general election In November to become
part of a soil and water conservation
district. They were:

LewlsOown to Fergus 1594-516

MBles City to North Custer 1603-285
Hardin to Big Horn 745-150

Three Forks to Gallatin Valley 317-16
Phllllpsburg to Granite 247-46
Jordan to Garfield 179-3

Sheridan to Ruby Valley 127-65
Twin Bridges to Ruby Valley 97-4

The towns of Eureka, Chester, Sidney,
Falrvlew, Baker, and Conrad have petitions
submitted to the State Soil Conservation
Committee. Hearings are being arranged
and referendtjms probably will be held In
conjunction with the municipal elections
in the spring.

REPORTS

The bi-annual report of theState Soil
Conservation Committee has been presented
to the Govemorand mailed to all legislators
and government agencies concerned with
conservation.. The report gives a good
view of resource developments in soil and
water conservation districts. Conservation
Is a big business In Montana. Over
$25,000,000 was paid out for materials and
work in 1967 and 1968 for a large variety
of practices.

Judith Basin SWCD—A Range Management
school has been set up starting in January
and running for 5 weeks consisting of 1
meeting a week.

Cascade County SWCD— 'Ted Fosse presented a
letter to each supervisor thanking them for
the special SWCD Newsletter honoring his
years of service presented at the retirement
party November 30th.

seAsoQ's QReecitiGS

Montana Association ol Soil and

Water Conservation Districts

(Return postage guaranteed)

i^e^tzi 7/(yaA. cc]i(^(^:

Nor.-Frofit Org.
U.S. Postage PD.
Permit No. 171
Butte, Montana

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