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

OFFICIAL NEWS BULLETIN

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 1970

"-"■'dif

CARL JOHNSON PRESIDENT SEZ

The name of the game today is Quality
Environment or Environmental Quality,
whichever you prefer. Our State Conven-
tion in Bozeman had as its theme: "The
Challenge of the 70s". We listed a num-
ber of them, such as perspectives, popula-
tion, watersheds, strategy, resource utili-
zation, conservation, proposals, to name
a few!

President Nixon in his state of the
union message said: "The Great Question
of the 70s is: Shall we surrender to our
surroundings or shall we make our peace
with nature and begin to make repara-
tions for the damage we have done to our
air, to our land, and to our water?"

Perhaps we should at this point try
and define what constitutes a Quality
Environment.

^Rot so many weeks ago I was talking to
our State Conservationist and his assistant
and the following seems to be a reasonable
(cont'd on page 2)

MONTANANS ATTEND
NATIONAL CONSERVATION CONVENTION

Shown above are part of the 35 Mont-
anans who attended the National Associa-
tion of Conservation Districts Convention
in San Francisco early in February.

The Montana delegation was headed by
Carl Johnson and Bob Anderson, President
and Vice-president of the Montana Associa-
tion. Pete Jackson, past president of the
Montana association was elected to the
board of directors to represent the North-
ern Plains Area.

Dean Hanson, Leo Hackley, and Ole
Ueland attended a meeting of State Soil
and Vater Conservation Conraiittees, Com-
missions, and Boards from all the states.
Ole Ueland was elected treasurer and a
mamber of the executive committee of the
national association of state soil and
water conservation administrative officers.
Mrs. Dean Hanson, President of the Montana
Auxiliary together with other Montana
women attended the meeting of the NACD
(cont'd, on page 2)

PRESIDENT SEZ - cont'd.

definition. It is a humane environment
and can only exist in the presence of
man. It is or should be where people
are not something we go to find. It is
an environment that provides for all
man's needs - it is a place where we can
both work and play. A quality environ-
ment is diversified - It is a well planned,
well kept urban area. It is a productive
rural landscape. It Is a beautiful
super highway. It is a wilderness area,
each and everyone in its proper place.
Since the only thing that is constant is
change. Then it follows that environ-
ment is a changing scene. It changes
with time, whether altered by nature or
man. It is more than keeping what we
have. It is more than restoring what we
once had. It displays the concern of man
for beauty and sharing of our resources.
It involves decisions regarding the devel-
opment, protection, use and management
of all of our resources for the needs
and enjoyment of all of the people.
Thus satisfying man's needs, hunger,
thirst, safety, being and knowledge
which then culminates in a strong pro-
ductive nation. Rich in tradition,
rich in wealth, rich in health of the
people and of the land. A Quality
Environment is used, WISELY AND WELLi

What have we as "grass roots" peo-
ple been doing along the lines of qual-
ity environment? Back in the "dirty
thirties" we passed a soil conservation
law. Thru good conservation practices
on our cropland we are trying to reduce
sediment pollution of our streams, re-
organize our Irrigation systems to con-
serve our water, defer grazing to pro-
tect our grasslands, manage our private
timber lands. We are working with the
youth of today thru our schools. We
have passed legislation in order that we
might work with our urban brothers. We
have passed legislation in order that we
might have funds to work with at a local
level for all conservation practices.
We have memorandums of understanding
with the many State and Federal agencies,
whereby we pledge our cooperation and
understanding. In short we are dolns a
great deal to create a Quality Environment.
The Road is hard ana xong ana ttie tasic

MONTANANS ATTEND NACD CONVENTION cont'd.

Auxiliary. These meetings were held in
conjunction with the NACD Convention,

Environment, land use, resource plana
nlng and development, were major topics
discussed. "With three-fourths of the U.S.
privately owned and most of this land in
districts. It means that districts have
to think about what needs to be done about
environment, "President Sam Studebaker of
the NACD said.

Studebaker noted there are "encouraging
signs that a change is in the air." He
cited President Nixon's remarks on environ-
mental goals for this decade and the grow-
ing concern of young people ,

The NACD president said America's soil
and water conservation districts have an
Important responsibility in the crucial
years, ahead.

"^^ere do Districts fit Into this bat-
tle for the environment? The answer Is,
everywhere. There is hardly any aspect
of environmental conservation that dist-
ricts are not engaged in. Sediment con-
trol, solid waste disposal, beautificatlon,
wise land use, water development, wild-
life enhancement, open space planning—
these are all familiar aspects of Dis-
trict programs," Studebaker said.

Population policy, migration of people
from rural to urban areas, economic develop-
ment, building of new self-contained towns
and cities outside of major metropoli-
tan areas to disperse population are among
ideas being seriously discussed to improve
environment.

"Soil and water conservation districts
are likely to be called upon to make con-
tributions in all these fields," he said.

PRESIDENT SEZ cont'd.

seems un surmount able. The name of the
game is Quality Environment I District
Supervisors are living it I District
supervisors can help achieve it I

■2-

SWCD's ACTIVE IN POLLUTION REDUCTION

by A. B. Linford

State Conservationist, SCS

There seems to be a public awakening
to the need to do something about air, wat-
er and land pollution. At no time in the
hi^^ry of our country have citizens been
so^^roused about their environment. The
concern has suddenly become a matter of
life for all living things. This has
been an important concern of Soil &
Water Conservation Districts for over
30 years.

Our President, in his recent message
on environment, said "Clean air, clean
water, open spaces — these should once
again be the birthright of Americans I
The answer is not to abandon growth but
to redirect it."

Resource planning, development and con-
servation programs of Districts supported
by the Soil Conservation Service will con-
tinue to help provide a healthy, product-
ive and usable environment.

Sediment is the most serious pollutant
of agriculture. Road construction, urban
and industrial development also cause ser-
ious movement of sediment. Many chemicals,
pesticides and fertilizers moving Into the
sti^^s generally are transported on soil
sartlcles. Any program that reduces
arosion and movement of sediment is effect-
ive in reducing agriculturally related

pollution. Sediment reduction will go a
long way toward remedying the undesirable
environmental effects coming from agri-
cultural operations.

The efforts in conservation and devel-
opment of soil, water, forest, and relat-
ed resources have done considerable to
improve the quality of the environment.
This action program is and will continue
to be effective.

Last year a 13-milllon dollar in-
vestment was made by the agricultural pro-
ducers of Montana for conservation pro-
grams. Let's take a look at what Montana
farmers and ranchers have done to reduce
sedimentation with the SWCD programs.
The following practices applied to the
land are effective in reducing and con-
trolling pollution. They have been ap-
plied in impressive amounts.

24,000,000 acres proper grazing
use to improve soil cover

2,070,000 acres range and pasture
seeding to improve soil cover

2,000 grade stabilization structures
to eliminate gulleys

6,900,000 acres conservation crop-
ping systems to reduce wind and wat-
er erosion.

400,000 acres critical area plant-
ings to prevent soil loss

12,000 acres grassed waterways to pro-
tect natural waterways

16,000 acres windbreaks to protect
land from wind erosion

104,000 water control structures to
prevent sediment movement

300,000 acres irrigated land level-
ing to better use water

1,300,000 feet irrigation canal lin-
ing to prevent erosion and water loss

33,000 farm ponds to reduce flood-
water runoff,
(cont'd, on page 4)

-3-

SWCD's ACTIVE IN POLLUTION REDUCTION-cont'd

The small watershed program Is cent-
ered around an integrated system of land
treatment and structural measures to re-
duce sediment leaving the land. It pro-
vides for storage of sediment and reduc-
tion of flooduater. Benefits accrue to
land and water resources both within the
watershed and downstream. Montana
communities and groups have three projects
presently under construct ^ on, six prp-
Jects are in the planning stage, and ap-
plications are on hand for planning and
Investigations for an additional 43
projects. Four projects have been com-
pleted.

The Great Plains Conservation Program
available in 38 eastern Montana counties
provides technical and cost-sharing help
to apply conservation measures on farms
and ranches. Twenty-four practices are
designed to improve land and water use
and reduce erosion. Recent legisla-
tion passed by the Congress provides
for measures to reduce or control agri-
culturally related pollution. Over 1,600
landowners have participated in this pro-
gram.

The sediment problem is complex and
remains a threat to land and water re-
sources. Even though good progress has
been made there is still too much mis-
used range, forest and farm land. Stream-
bank erosion is often a major source of
sediment. Solution lies in support
from individual farmers and ranchers,
state and local governments, urban devel-
opers and other groups who disturb soil.
All must apply conservation practices to
control or prevent sedimentation from
sources under their control.

Incorporation of established soil and
water conservation methods will signif-
icantly reduce agricultural water pollu-
tion as well as benefit the industry.

A combined effort of individuals —
rural and urban — industry and govern-
ment at all levels is needed to solve this
problem.

Leo Hackley, Richland County Soil
& Water Conservation District Supervisor,
has been appointed by Governor Forrest H,
Anderson to the State Soil Conservation
Committee. He replaces Oscar Hippe of
Frold on the Committee, Hackley joins
three other holdover Governor appointed (
members. Dean Hanson, of Gildford, Wn, F.'"
D'Ewart of Wilsal, and John Schroeder of
Lolo. Ex-officio members are Torlief
Aasheim, State Extension Director, Joe
Asleson, State Experiment Station Director,
and George Lackman, State Commissioner
of Agriculture. Ave Linford, State Con-
servationist, SCS, is an Advisory member.

The Committee is the parent state
agency of the SWCD's organized thru-out
Montana. It also functions as the state
agency to act for the Governor to screen
applications for P.L. 566 Watershed pro-
jects, and Resource Conservation & Dev-
elopment projects.

Their last meeting was january 19
and 20, 1970. Included in the agenda
was a joint meeting with the Commissioners
of the Department of Planning and Economic
Development,

*****

-4-

CONSERVATION EDUCATION
by R. C. Setters trom

A good 50 pound cow dog can move a 2,000
pound bull out of the brush by nipping at
his heels. Sometimes we feel that the Job
of selling conservation is so large that we
become frustrated. Yet like a good cow dog
we can get the job done if we keep "nipping
heels."

Persuasion is the best tool we have to
convince people that good conservation
practices will benefit them. The process
is slow but we can be thankful that we
don't have the alternative of force by
government. We had an opportunity to
observe agriculture behind the "Iron
Curtain" and we kaow that Government
control is not the way to give our people
abundant food.

Years ago the Montana Conservation Coun-
cil sponsored Conservation Caravans each
year. It was a week long trip in a bus and
covered roughly one fifth of the state each
year. Approximately forty people made the
trip each year but through organized meet-
ings In communities, several hundred people
were influenced by this effort each year.
Carolyn Larsen was the "sparkplug" which
kept the effort "firing" for many years.
The caravans were very effective in bring-
ing the conservation story to people In a
rational and well rounded manner.

Environment is a much used word in the
news today. Some have become highly
M^ional and even fanatical about the con-
d^Ron of our environment. The Soil and
Water Conservation Districts in their quiet
but persistent efforts have been concerned
about environment for several decades. We
never do as much as we would like to do
but we do keep working at it.

The December issue of Soil Conservation
covers the status of conservation based
upon a national survey. The following tab-
ulation shows the status.

Category

Cropland

Native Crazing land

Pastureland

Forest land

Watershed Projects

% Needing Conserva-
tion Treatment

59 percent

66

68

71

46

Only about one third of the job has been
done. Tlie Lord gave us this choice land and
a system of government where we have freedom
of choice. If we abuse our rangeland by
overgrazing, there is no government agency
t^^oTce us to rectify this abuse. The
plRon who over-grazes his land Is hurt finan-
cially, but until he recognizes this situa-
tion no one can force him to change.

-5-

I would like to pay tribute to a
great Montana conservationist 0. Leon
Anderson, for the work he is doing in
organizing world wide People to People
tours. This program which was started
by President Eisenhower 12 years ago
is designed to bring people of the world
together at their own levels of Interest.
On a European trip, we found the people
in agriculture Including the Russians
were friendly and willing to tell us about
their operations. We also saw the extreme
conservation efforts required by some
countries in order to produce enough
food for their needs. Holland's Zieder
sea reclamation is a good example. The
People to People trips are worth while
and I urge everyone to make an effort to
make such a trip. They are certainly
"mind-expanding . "

I would also like to pay tribute
to Dr. Lou Hagener of Northern Montana
College for his annual conservation work-
shop for teachers. He uses down to earth
methods which are very effective.

The list of People in Montana
who are doing outstanding jobs in conser-
valilon education is too long for this
article. Dr. Will Clark of Eastern who
headed up the Conservation Education
Association for several terms certainly
deserves praise. More people in Montana
should join the Conservation Education
Association and benefit from the excell-
ent publications which are mailed to mem-
bers.

In conclusion, I would like to
see some organization reactivate the Con-
servation Caravans. It will require some
real effort but the rewards will be
great.

( This page is sponsored by Ladles Aux-
iliary, MASWCD.)

CHEMICAL POLLUTION
Prepared by Jack VJicks
Roosevelt County Extension Agent

In 1939 the Swiss scientist, Paul Muller,
discovered the insecticidal properties of
2-2-bix (p-chloraphenyl)-l,l,l-trlchlorae-
thane or as more commonly known as DDT.
This was the start of major pesticide
(insecticides, herbicides, etc.) develop-
ment and we have been hearing about pesti-
cides ever since.

The pesticides that we use today play
an important part in helping to reduce the
cost ot our food. It has been estimated
that without the use of chemical pesticides
a 20c can of sweet corn would cost 52c a
can, milk at 27c a quart would cost 3Ac
and a can of string beans would cost 87c
instead of 29c a can. Other examples
can be quoted to show where the supply of
food items would be very short thus caus-
ing the prices to double what they are
now if pesticides could not be used.

> Most farmers and ranchers are aware of
\ the good that the use of pesticides can do.
/ But have you considered the safeguard need-
ed to prevent the polluting of our environ-
ment?

There are several things to look at when
discussing the use of any pesticide.
These include:

1. Toxicity of the chemical to the user
mixing or applying it.

2. Affect of the chemical residue on
the user.

3. Affect of the chemical and its residue
on the total environment.

The first of these three things has been
taken into consideration from the start of
pesticide development. The last two have
been considered important for a shorter
time and are the ones we hear about contin-
uously today. Society as a whole must under-
stand these three things and be willing to
accept the risks involved along with the
benefits received. The problem comes when
this risk benefit relationship is different
among various groups in our society, as is
the case today.

Monitoring throughout Montana indi-
cates that residue problems are showing up

in the state. They have already discovered
DDT residue in game birds and elk, and ^^
I am sure we are going to hear more aliout
increased residue levels as environmental
studies are continously being made through-
out the state.

There are many ways a pesticide can be
reduced or eliminated:

1. Abandon the use of pesticides.

It is generally agreed, that this
is not the solution. Insecti-
cides and other pesticides will
continue to be used to meet most
of our insect and other pest pro-
blems.

2. Develop biological control of
pests.

3. Regulate the use of pesticides
to qualified applicators.

The one being considered by a
Montana Legislature Council Sub-
committee is to legislate certain
control on the sale and use of ^^
chemical pesticides. ^^

A proposed law now being re-
viewed by the subcommittee would
administer the sale and use of
chemical pesticides in the follow-
ing way.

a) The appointment of a state
pesticide board.

b) The registration of pesti-
cides for a fee with the Dept.
of Agriculture.

c) Licensing applicators and oper-
ators with a fee, by the Dept.
of Agriculture.

d) Dept. of Health licensing of
pesticide dealers, accompanied
by a fee.

e) Licenses would be granted to
pesticide applicators, operators
and dealers who pass a compre-
hensive written test and pay an
annual fee.

f) All farm applicators would be
required to obtain a Dept. of
Agriculture permit from the ^^
county clerk and recorder to ^^
apply pesticides or allow his
employees to apply pesticides,
to his commercial crops or to

-6-

Pictured above are Art Osburnsen, and
Tony Stulc with George Busey, General Man-
ager of Goodyear Farms.

The goodyear Conservation Award, one
of the oldest of Its kind, was made In the
Interest shown and action taken by the Fer-
gus SWCD board of Supervisors In coordinat-
ing the various programs in the advance-
ment of resource development and conser-
vation.

This recognition was also based on the
Fergus County District's well balanced
and active conservation program. It in-
cluded a vigorous information education
program with high quality technical serv-
ices to ranchers, farmers, groups, commun-
ities and others through the use of Great
Plains program. Agricultural Conserva-
tion Program (ACP), Small Watershed pro-
gram. Public Law 46 and similar programs.
The district was also recognized for en-
couraging urban participation, irrigation
development, recreation and wildlife
areas development and protection, and for
helping farmers and ranchers develop con-
servation plans and applying conservation
practices on their entire farms and ranches.

Osburnsen, Chairman of Fergus County SWCD
Iftulc, President of P.N. Grazing Associa-
and outstanding farmer-cooperator in
the district were guests on the Goodyear farm
near Phoenix, Arizona for a A day, all expense
paid, visit last December.

The two men along with 120 others repre-
senting top districts throughout the nation
and 25 Goodyear officials and other guests
observed conservation practices on the 14,000
acre desert farm.

Both Osburnsen and Stulc expressed
that this trip was one of the best life-
time experiences they've ever had and
one worth working for.

The Hill County SWCD was awarded
second place in the Goodyear Conserva-
tion program, with Sigurd Meland, Havre
named outstanding farmer-cooperator.

***********

CHEMICAL POLLUTION - cont'd.

land used for production of com-
mercial foods including livestock.

It appears the period of rather casual
use of pesticldal chemicals, particularly
the insecticides is rapidly drawing to
a close. The near future will probably
find a emphasis on more selective use of
all pesticides. Stricter regulating pro-
ce^^es will be devised to guarantee that
u^^are properly selective and that per-
sistent chemicals will be tolerated In
nuch smaller amounts and for greatly
restricted purposes.

-7-

Jack Wicks

DISTRICT DOINGS

Sheridan County SWCD Supervisor Holte
suggested that the District's 30th Anni-
versary be officially observed at the an-
nual meeting. At a special meeting the
board split into two groups to work on
the annual report and on the 1970 work
plan.

Dawson County SWCD At the February meet-
ing the group discussed the proposed Hay
Creek and Clear Creek recreation projects
which are located in the county. It was
reported that some core drilling and ini-
tial engineering data was being gathered.
As these projects need a local sponsor
Rice moved that the Dawson County SWCD
sponsor both projects.

Chouteau County SWCD Tom Wharram report-
ed on the Special project area. 163 land-
owners out of 294 have signed petitions.
The board received the petitions from the
Highwood Bench farmers represented by
Tom Wharram and Burton Long, Treasurer of
the Alkali Association.

Upper Musselshell SWCD The annual meet-
ing and banquet was held Wednesday
February 11th at 6; 30 in the Moose Hall.
The meeting was well attended and enjoyed

MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF SOIL & WATER

CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
224 Mitchell Building - Helena , Montana

^Wed yau/c ccpyc^:

by all attending. Generous contributions
were sent in as a result of letters sent
to cooperators.

Eastern Sanders County SWCD At the
February meeting the group passed a motion
to donate $30.00 to sponsor a youth at
the Conservation Workshop at Havre, tnls
summer. There was also some discussion
with Green Mountain SWCD about co-spon-
soring a teacher for a conservation «d-
ucatlon course at the University of Mont-
ana thic summer. More information is
needed before any definite action is taken

Lewis & Clark County SWCD Unable to be
at the annual meeting, Mr. Glen Peterson,
on behalf of the Goodyear Tire Company,
presented the "District's Outstanding
Farmer-Rancher Award" to Mr. Norbert
Poepping for the fine job he is doing
in the field of Conservation. Mr. Bolland
stated the City-County Planning Board
had contacted him regarding published
formation on a soils survey in the He
Valley. A memorandum of understanding
is being prepared for approval of the
supervisors, between the City-County Plan-
ning Board, the SCS, and the Lewis &
Clark County SWCD.

,^

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

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MARCH - APRIL, 1970

CARL JOmJSON PRESIDENT SEZ

Earth Day, April 22 has come and gone.
Let us hope that this is not the end of
man's awareness of his environmental pro-
blems. There were marches, tours, clean
up campaigns by young and old, to impress
upon his mind that something must be done.

What have districts done? They have
been working to improve their environment
for the last thirty years. Or at least
some of the problems connected with it.
We started as Soil Conservation Districts
during the "Dirty Thirties", then Soil
and Water Conservation Districts, and now
in many parts of our nation as Natural Re-
source Districts. We are vitally aware
)f soil, air, and water pollution. For
'is not man's existence entirely depend-
ent upon the purity of these three re-
sources? '.-/liat else remains if these
are degraded? (cont'd, on page 2 )

govi-:piior forrest atjderson to
study state raiigelaijd resource plan

Oovernor Forrest Anderson has tak-
en under study a recoromendation of the
Council of Natural Resources and Develop-
ment of a proposal for a State Rangeland
Resource Plan.

The proposal recognizes grass as
Montana's leading natural resource, as
having a great potential tor added use
for livestodk, wildlife, pollution con-
trol, water production, mainstreet busi-
ness, recreation, etc. , and of great
concern to many agencies and groups as
well as stockmen for its development.

Shown with the Oovernor to explain
the proposal are George McGaffick, Mel
Morris, Frank Ounkle, Pete Jackson, Dean
Hanson, Doug Smith, Gene Payne, and Jim
Posewitz.

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

PRESIDENT SEZ, cont'd.

An increasingly important feature of
a worker's Social Security insurance is
disability protection for himself and his
dependents. In slightly more than ten
years the number of people entitled to
payments under this program has risen from
less than 150,000 to over 1,200,000. Ques-
tions received at the Helena office indi-
cate that local residents would like more
information on this program. Just what
does it mean to file for disability
benefits and when is the proper time to
file?

I'/hy do these severely disabled workers
delay filing? We feel that there are
several reasons. One is that many workers
believe there is a waiting period before
an application can be filed. This is
not true. There is a waiting period of
six months before benefits can usiially be
paid but there is no waiting period be-
fore an application can be filed. A
severely disabled worker should file im-
mediately for benefits as soon as it ap-
pears that he will be unable to work for
at least twelve full months. Often, he
may be eligible for temporary benefits
under a state or company program while
his Social Security claim is being pro-
cessed. By prompt filing a worker can
insure that his Social Security disabil-
ity claim will have been processed and
ready for payment when these temporairy
benefits come to an end.

DFJUl llAl^SON, Chairman of the State Soil
Conservation Committee is back home in
Gildford convalescing after having had
major surgery at a hospital in Seattle
this past month.

Dean expresses sincere thanks for the
many cards and other rememberances he
received while in the hospital.

In the "environmental decade" that
lies before us, we in '■lontana must keep
pace with the times. The question arises:
How might we do this? One way is to in-
tensify our working with the youth in our
state. We have established by law the
office of Conservation Coordinator in the
State Department of Public instruction.
One of our major undertakings for the
coming legislative year should be to get
this office funded. All supervisors
should contact their prospective legis-
lative candidates to get their support
for such funding.

Also since cities and towns may now
petition into districts we must expand
our efforts in working with urban peo-
ple. Explain our program and show them
where we might help with some of their
problems. Many people seem to think that
the Soil and Water Conservation District
movement is just another v/ay to subsidize,
farmers. It therefore behooves us as
supervisors to acquaint the masses of
what we have been doing and how it bene-
fits all. All districts should expand ^t
their adult education program as well
as their youth program. Cascade Co. Sup-
ervisors can point with pride to Agri-
ecology of 1970. Ue as districts have
been working to better our environment.
Now let's "tell it like it is" and en-
list the aid of each and everyone to
get the total job done and instead of
one Earth Day or One week let's make
the rest of the 70 's all Earth Days I
* it **********

MONTANA SOIL & WATER
CONSERVATION DISTRICTS, INC.

Incorporation papers have been filed
with Secretary of State Murray setting up
the Montana Soil and Water Conservation
Districts, Inc.

This corporation has purchased land
near Bridger, Montana part of which Is
leased to the SCS for the operation of
the SCS Plant Material Center. 100 Soil
and Water Conservation Districts in Mont-
ana and Wyoming are contributing to the
purchase. ^^

YOUTli TEACH YOUTH
by Jack and Jim McLean
I Brady High School Sophomores

President Nixon has developed a new
set of "3 R's". They are (1) Reform our
government and its institutions'^ (2) Res-
toration of our environment, (3) Renewal
of the faith people have in America. We
will be discussing the first "R" which is
Reform. Reforming our institutions in-
cludes updating our school systems. We
Bust develop conservation education in
our schools today, if we are to be as-
sured that our natural resources of tomor-
row will be used wisely.

Brady High School recently offered,
as a new subject, an Independent Study
Program. The subject was begun so stud-
ents could explore fields of their own
individual interests. The student must
set up goals which he will try to com-
plete by the end of the semester and also
which he will be graded by on how he com-
pletes them. We were interested in con-
servation so we took an Independent Study

Course on Conservation E*Jcation. As
part of our course, we educated ourselves
I through reading, tours, etc., and in OcC-
'ober we began teaching conservation to
the fltst. Second, and Third grades of
Brady Grade School.

In preparation for teaching class we
gathered information for conservation edu-
cation from the Forest Service, SWCDs,
Extension Service, and other sources.
One book we found very helpful was "People
and Their Environment, Grades 1-3". This
book is published by the J. G. Ferguson
Publishing Co., Chicago, 111. The book,
which is available from grades 1-8, has
complete lessons plans, addresses for more
available resources, etc. We also took a
correspondence course from the Univer-
sity of Nebraska on Conservation of
Natural Resources.

In our first lesson, we used a flan-
nel board, and told of a boy and girl who
went for a walk in the woods for a pic-
nic. During the picnic they did many
good things (played) and bad things (lit-
tered, carved on trees, started fires).
After their picnic they started a fire

to roast marshmallows. The fire later
spread to the grass and trees and soon
caused a forest fire, just because the
children weren't careful.

We asked the students what the child-
ren in the story had done wrong and what
was right. We explained that a Natural
Resource was a gift of nature and that
forest fires destroy these things. We
discussed the effect the forest fire had
on the air, the water, the animals, the
plants and minerals, and of course, man.
This gave us a foundation to build on.
From there on, we discussed each natural
resource in detail and how it effects
people, why we should use them properly,
and how to stop the poor use of them.

We also tried to get the student in-
volved in conservation so that they would
become interested. We would let them
draw pictures of conservation and then
tell the class about their pictures. Also
we would make things like posters, litter
bags, plant trees, etc. Then at the end
of each lesson, we would have the child-
ren tell us what they could do toward the
conservation cause (like prevent forest
fires.)

You may be wondering why we are main-
ly interested in teaching the young peo-
ple. We believe that if we educated the
youth of today, the future generations
will not use our natural resources fool-
ishly.

(This page is sponsored by the Ladies Aux-
iliary, MASWCD.)

"vVIrlcht. alright, I'll come look — what
hnve you donv with (hat silly saw now?"

SUPLRVISOR -VORKSnOPS SUCCESSFUL

14-Point Pro?:rain on Conservation Need

Many Soil & Later Conservation Dist-
rict Supervisors across lontana partici-
pated in the six area v/orkshops the latter
part of February in w'nich County Coramiss lon-
ers, state legislators, City-County plan-
ning, state planning. County sanitarians,
extension service, SCS, and SSCC people
participated.

Much valuable inforraation was pre-
sented in the areas of financing, agri-
cultural pollution, planning and zoning,
and supervisors duties and responsibilities.

Several supervisors were heard to
say this is the best V7orkshop they ever

attended.

Onlookers at the Supervisors work-
shop in Great Falls.

* * * * A A * V; A *

/'^■ikCOUDA COMPAi.T
SIGNS COOPLRATIVL AGKIii-MEt.T

Representatives of the Anaconda Com-
pany have signed a cooperative agreement
with the Levis and Clark County Soil ft
Water Conservation District.

The conpany seeks assistance in se-
curing soils and other information for
development of a conservation plan in
connection with their proposed mining od-
erations near Lincoln, Montana.

It is the wise farmer who both prat
tices and preaches the year-round need
for soil conservation practices. He knows
for instance, that soil and water conser-
vation generally:

1. Checks erosion, still a major U. S.
problem.

2. Reduces sediment, a major water pol-
lutant that chokes water-ways, lakes
and harbors.

3. Increases and improves community
water supplies.

4. helps prevent or reduce damage from
floods, small and large.

5. Helps farmers, ranchers and owners
or operators use their land more
efficiently, with grester net returns.

6. Helps communities and entire regions
solve resource problems.

7. Helps to beautify the countryside.

8. Improves vrildlife habitat and in-
creases fish and wildlife populations,

9. Improves recreational opportunities
in rural areas.

10. Helps non-agricultural users of land
do a better job of selecting and de-
veloping land. ^^
Improves the public health by provi^^
ing information helpful in sewage
disposal system design and in con-
trol on mosquitos and other insect
pests.

Provides helpful data in such matters
as open space planning, equitable
land evaluation for tax purposes,
citizen-education in the importance
of soil and v/ater resources.

13. Helps produce food and fiber at
lov;er cost to tlie consumer, thus
contributing to a high standard of
living.

14. Helps combat poverty through its ef-
fect on individual incomes and com-
munity economy.

(Taken from the Iowa Soil Conservationist)

AAAAAAAAAA

Treasure Acres is sorry to learn of
the death of Allan Marcure long time super-
visor of the Missoula Countv SV'CD. Our
sympathy is extended to his family.

11.

12.

A PARTNLRSllIP
^ by Don Kinney,

^ City-County Planning Director, Helena

For many reasons, including a fear
of the unknOT/n and past history, Montanans
have not promoted until recently the tech-
nique of land use planning in the develop-
ment of their state. The immediate past
state legislature took a major step for-
ward when they appropriated sufficient
funds for the State Office of Planning
and Economic Development to allow the of-
fice to operate in an efficient manner.
It is the author's hope that this type
of forward thinking by our state leaders
will continue in the future.

However, action on the state level
is not enough. Counties, cities, and
towns must also see the benefits of land
planning and take steps to implement
its use into their functions. Many times
it is hard for citizens of this state to
see the advantages of planning, especial-
ly when we do not have the population pres-
sures that plague other states. In
the opinion of many, this is an oppor-
ktunity for the state and its citizens to
plan ahead for the eventual problems. The
leaders and citizens of the state have an
opportunity to see the mistakes that
other areas have made and hopefully from
this knowledge, plan for the future
avoiding the obvious errors.

One error that is most obvious and
one that should concern the citizens of
this state is the lack of protection of
our agricultural lands. It is common
knowledge that in many areas of this na-
tion, thousands of acres of prime and agri-
cultural land is lost forever every year
when it is used for urban expansion.
Some call it progress and some call it a
waste.

The people of Montana, as well as
the total population of the nation, must
make a decision soon. Will it be anoth-
er unneeded, ugly, uneconomical strip
commercial zone or will it be the preser-
vation of needed, ascetically pleasing,
economical open space and crop lands?

Planning Boards, City & County Com-
missioners, State Legislators, private
groups, and the citizens of this state
uust make the final decision. Planning
is only a tool that will help to formu-
late the land development policy deci-
sions. All interested persons must
Join together in a partnership and work
together to develop policies which will
accomodate all persons and fields of
endeavors. Ask your political leaders
to make themselves knowledgeable of the
problem and then to take action on devel-
oping laws which will help to protect
our natural resources. Ask your local
Planning Board what they are doing to
promote agricultural zoning inyyour area
based upon a land use plan. To learn
of other ways you may help, contact the
State Office of Planning & Economic Devel-
opment, your local Planning Boards, and
other agencies such as the Soil & Water
Conservation Boards.

If you, as a person, will become
personally knowledgeable of the tech-
niques of land use planning and under-
stand what is being done in the field
by others, you will lose this undue fear
of planning, zoning, subdivision reg-
ulations, and so on, and will under-
stand that they are protection tools -
not limiting tools.

Shown above are members of the Mont-
ana State Planning & Economic Develop-
ment Commission, and State Soil Conserva-
tion Committee at a meeting of the two
state agencies to discuss economic plan-
ning & Development of mutual concern.

GOODYEAR TO CONTINUE
SOIL CONSERVATION AWARDS PROGRAM

For the 24th consecutive year, ac-
complishments of the nation's soil and
water conservation districts will be re-
cognized by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber
Company through its Soil Conservation
Awards Program.

Districts can still sign up for this
worthwhile program. By participating dist-
ricts have an opportunity to measure their
efforts toward a well balanced conserva-
tion program. In addition certificates of
metlt are presented to outstanding co-
operators in every participating district.
The chairman and outstanding cooperator of
the winning district in each state re-
ceives an all expense paid 4 day trip as
guestG of Goodyear at their experimental
farm in Arizona.

Hill County SWCD have been notified
by Go:>dyear that they were judged the
outstanding district in Montana for 1969.

**********
CCMING EVENTS

May 3-10 Soil Stewardship Week

May 11 Montana Water Development Associa-
tion - Helena

May 21 - 23 Montana Stockgrowers Associa-
tion - Butte

June 1-2 NACD Area V - Rapid City, S. Dak.

June 6-10 National Watershed Congress -
Denver

June 8-9 County Commissioners Associa-
tion - Billings

June 11 MASWCD Directors Meeting -Lewistown

June 12 SSCC Meeting - Lewistown

July 5-10 4-H Conservation Camp - Havre

July 8-10 Bankers Range School- K- Ranch
Grassrange

July 15 - 16 NACD District Outlook -
Billings

July 17 Montana Chapter SCSA - Missoula

Oct 5-9 MASWCD Area Meetings

Kobember 4-6 MASV/CD Annual Meeting -
Great Falls

CITIES & TOWNS PETITION SSCC

Residents in the towns or cities or
Wolf Point, Poplar, Culbertson, Froid,
Ryegate, Roundup, Bearcreek, Joliet,
Superior, and Alberton have submitted
petitions to the SSCC for the addition of
the land area within their towns to be
added to a Soil & Water Conservation Dist-
rict.

Hearings are being held and if favor-
able a referendum will be conducted in
conjunction with the primary election
June 2, 1970.

**********

PROJECT AREA VOTED
HIGffl^OOD BENCH ALKALI CONTROL

The first Special Project Area of
its kind under the Montana Soil & Water
Conservation District law was voted in
by eligible freeholders at an election
held April 4th within the proposed High-
wood Bench Alkali Control Project Area. .

The Chouteau County Soil & Water
Conservation District Supervisors now ^^
have the authority through the County ^^
Commissioners to levy up to 3 mils to
finance in part an alkali control program
within the project area. Present plans
are to obtain the help of various agencies
to conduct research and as a result of
research work as may be feasible.

* A ft

* * ft * * *

"Give you five bucks if yon take this
with you."

DISTRICT DOINGS

Wibaux SWCD Mr. Mathews, District High-
way Lngineer gave a talk on proposed high-
way construction in the area. He mention-
ed that the Fish & Game Department is in-
terested in a recreation and stock water
dam on one of the drainages effecting the
6 miles of construction north of V/ibaux.

Chouteau County SWCD Mrs. Lawrence Mac-
Donald donated $50.00 to the district to
be used for conservation scholarship pur-
poses . in the 1970 program. It was
moved and seconded that this money be ac-
cepted.

Beaverhead SVfCD Earl Love explained the
Environmental Symposium held at VJestern
Montana College on April 22. The SCS
presented one hour of the program. Art
Christensen represented the District on
a panel for the evening portion of the
program.

Lower Musselshell SWCD D. C. Traggit re-
ported on a zoning meeting held in Decem-
ber. This was a general information meet»-
ing arranged for by TAP. Comnissioners
from Golden Valley and Musselshell county
the Mayor and City Council from Roundup
attended. Mr. Balderson outlined the
law and what could or could not be done
under this law.

Judith Basin S\7CD It was moved and second-
ed that the Secretary write letters to all
County Schools and the County Superintend-
ent that the Judith Basin SWCD will award
a $75.00 scholarship to one teacher who
will be teaching in the county next year.
These funds will assist the teacher while
attending summer school and taking the
conservation workshop.

Missoula County SVJCD Three meetings have
been held in Clinton and one in Bonner to
inform the people of Resource Conservation
& Development Project. Much interest
has been expressed and petitions are pre-i
sently being circulated in these areas
regarding annexation to the present RC&D
project area.

Missouri NATimAL ni'SOURCt: POLICY

PARJ-t 15URLAU Tlie new policies of the

American Farm Bureau Federation for 1970
affirm the role of Soil & Water Conser-
vation Districts as "A Desirable Approach
to Soil & VJater Conservation." District
officials are urged to "Assume full
responsibility for the programs in tlieir
districts".

Valley County SVfCD Ted Mclntyre report-
ed that tentatively the soil survey will
start on private lands in 1970 at a
cost to the county of $2500 per year not
to exceed 6 years. The County Com-
missioners presently are in favor of
cost-sharing the soil survey at the above
quoted cost. BLM and BIA were contact-
ed and given a chance to participate
on their lands.

Gallatin Valley SVJCD John Buttleman
made the presentation to the 1969 Cons-
ervation Fanner, Steve McDonnell. The
award was a bronze plaque engraved with
the following - Conservation Farmer,
Steve McDonnell, by Gallatin Valley Soil
& Water Conservation District.

Fergus County SWCD Otto Jensen told of
a recent trip to Illinois to the Cater-
piller Company and how they handeled
pollution. It was discussed how the Dist-
rict can help get laws started vzithout
the laws being too prohibitive. It was
also suggested that the Chairman of the
Quality Environment Committee work to
get some state laws regarding feedlots.

Mile High SWCD D. C. Kolar reported
on a RC&D meeting with the Natural Re-
sources Council here. They have a new
procedure now on group jobs. Have an
agreement between SCS and ASCS that all
group projects would be handled through
the Districts. Group signs a request
for assistance through the District.
Tills is reviewed by the District and then
they make an examination of tlie pro-
ject and what it would involve. The
group then meets with the District, to
discuss the design and if the district
feels that the group needs supervision
this will be decided upon then. On the
smaller jobs one supervisor will meet
with the group.

CONSIDER

THESE

RESOURCES

Soil and water, air and forests, fish and wildlife -■

They are as vast as the world, but they are not limitless.

They represent the purity of nature, but they are being polluted.

They are the gifts of God, for your use, but they are being

misused.

They are foundations of your past, realities of your present, and

essentials of your future.

They are the excitement of the seashores, the composure of the

midlands, and the spectacle of the Rockies.

They have been called renewable, but the decision is yours.

How do you value a breath of clean, fresh air - the sight and taste

of pure, sparkling water - or the inspiration of fertile fields and -

soaring forests?

In dollars?

Where's your soul?

These resources are indispensable.

They demand your attention and thrive on your care.

They help mold your life; condition what it is - and will be.

Everyday they serve you, surround you, sustain you.

Consider these resources. Consider them well.

SOIL STEWARDSHIP WtbK-MAY 3-IQ I970

MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF SOIL & WATER

CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
224 Mitchell Building - Helena , Montana

TreasDre
ficres

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

f.lO'lT STATE LIBRARY
950 E LV!jALE
HELEtJA M0:;T 59601

STATE J^eSUMENTS

sure

JUL 2 1 197^

c re §

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

OFFICIAL NEWS BULLETIN

'^oyf*

MAY - JUNE. 1970

#

Pictured are Charles Lane, Jeanne Baluka, Frank Thompson i grand-
daughter, Everett Snort land, Carl Johnson, Harold Jensen, Carl ZInne,
Oscar HIppe, Bob Anderson, Mi lo Hilstad and Ken Coulter. Not caught
in the picture were Pete Jackson & Brad Parrlsh. A. G. Slattery
John Vanlsko^ & Ralph Briggs were absent.

MONTANA ASSOCIATION DIRECTORS

Directors of the Montana Association of
SWCD met in Lewlstown June 12th to review
and chart further action on resolutions and
policy of their organization.

Public relations and Finances were prob-
ably the knottiest problems facing the dir-
ectors. Officers and directors of the asso-
ciation find that to do their job takes time
and money. Much travel is involved. Many
meetings that need district representation
and participation must be attended. Many of
the officers and directors are performing
these duties without reimbursement for ex-
penses. Others find It hard to get away
fcxDm urgent or conflicting duties at home
or other meetings.

Dick Setterstrom reporting for public
relations stated there Is a need to get
more supervisors attending other organiza-
tion meetings to tell what has been done by
SWCDs and to explain the resource develop-

ment opportunities of their districts.
This needs to be done on a more organized
basis. Agriculture is In serious trouble
he says. Agriculture and natural resource
development people need to tell their side
of the story to the public. The concensus
seems to be "we spend too much time talk-
ing to ourselves," accordingly the dir-
ectors urged districts to consider budget-
ing money for travel to meetings other
than their own to talk about and promote
thei r programs.

Oscar Hippe reported that the Great
Plains Program has been extended for ten
years. Much expression was given to the
Idea that this type program is desirable
nationwide.

In the Farm Forestry report it was
noted that certain environmentalists are
discouraging harvesting of timber. The
directors are on record of favoring the

Mont. Assoc. Dir. cont'd.

NACD Great Plains Area Meeting

rehiring of an Extension Forester by Exten-
sion Service.

Carl Zinne reporting on Public Lands said
the question of "other use (multiple use") man-
agement" on Public lands other than forage for
livestock is creating some problems that need
to be resolved. Much emphasis is being giv-
en as to the Careful "se of pesticides on
watersheds to use them right, to avoid con-
troversy in their use.

Pete Jackson, legislative committee chair-
man asked for items to be acted on by legis-
lature. Suggestions were made to consider
amending the SWCD law to provide for better
procedures to qualify voters for establish-
ment of project areas; to provide for election
of SWCD supervisors under or in conjunction
with county general elections; to change vot-
ing procedures for bonding in keeping with
recent court decisions; to change name of
SWCD to Conservation District. Also considered
was the feeling that "recreation" should be
identified as a beneficial use of water for
water rights purposes.

Bob Anderson, Chairman of Program & re-
search told of a publication being made avail-
able to all districts titled "A Community
Action Guide for Soil Erosion and Control."
This guide outlines ways districts, counties,
and municipalities, and other agencies, can
set up a sediment control program.

Chairman Dean Hanson reported on activi-
ties of the SSCC and expressed appreciation
to the Association for the SSCC being invited
to meet jointly with them. Hanson reported
on matters of state government reorganization,
planning, budgets, district assistance to
non-agriculturlal land occupiers, addition of
cities and towns to districts.

Of great interest to the directors was
a proposal to publish a looseleaf supervisor
handbook to contain various current Informa-
tion valuable to supervisors relative to
district operation.

Ave Linford, State Conservationist, SCS,
reported on the status of assistance avail-
able to districts by his agency, and told of
new approaches to fulfilling the demand for
technical assistance. Despite a reduced work
force, much is being accomplished working
with more programs and with more people.

-2-

Several Montana district supervIsors(
attended the six state meeting of the
National Association of Conservation Dist-
ricts meeting in Rapid City, S. Dakota,
June 1st and 2nd.

A highlight of the meeting was a pan-
el presentation of a junior board of sup-
ervisors. These young people work and
operate a conservation program in conjunc-
tion with the regular elected supervisors
In several districts in S. Dakota.

George Bag ley, NACD Vice-President,
gave a very Interesting talk titled
"Districts in Transition". He stated a
host of things have been changing In our
society. Districts have been changing too.
It is a new ball game. The important thing
is to get In the game — the environmental
game — and not sit on the bench.

« » « « «

SSCC Approves Addition of Cities and Towns

The State Sol I Conservation Committee
at its June meeting in Lewistown approved^
the addition of 10 towns and cities to
their respective soil and water conservation
districts as a result of favorable votes
by land occupiers In each of these munici-
pal ities:

Alberton to Mineral

Superior to Mineral

Bearcreek to Carbon

Jol let to Carbon

Ryega+e to Lower Musselshell

Ekalaka to Box Elder

Poplar to Cul bertson-Bainvi I le

Culbertson to Cu I bertson-Bainvi I le

Fro id to Fro id

White Sulphur Springs to Meagher

This brings to 46 of 126, the number
of cities or towns which have voted to be-
come part of a SWCD In the last 2 years.

GOVERNOR COMMENDS RANGE PLAN GOALS

Governor Forrest Anderson in a recent
letter to Pete Jackson of the steering com-
mittee, commenting on the proposed state
range plan stated in part "the goals of the
plan are commendible — I wish the program ^^
every success." ^P

CARL JOHNSON PRESIDENT SEZ

An EdIc (?) On Environment

(With apologies to H. W. Longfellow)

By the shores of I shy Swishey,
By the stinking Big Sea Water,
Stood the hovel of Nokomis,
Daughter of an Age, Nokomis,
And her grandson Hiawatha.
Once behind it rose the forest,
Rose the green majestic forest.
Rose the firs v/ith cones upon them.
Bright before it beat the water,
Beat the clear and sunny water.
Beat the shining Big Sea Water.
Naught remains but heaps of garbage.
Old and rusty auto bodies.
Heaps of filth and heaps of refuse.
Breeders of Disease and Squalor I

Ah I My son I What can I leave thee?
Naught but ruin and desolation?
Naught of old days gone before thee?
Gi tehee Manitou I implore thee
Help us - ere we fade and perish
Help our great and glorious Nation
Help us - ere we fade and perishi
Help our youth, and help our aged
Help us all regain our Hcritagel

Aieel My Son what do I vision?
Gleaming thru the air pollutioni
Tis not Wah-Wah-Tay-Sy the firefly I
Tis the light of Strength and Reason,
Tis the light of people of stature.
People of grim determination.
People with soul and strength of purpose!
State and county. City-planners,
Soil and water district supervisors,
Foresters, and Fish and Game men,

Those who plan our water resources.
State and Federal and Grass Roots people.
Wildlife men and all Conservationists.
People such as you and I,
All will help to solve our Problemsl

Plant the grass to stop erosion.
Plant the trees to aid the grasses
In their ever-lasting battlel
Build the dams to check the rivers.
Check the wild and rushing waters.
Tame them, store them, send them flowing
gently downward.
To the broad and fertile valleys.
As once did the little beaver.
In the days long gone before us!

Men like these will set the pattern.

Once again will rise the forest.

Rise the green majestic forest.

Rise the firs with cones upon them.

Once again will grow the grasses.

Lush and green and tender grasses.

Here will graze the deer and cattle

In the grand majestic forest,

Once the great widespread grassland.

Once again the birds a-nesting.

Once again the geese a-honking

Once again the ducks a-f lying.

In their v's as once we knew it! '

Timber for our many houses.
Food and Fiber for our People!
Gone will be the stinking water.
Naught but clear and sunny water.
Gone will be the smog and hazes.
Naught but clear and bright horizons,
Naught but the Great and Blue Sky Country,
Land of Mighty Shining Mountains,
Land of broad and ferti le val leys.
Land of grand atij glorious farmlands.
Clean and wholesome, thriving cities!
Yes, the sun will shine more brightly.
Stars will twinkle in the Heavens
In the clean and shining Heavens!
Sleep my son, our fears shall vanish!
It is Good! Uah! I have spoken!

MEETING DATES TO REMEMBER

4-H Conservation Camp-Havre-July 5-10
Bankers Range School -Grass Range-July 8-9
NACD District Out look-Bi I I i ngs'-Ju ly 15-16
Montana Chapter, SCSA-Missouia-July 17
MASWCO Area Meetings-October 4-10
Mont, Water Devel, Assoc, -Helena-Oct. 22-23
MASWCD Annual feet, -Great Falls-Nov. 4-6

-3-

DISTRICT DOINGS

Petroleum County SWCD Gary Gershmel read us
a" letter from the Petrol ia Rancheretts Club
informing that they would dump the 3 garbage
barrels at the Petrol ia Recreation Area for
3 times for $1.00 a barrel. A motion was
made by Henry Lengeman to give the club $15
for dumping the barrels and cleaning up the
area. Motion was seconded by Earl Bassett.
Passed.

Lake County SWCD The ASCS poster contest
was discussed. Some years ago the district
had agreed to furnish $50 in prize money
to the winners. This agreement is still in
effect, but the supervisors would like to
participate in the judging, also would like
the district mentioned in publicity.

Eastern Sanders-Green Mountain SWCD At a
joint meeting applications for attneding the
4-H Conservation Camp were reviewed. The
two applicants were larry Grant ana Kathryn
MacDonald, both from Eastern Sanders District.
A motion was passed to sponsor both with
the agreement that if Green Mountain ever
has two applicants Eastern Sanders will
help sponsor both.

Sweet Grass County SWCD Jack Halverson re-
ported on developments concerning the pro-
posed prairie dog park near Grey Cliff. He
is concerned about the possibilities of the
park hurting the feasibility of the water-
shed project. He asked that letters ex-
pressing concerns be sent to Jack Beckert,
State Highway Department, Jim Richards,
State Planning Board, and Frank Dunkle,
State Fish and Game.

Lower Mussel she I I SWCD The Board went on
record that they feel the new mine safety
laws are most confiscatory and as a result
all mines within the area will be forced to
close. A letter is to be directed to our
Congressional representation pointing out
the effects of this new law.

Lewis & Clark SWCD Arlan Tengwal, from the
Agriculture Committee of the Helena Chamber
Of Commerce met with the supervisors to form-
ulate plans for the Agri -Business Tour again
this year. Frank Schatz moved the District
co-sponsor the Agribusiness Tour again this
year with the Helena Chamber of Commerce, to
be held on June 23, 1970 at 3:00 at the
farm of Mr. Norbett Poepping.

Park SWCD The Annual Park SWCD Trail Ride ^
will be held on July 31 - August 1st & 2nd. '
A motion was made and approved that the cost
will be $12.00 and the number of participants
will belimited to 30. The area will be Hell
Roaring Ranger Station and the ride will
start at Jardine going to Hell Roaring and
back by the way of the Ye I lowstone River
to Gardner.

Broadwater County SWCD Bruce Eckert re-
ported the 8th Grade Tour was to be held
May 21st, with an alternate day of May 25.
There were one hour classes the 18th, 19th
and 20th, The supervisors agreed the Dist-
rict should pay transportation cost.
Bruce estimated over 60 to be involved,
and they were to bring sack lunches with
the district providing cold drinks and
ice cream. The Forest Service, Extension
Service, Fish and Game Department and
Soil Conservation Service will assist with
the program.

Blaine County SWCD Roger Sprinkle pre-
sented his proposition about inter-disci-
plinary cooperation of the various Uni-
versities in undertaking solutions to
local problems. He explained the direct- M
ive sent from the National Research Coun- "
ci I requesting that projects be set up
which would involve more than one academ-
ic unit or university. The purpose stat-
ed by the NRC was that it was important
to bring in several fields of knowledge
when attacking or seeking solutions for
a problem. Mr. Sprinkle stated that the
mosquito problem in the Milk River valley
is one such problem which could benefit
from inter-disciplinary cooperation and
research.

North Custer SWCD Jim Richardson suggest-
ed the District consider a change of name
to Resource Conservation District or a
similar name to make it more relevant to
the present job and goals of districts.
Reasons are as follows: I. to set it apart
as a clear distinct organization separate
from technical agencies of similar desig-
nations. 2. interest a greater number of
people in that Resource Conservation would
encompass the total environment - pollution
sedimentation - etc., and benefit all in
a community and county.

-4-

CONSERVATION EDUCATION

^r by: Orvi I le Zeeh

Where can district supervisors find to-
morrow's conservationist today?

Who has the greatest stake in conserva-
tion?

Who is the most receptive to hearing the
great issues involved in conservation?

We find the answer to these 3 questions
in America's youth.

But how can Soi I & Water Conservation
District supervisors reach the youth of Amer-
ica to inform them of the need for conserva-
tion to keep a safe natural environment and
at the same time an efficient high produc-
ing agriculture?

The past 2 years Treasure County Board of
SWCD supervisors have discovered and utilized
cne way to reach their local youth.

With the help of the Hysham School offi-
cials, the County Extension Agent, and the
''^^ Conservation Service district conserva-
t^ffiist, the district supervisors have arrang-
ed and conducted an all day spring conservation
tour for 5th, 7th, and 8th grade students.
Local Conservation problems are identified,
viewed and discussed. Representatives of East-
ern Montana College, the Fish & Game depart-
ment, the Bureau of Land Management, the Agri-
culture and Stabilization Conservation Service
and the Montana Wildlife Federation have also
participated in the tours.

A written outline is prepared of the tour
and is given in advance to the teachers to
explain to their students. Each stop with
its particular conservation problem and
solution is briefly explained.

On the day of the tour a district super-
visor and generally one of the Agency repre-
sentatives combine to explain the background
of the conservation problem and how it is be-
ing solved. This procedure is followed at
each stop.

A noon lunch stop provides a fine oppor-
tunity for speakers to answer questions and
drive home key conservation points not thor-
'^^ly covered by the field stops.

-5-

About 90 Persons participated in the
1968 tour and 97 persons in the 1969 tour.

During the noon lunch stop.
Eastern Montana College, de
ening audience with stories
I ife.

Dr. Dan. Henning,
ights his I i st-
of rare wi I d-

The group views a section of concrete can-
nal lining installed by the Hysham Water
User's Assoc, the year before. A loud
speaker mounted on the County Extension

Agent's car
tent ion.

helps direct the group's at-

People and Their Environment is the title
of a new Teachers Curriculum Guide for
Conservation Education for sale by the
J. G. Ferguson Publishing Co., Chicago,
I I I inois.

It consists of a series of guides for
each of several grades I thru 12. The So.
Dakota Women's Garden Club organization to-
gether with the SWCDs there have made these
available to teachers In that state, and
are greatly appreciated by the teachers.

(This page is sponsored by the Ladies
Auxi Nary, MASWCD)

Land Use Planning And Zoning

Montana's Legislative Council subcomm it-
toe on Local Government jointly with the
State Planning and Economic Development de-
partment are making a study of Montana's
needs of local government particularly in the
area of land use planning, zoning ordinances
pertaining to land use, land use regulations
etc. The study is being financed by a HUD
grant and some state funding.

The main objective will be to come up with
recommendations and no doubt proposed legisla-
tion to cover rural planning and zoning or
county-wide planning. Presently Montana per-
mits cities to zone within their boundaries,
and cities and counties to plan and zone 4?
miles outside of municipal boundaries or up
to 12 miles on request of the residents.
Also rural areas of not less than 40 acres
with approval of the residents concerned may
set up rural planning districts. Perhaps
overlooked are SWCDs which have planning and
land use regulation authority. Planning is
basically concerned with developing areas.
Planning is equally important in areas of no
growth as in areas of growth.

The demand for land use planning and re-
lated regulations to control land use has
many ramifications to ideally protect the var-
ious land uses for agriculture, industry,
commercial businesses, transportation, utili-
ties, recreation, residential, and the like.
Planning also includes natural resources as
the land contains the soil, the water, the
vegetation, the minerals, the watersheds, the
beauty, wildlife, etc., that people need and
use for their health and welfare; in other
wordsit involves people, prooerty, and pub-
lic pol icy.

Generally, to be effective planning
should consider the whole environment and be
comprehensive. Ecology and harmony can-
not be overlooked.

In the matter of public policy, should
good agriculture land be allowed to be put
to other uses? As population grows, what
limits can be allowed for concentrations of
DGople, of industry? Shouldn't present uses
be protected? Are these things enforcable?
Planning and zoning is oracticed in the home,
in the factory, in agriculture and other
places. Why not on a community or county-
wide basis?

But how do we organize ourselves as
individuals and as government to direct
developments and land use in the best man-
ner? Planning should be done first and
necessary rules and regulations adopted
to carry out the plans. Who should do
this? People; but who of the people?
And in a derr.ocracy a majority of the peo-
ple and their organization needs be in-
volved.

So far the people most concerned are
those where the pressure for land is the
greatest. Cities and towns seem to take
the lead to influence the development
of their adjacent communities. Rural peo-
ple who are mostly agriculture tend to
be apathetic to planning and zoning
other uses unti I otiier uses encroach.
But the pressure of multiple uses are
growing in rural MOntana and who is to
say who or what use can my neighbor be?
And under what conditions?

Is planning a particular problem in
Montana? Well, yes, there are problems
in Montana many of which lack planning or
better means to do it. The proposed Big
SKy Recreation Area, the Anaconda Lincoln
copper mining, the various feed lots, the
coal strip mining operations, various
agriculture practices, rurban develop-
ments, etc., ail face adverse public ac-
ceptance because of limited planning and
related regulation.

It must be admitted however, that
there is broader planning being used.
Many city-county planning boards have been
organized, industry itself is doing more
planning, agriculture enterprises are do-
ing more planning, and others are planning.
There are water plans, recreation plans,
highway plans, health plans, conservation
plans, to name a few. All these plans
should relate to land use plans.

Natural resources and the possible
uses that can be made of them are of
greater concern in rural planning and zon-
ing. Soil and water conservation is pri-
marily an agriculture activity in Montana,
but soil and water and related resources
are not restricted to agriculture. There
are other aforementioned uses of natural
resources and planning done in their use
as wel I .
(cont'd on paae 7 )

I and_ use Planning A Zoning - cont'd.

Where do SWCDs fit into the picture of
Tand use planning? What do districts have to
offer?

SWCDs are a natural resource planning
agency and have been doing land use planning
for about 30 years primarily giving assistance
to individuals such as fanners and ranchers
who are cooperators. In more recent years
planning assistance has been requested by
land occupiers other than agriculture,
particularly to cities and towns, city-
county planning boards, and groups. Over
the years districts, with the technical as-
sistance of SCS and other agencies, have
accumulated soils data, water data, vegetative,
and recreational and other data valuable to
individuals, groups and agencies in making
land use decisions.

SWCDs each have developed long range
plans or programs describing the land and
related resources and olans and potential for
development. District supervisors are el-
ected by land occupiers and where cities and
towns are included usually consist of 5
rural and 2 municipal resident supervisors,
istrict law in addition to planning
jthority contains provisions for land use
regulations.

What more is needed? Permissive legis-
lation. This may be a dressing up or amend-
ments to present permissive laws to enable or
require local governments such as counties,
cities, districts, to join in doing compre-
hensive and overall planning, and to adopt
and enforce necessary regulations. Legis-
lation should also better permit appropriate
state agencies to assist local agencies, and
to exercise certain powers. Present uses
should be protected, the public interest
should be protected, natural resources should
be protected, to permit people to bring about
orderly changes.

Districts, counties, cities, others,
need to get with it, to let this study
group know of their concerns. Maybe we have
enough law, and it's only a matter of doing
something with what we've got I

IN MEMORI/V^

Conservation District people mourn the passing
^t Carl Hunter former State Soil Conservation
^Pwnmittee member, who died June 15 at the

Richland County Hospital. He was 88.

LEAFY SPURGE
Authur F. Shaw, Extension Agronomist

Leafy spurge, a deep-rooted, hard to
kill perennial noxious week, now occupies
in excess of 80,000 acres of private and
publicly owned land in Montana. Non-cul-
tivated or rangeland is its primary habi-
tat, although a growing acreage of culti-
vated land or cropland is known to be in-
fested. Past records indicate the acreage
is growing at an alarming rate, and no
longer should individuals, corporations,
agencies or weed districts shove the in-
festations aside with the hope that they
will vanish. They won't — they will be back
next year with greater vigor and vitality.

Grazing with sheep will reduce or hold
SDurge s.ands and prevent seed formation.
The sheep must be turned in prior to the
bud stage of growth and in great enough
numbers to graze off all spurge. Rotate
the grazing — this gives the spurge and
grass a chance to recover before grazing
a second or third time. This tends to
deplete the root reserves and hopefully
"starve" out the root system,

A combination of treatments including
grass resecding, or fertilization, grazing
and the use of chemicals is probably the
only real effective means of slowing down
the spurge threat.

For further dotal Is ask your County
Agent, Weed District Supervisor or SCS
technician for a copy of leaflet 174, CES.

7-

A poem by Dr. Kenneth Boulding illustrates the difference of
opinion and concern for our resources. It outlines "A Preservationist's
Lament" and "The Conservationist's Reply" as follows:

A PRESERVATIONIST'S LAMENT

THE CONSERVATIONIST'S REPLY

The world is finite, resources are scarce.
Things are bad and will be worse.
Coal is burned and gas exploded.
Forests cut and soils eroded.
Wells are dry and air's polluted.
Dust is blowing, trees uprooted,
Oil is going, Ores depleted,
Drains receive what is excreted.
Land is sinking. Seas are rising,
Man is far too enterprising.
Fire will rage with man to fan it,
Soon we'll have a plundered planet.
People breed like fertile rabbits,
People have disgusting habits.

Moral: The evolutionary plan

went astray by evolving man.

Man's potential is quite terrific.
You can't go back to the Neohthic.
The cream is there for us to skim it,
Knowledge is power, and sky's the limit.
Every mouth has hands to feed it,
Food is found when people need it.
Ail we need is found in granite
Once we have the man to plan it.
Yeast and algae give us meat.
Soil is almost obsolete.
Man can grow to pastures greener
till all the earth is Pasadena.

Moral: Man's a nuisance; man's a
crackpot
But only man can hit the
jackpot.

MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF SOIL & WATER

CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
224 Mitchell Building - Helena , Montana

51 He^a^7/(ya/cccp^(^:

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

(10MT STATE LIBRARY
HELEUA f.lO:iT 596C1

s^tr

reasure

ID

"irpTo 1970 ^^

c re s

»0V1«*

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

OFFICIAL NEWS BULLETIN

JULY-AUGUST, 1970

CARL JOHNSON - PRESIDENT SEZ

This is the harvest time of the year.
At this time we realize how well we have
sowed by what we shall reap. To correct
our mistakes in order that we might
profit by them.

How are we as SWCDs meeting the
Challenge of the 70's? Is the district
program forging ahead according to plan?
If not how can it be implemented? What
must we as supervisors do to keep our
program moving? These are some ques-
tions we must ask ourselves.

The week of Oct. 5-10 has been set
aside for the six Area meetings. I am
sure that some of these questions will
be answered at these meetings. As in
the past, representatives of the State
Association, SCS, and State Committee
will be in attendance. Host districts
will be notified as to the dates of
their respective area meeting If they
have not already received that infor-
mation. A skeleton agenda will be sent
(cont'd on page 2)

PLANNING LEGISLATION
ENCOURAGED BY SSCC CHAIRMAN

Planning, Conservation, Environment,
Natural Resources, Districts, Teamwork,
were items talked about by Dean Hanson,
Chairman, Montana SSCC at a meeting of
the Legislative Council's subcommittee
on Local Government and the Advisory
Committee on Planning Legislation.

Mr. Hanson praised the advisory com-
mittee for the great progress they had
made. He was pleased that the Committee
had followed "the basic principles of
planning as a process and planning with
people - - not for them." "Planning,"
Mr. Hanson States "is not an easy academ-
ic exercise, it involves time, money
and hard work - - and reverses can be
expected. But the rewards of progress
and better living standards are well
worth the trouble."

After Discussing the Soli i Water
Conservation Districts and their functions,
and the SSCC, Mr. Hanson concluded: "We
want to help and have a voice in matters
so relevant to our cause and needs. Pione-
ering the west is over. Today's frontier
is our own community. The challenge is
to improve life where we are. To clean
the air. To clean the streams. To under-
stand the earth and use it wisely for
our many needs."

In response to a request of a commit-
tee member, "we would be asking for spec-
ific and strong support from strong agen-
cies such as yours." Mr. Hanson re-
plied that the SSCC and the SWCDs have
good leadership and representation and
(cont'd on page 2)

President Sez, cont'd.

along with the notification . This infor-
mation will also be in the hands of super-
visors before their district meetings in
September.

At the meeting of your state asso-
ciation directors in June, the question
of financing, revision and updating our
present law, new supervisors handbook,
and public relations were brought up.
The questions will be discussed during
business sessions at each area, also the
status of the Plant Materials Center.

Plans for our State Convention which
will be hAld at the Eagles Manor the 4,5
and 6 of November in Great Falls are
pretty we I I formulated. The theme of the
convention is Cooperation and Coordina-
tion. Convention chairman, Dale Marxer
and Cascade board of supervisors have
arranged some excel lent tours. It Is my
hope that the attendance at Great Falls
will be the best ever.

Secretary of Agriculture in his ad-
dress before the National Farm Institute,
Des Moines, Iowa said: "Our responsibil-
ity, as I conceive.it. Is to manage the
environment for the widest range of ben-
eficial uses, without degrading it, with-
out risk to health or safety, without
loss of future productivity, and with-
out being tyrannized by pests. Nature
itself, without man's stewardship has rare-
ly been productive enough to meet man's
needs - - certainly not in the numbers
in which we exist today and will exist
in the future. Yet our resources must
serve every economic and social need of
mankind. The challenge is to maximize
the productivity of the environment for
both necessities and amenities and assure
continued use into the very long fut-
ure."

I am sure that SWCDs can meet such
a challenge in the 70's thru COOPER-
ATION AND COORDINATION!

Planning Legislation encouraged by SSCC
Chairman - - cont'd.

that they must educate their own people. ^
In response to a question regards agri-
cultural zoning Mr. Hanson replied the
philosophy is "we recognize the need for
total countywide planning."

Among other organizations endorsing
good planning legislation for rural areas
were Fanners Union, Farm Bureau, and Grange.

TURNING POINTS IN TIME - LAND - AND PEOPLE

- - - was the theme of the Montana Chap-
ter and National Convention of Soil Con-
servation Society of America held this
summer in Missoula, Montana and Toronto,
Canada respectively.

Dr. R. J. McConnen, Montana State
University, keynote speaker at the Mont-
ana convention introduced a new concept ,
that of Time Conservation. One of the
principle variables influencing the use
of resources may the use of scarce time,
not the use of scarce land and water. d
Perhaps "time erosion" wi 1 1 become a more "
serious problem than soil erosion!

Ave Linford, State Conservationist,
SCS from Bozeman has been elected nation-
al Vice President of the Soil Conserva-
tion Society of America.

MM

CONSERVATION NEEDS INVENTORY

The current detailed statistical re-
port of Conservation Needs on private and
state lands in Montana has been published
and distributed to district offices. The
report consists of a county by county com-
pilation of a large variety of conservation
practices that are needed. The inventory
is a useful guide to SWCDs to use in devel-
oping their programs and plans, as well
as to many others concerned with land
use and natural resource programs.

Kids used to spin the bottle
at parties. Now they give the
pot a whirl.

-2-

■y

«,1-T.

P3I

Almost 100 young people from almost
al I counties in Montana participated in
the 24th Montana 4-H Conservation Camp
held at the Beavercreek Camp near Havre
on July 6-10, 1970. This camp itself
is made possible through the generosity
of the Federal Cartridge Company. In
addition to this many individual members
^ceive travel expenses to the camp from
their local Soil 4 Water Conservation
Districts.

Conservation Camp is the only state-
wide camp held in Montana. Its specific
purposes are to teach young people im-
)rtant principles related to the conser-
itlon of natural resources and to encour-
age them to go home and do something
about problems confronting us in the area
of conservation.

Reports completed by the young
people at the close of the camp indicate
that the workshops were both interesting
and educational. The workshops includ-
ed "Environment" conducted by Mrs. Carol
Tarnavsky, Montana Extension Service,
and M.J. Jackson, Montana Extension Ser-
vice; "Recreation Area Management" taught
by George Evans, Assistant Professor
of Horticulture, MSU and James Murphy,
a graduate assistant in the Plant and Soil
Science (Department at MSU; "Soi Is" con-
ducted by Roger Wilson of the Extension
Service, assisted by Calvin Craw, County
Extension Agent at Culbertson. Other
workshops included "Water" taught by
Orrin Ferris, Chief Engineer, Water Re-
sources Board, Helena, and Assisted by
Alan Pearson, Hill County Agent; and
"Wildlife" conducted by Vincent Yannone,
^^ducation Assistant, Information Divi-
^Plon, Fish & Game Department, Helena, and
Pat McKelvey, also of the Fish & Game.

In addition to 75 4-H members there
were nine Boy Scouts from Wolf Point,
two girls from Alberta, two boys from
Saskatchewan, and Internet ion Farm Youth
Exchange delegates from Italy, Jamaica,
and the Dominican Republic at the camp.

Assisting in directing the camp were
eight 4-H members who did a tremendous
Job of emphasizing conservation following
their attendance at the 1969 camp. They
were: Peggy Arnott, Utica; Diane Granning,
Flaxville; Richard Green, Columbia Falls;
Jack McLean, Brady; Lynn Meyer, Geyser;
Tom Sparks, Plevna; Casey Stout, Kail spell;
and Donna Swank of Poplar.

Special speakers for the camp were
Bob Anderson, Fort Benton, Vice Presi-
dent of the MASWCD who talked on Soil &
Water Conservation District work and
Robert Scherer, Under Sheriff of Hill
County who talked on rifle safety.
Anderson offered a definition of conser-
vation as "Maximum use without abuse."

Supervisors of the HI I I County SWCD
welcomed the campers. Supervisors from
the Blaine County SWCD also visit the
camp. Bill Stevens from the Federal
Cartridge Company was also a visitor .

Many of the campers wi I I be working
hard to "tell their conservation story"
during the next year. I would urge all
In Montana who are Interested In conser-
vation to help these young people do
an effective Job of reporting and ex-
panding on their experiences at camp.
Young people are very concerned about
conservation in our country today.
They can make a great addition to the
conservation team.

GEM

The word Conservation is interpreted differently by many people.

Conservation Districts throughout the United States must speal^ the same
language when we communicate with people about this most important work.

We believe the term Conservation should mean the good management of our
environment. This interpretation will assist districts to move forward with
constructive leadership in the conservation movement because:

1. It will welcome and encourage all people to join districts in this worl<.

2. It will demonstrate that districts are not seeking a preservation objective,
but are engaged in a movement to manage renewable natural resources in ways which
will produce the highest quality environment to which man on earth is entitled.

The NACD, therefore, will promots the concept of Good Environmental Manage-
ment as the definition of conservation. We believe in GEM (good environmental
management) as an avenue to assist districts in their challenging endeavor.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Since all people depend for their survival on the natural resources of the
world, the conservation and wise use of these resources must be the responsi-
bility and concern of everyone.

We emphasize that the foundation for conservation and environmental under-
standing must be laid in our schools, so that every child will be taught early
in life the vital importance of resources, the grave dangers of continued waste
and pollution, and the difference between the constructive and the destructive
actions of man in relation to environmental and resource management issues.

The National Association of Conservation Districts supports and encourages
the adoption of programs in our nation's schools as rapidly as possible to pro-
vide teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills enabling them to present
a body of conservation information and to form attitudes in students fundamental
to their understanding of conservation, resources, and the environment.

We advocate the teaching of conservation and care for the environment in all
its ramifications as an integral part of our school curricula from pre kinder-
garten thru higher educational levels.

A NEW LOOK IN SUPERVISORS

A new look Is coming to Montana's
soil and water conservation districts.
Mrs. Fred (Fay) Kuhlman has become the
first wooian to serve as a member of any
soil and water conservation district
board in Montana.

fl At the August 13, 1970, meeting of
e board of supervisors of Carbon Soil
& Water Conservation District, Fay was
sworn In as a supervisor with full vot-
ing powers, responsibilities and duties.
She will serve as urban representative for
the town of Bearcreek.

At the referendum held in conjunction
with the June 2, 1970, primary elections,
the towns of Bearcreek and Joilet vot-
ed to become a part of the Carbon Sol I
i WAter Conservation District. Enabl-
ing legislation passed by the last leg-
islature allows incorporated cities and
towns to become part of a district.

A three-term mayor, Mrs. Kuhlman
says Bearcreek has land and water prob-
lems that are similar to other towns In
Carbon County. Resource information Is
need to properly plan the proposed Sieg-
friedt Memorial Park. Future needs In-
clude resource data on a municipal sew-
age disposal system, retirement home and
a water system for the cemetery. she

feels that Bearcreek should have a voice
In planning and developing programs for
the area.

Active In resource affairs. District
Supervisor Kuhlman also serves as the urban
member of the Beartooth Resource Conserv-
ation 4 Development Program Committee.
She also participates in the activities
of the Carbon County Development Council
and Is the editor of the twice monthly
Bearcreek Banner.

A resident of Bearcreek for nine
years. Mayor Kuhlman has a dream of re-
building a new Bearcreek. Formerly a
busy coal-flilning town of 5,000, Bearcreek
now has less than 100 people. Fay be-
lieves that with development of Its re-
sources the town can again be alive and
prosperous.

§§§

CONSERVATION DISTRICT LEADERSHIP
Seminar held in Billings

District leaders from the states of
Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska,
North and South Dakota, and Montana met
in Billings, Montana July 15 - 16 for
what resulted in an excellent exchange of
ideas and information concerning district
outlook and what is needed to meet the
new challenges brought about by public
concern for pollution abatement, quality
environment, reorganization of government,
land use planning, regional planning, etc.

Former NACD President Sam Studebaker
of Tipp City, Ohio chaired the meeting.
Assistant NACD Executive Secretary David
Unger provided an interesting and challeng-
ing climax to the meeting pointing out
many instances across the nation where
districts are meeting the challenges by
providing leadership in resource manage-
ment affairs.

A FEW OF THE PROBLEMS INVOLVED IN RUNNING A SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT ^

"Most district boards try to meet once a month, but finding a date that fits everyone
gets to be quite a job. There are town board, planning board, school board, Farm Bureau,
Grange, Farmers Union, NFO, church board, zoning commission, conservation clubs, bowling,
ball games, pinochle clubs, fishing, snowmob i I i ng , some even have to work; so, no matter
what night you pick, some directors have something else to do, and most of it more im-
portantant, according to them, than attending to the district's business.

The next thing is making an annual work plan. When it is complete, the District Con-
servationist asks how many more men he will have to have to get it done. The Area Con-
servationist says you don't need a full time man. Art starts looking for another District
to combine with yours and Russ says your plan looks just like last year's and how come
you have those city projects listed. Your troubles have just started.

A cooperator wants to drain some wet land and the fish and wildlife people say you
are ruining the duck nesting area. Another wants an irrigation pond and you are accused
of warming the water in a stream and spoiling fish habitat. A forest land owner cuts all
his marketable timber and the wildlife managers say you should have left some den trees.
Leave the den trees and the foresters say you didn't do a complete job. On a tree planting
job, you leave some openings for wildlife and the foresters ask why it wasn't all planted.
Try to get the Road Commission to seed the ditch banks, and they say they don't have
enough money for such frills. If they are left open, the streams silt full and you are ac-
cused of polluting them.

If we help farmers in more efficient production by using soil conservation practices
we are accused of adding to the surpluses. If we don't, we are accused of not helping keep
them in business. If we try to get a watershed project, we are going to ruin the landowner^^
with tax assessments. If we don't, we are trying to help flood the farmers out. If we wor^^
with youth groups, we are neglecting the landowners. If we don't we are not looking to the
future. If we help only the farmers, we are not servicing all landowners. If we can help
city people we are neglecting the farmers. When we ask for some financial help, we feel/*-
like beggars. When we get our mileage and expenses, we are ruining the State Treasury.

In Spite of these and many more difficulties, districts, with the help of the Soil
Conservation Service and many others, continue to offer a service to landowners that cannot
be duplicated. District directors and the SCS personnel are doing things in resource
management that a lot of others wish they could do. Even though some people ridicule
directors for contributing their time and effort without compensation, a majority recognize
the contribution they make in conserving and improving our natural resources and improv-
ing our environment." - - Dwight Spuller, Vice President, Michigan Soil Conservation Dist-
ricts, Inc.

The dates for the Area Meetings this year have been set as follows:

October 5 - Bi I I ings -

Area IV

October 6 -

Broadus -

Area 1 1

October 7 -

Jordan

Area 1

October 8 -

Choteau -

Area 1 1

October 9 -

Deer Lodge -

Area V

October 10

Three Forks -

Area VI

II

Sti I I water SWCD, Host

Powder River SWCD, Host

Garfield SWCD, Host

Teton SWCD, Host

Deer Lodge Valley SWCD, Host

Jefferson Valley SWCD, Host

DISTRICT DOINGS

li le High SWCD An enthusiastic group of
over 125 young people comprised of Boy
Scouts, Girl Scouts, Campfire Girls,
and 4-H members gathered for the youth
conservation tour and workshop. The
group devided into three groups, fish &
wildlife, soil & water, and forestry.
The tour took place in the Fleecer Mount-
ain area. They returned to the camp-
ground about 5:30 for a hamburger barbe-
cue and program for the evening.

McCone SWCD Joe Icenhower reported there
should have been more supervisors present
at the Water Development meeting since
one of the supervisors chaired the meeting.
The meeting was totally Informational.
It was said that water is available and
there was great quantities of industrial
development of the coal resource in McCone
County. There were about 80-90 farmers
and ranchers present.

Flathead SWCD The Bureau of Indian Af-
fairs is proposing to disband the tech-
nical arm of their service to Indians and
contract this work to SWCDs and others.
kMoney first would be turned over to the
District and Districts would reimburse
SCS for technical assistance. A resolu-
tion authorizing signature of the agree-
ments between Bureau of Indian Affairs
and the Districts for transfer of funds
to contract technical services and agree-
ment between SCS and the Districts in-
volving the supplying of technical assist-
ance was ddopted on a motion by Dave
Brewer, seconded by Ed Sirucek.

Chouteau County SWCD At the suggestion
of Tom Wharram a tour was set up for
July 14, beginning at the district of-
fice at 1:00. This tour would be for the
public to see the work that is being
done by Buck Sisson and others working
on the alkali control area. Wharram
hoped to get Dr. Hayden Ferguson of MSU
and Ray Cboriki of the Moccasin Exper-
iment Station to assist in the tour.

Carbon SWCD Jim Kolar reported that
slides taken on the tour of Wisconsin and
Minnesota RC&D Projects will be shown at
the next Program Committee meeting in

Columbus. They will also be available
for other meetings throuout the area.
There are 37 Project proposals so far.
Mr. Kolar stated the district should be
complimented for work done on RC&D work
plan and any suggestions which will help
to implement the RC&D work plan are wel-
come.

Sweet Grass County SWCD Halverson re-
ported on prairie dog park developments.
He showed letters he had received con-
cerning the park and management plans.
He stated that about 440 acres or one-
flfth of the land included in the original
survey of the watershed project would be
taken up by the interstate road and pro-
posed park.

Sheridan County SWCD Robert Romstead
was named by the Sheridan County Plan-
ning and Improvement Council to repre-
sent Sheridan County on a proposed 17-
county resource development federation.
County delegates met at Circle on July,
I, for the purpose of formal organization
and outlining plans for the future. The
motion was made and seconded that the
Board go on record as approving partici-
pation In the 17-county resource federation,
and they, further gave approval to re-
questing an RC&D on a 17-county basis.

Rosebud County SWCD Much discussion fol-
lowed Mr. Ue land's report on the tour
of the strip-mined area with Gene Tuma,
Roy Houser, and Joe Nansel. It was the
consensus that a Memorandum of Understand-
ing be negotiated with the mining compan-
ies if possible. Good public relations
is recognized as an Important step in the
cooperation of al I parties that are now
or will be involved in reclamation.

Powder River SWCD New Proposed operat-
ing procedures were discussed with the
supervisors. It is intended to use the
contractors in more of the engineering
work so as to leave more time for design.
It Is expected with this new system that
much more work can be accomplished with
the present personal. These procedures
have not been approved by Mr. LInford but
no difficulty Is anticipated.

-7-

TEN COWANDMENTS LISTED FOR CONSERVATIONISTS

Everybody's talking about environment
problems, but how do you get something
done about them?

Ten commandments for citizens who want
to see their dissatisfactions translated
into meaningful action have been listed
by a group of legislative experts meeting
in Los Angeles recently.

In a nutshell their advice was for con-
cerned citizens to organize rather than
operate as individuals to establish solid
contacts with legislators, learn legislative
processes, "keep the pressure on" and not
to waste energy on toothless measures
that merely express pious sentiments or
call for "studies."

According to one of the panelists, "For
many years politicians looks on conserva-
tion organizations as kooks . . now the
tide has turned."

The panel's 10 cardinal points for legis-
lative success were these:

- Remember that environmental problems
are a new thing for legislators. They
need information.

- Retnember that a legislator's prime

concern is getting re-elected. Associate
your cause with his.

- Establish a relationship of mutual
respect. Don't challenge a legislator's
good faith.

- Communicate as a member of an identi-
fied organization rather than as an indi-
vidual .

- Pool campaign contributions in an
organization which can channel them amoog
candidates.

-Maintain "high visibility" for environ-
mental causes. . "Conservationists talk
to each other too much I"

- Frame proposals that call for affirm-
ative governmental action, even if it

has to be preceded by a "study."

- Don't wait for formal hearings be-
fore familiarizing legislators with your
facts and arguments.

- Keep the spotlight on legislator's
actions as a measure proceeds.

- Be militant, but remember that suc-
cess requires a "unique combination of
patience and impatience."

(Cascade SWCD Newsletter)

MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF SOIL & WATER

CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
224 Mitchell Building - Helena , Montana

tIg^o^ 7/ou/c ccp^c^:

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

f.JO-,'T STATE LI3RARY

9 30 E ly:jdale

HELENA MONT 59601

s

I reasuniE'

--^ STATE DOCUMENTS

NOV 5 1970

c re §

CALL TO CONVENTION

More than 300
conse rvat i on i sts
of the state's
tion Distr
Fa I I s , Nov

of Montana's longtime
supervisors and members
58 Soi I & Water Conserva-
cts -will gather in Great
4-6. for the 29th Annual Con-

CARL JOHNSON - PRESIDENT SEZ

Nothing remains constant except change.
Because of certain changes, this great
country of ours was discovered, developed,
and perhaps one might say, exploited. The
land we live on provides our food, liv-
ing space, much of our clothing, housing,
industrial needs, and most of al I the
solid base for our freedom and way of life.
The changes we have made on the land re-
flect many of our national faults and vir-
tues, energy, greed, optimism, and a will-
ingness to learn.

As America progressed and became civil-
ized, other changes occured. Industries
sprang up, population centers increased,
the forests were cut down and as the land
"wore out" we moved on to the West, where
the same things occured. Perhaps the
(cont'd on page 3 )

vent ion of the Montana Association of
Soil & Water Conservation Districts.

The three day meeting wi I I headquarter
at Eagles' Manor, and is hosted by the
Cascade County Soil & Water Conservation
District, with Dale Marxer, Chairman of
Cascade County SWCD Board of Supervisors,
as general convention chairman. Theme
of the convention is "Coordination and
Cooperation for a Quality Environment."

Activity for the convention will open
at I p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 4, with regis-
tration, a meeting of the board of directors
of MASWCD, and a tour of the Anaconda Co.
Smelter operations (starting at I p.m.).
A social hour and banquet, beginning at
6 p.m. at the Eagles' Manor will
lead off the evening program. Follow-
ing the banquet, John Schutter wi I i nar-
rate a slide presentation on "Soli Con-
servation in the Netherlands," with
John Vanisko, Deer Lodge, master of cere-
monies.

Official opening of the convention wl
be at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, with
MASWCD Vice-President Robert Anderson
Fort Benton, chairing the session. Fol
ing an official welcome by Great Falls
Mayor John McLaughlin, (cont'd on Pge 2)

II

OW"

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a/^6l£S Mm<P/?, GT/^M^^, /VO/^^ ■S-(^-/^7C?

Call to Convention - cont'd,

the executive director of the Montana
League of Cities and Towns, Dan Mizner,
Helena, will talk on "Coordination and
Cooperation for a Quality Environment."

Starting at 9:30 a.m., MASWCD com-
mittee meetings will be held at Eagles'
Manor and the nenrby Boy Scout Service
Center. Committees scheduled to dis-
cuss problems and offer solutions dur-
ing this period include budget and fin-
ance, Kenneth Counter, Brusett, Chairman;
education, Frank Thompson, Wolf Creek,
chairman; Great Plains, Oscar Hippe.
Froid, chairman; program and research,
Everett Snort I and, Conrad; public rela-
tions, Richard Setterstrom. Butte; public
lands and water resources. Art Christensen.
Dillon; farm forestry, Wi I I Jam Kesler.
Kalispell, and recreation and wildlife,
LesI ie Criswel I . Hysham.

The keynote address of the convention
will be given at the noon luncheon by
Howard Geers, executive secretary of the
South Dakota State Conservation Commis-
sion, Pierre, S. Dak. His topic will
be "I970's - The Decade of Decision."
Clair Wi I I Its, chairman of the Agricul-
tural Committee of the Great Falls Chamb-
er of Commerce, will MC the session.

Afternoon session speakers will include
Douglas Smith, director of the Montana
Water Resources Board, Helena, "Montana's
Future - Water Development;" Tori ief
Aasheim, director of the Montana Cooper-
ative Extension Service, Bozeman, "Team-
work - A Key to Progress,"

The highlight of the convention could
probably be a panel discussion of "Mont-
ana's Land Use Policy" which will be mod-
erated by Pete Jackson. Panelists will
be Don Aldrich. executive secretary, Mont-
ana Wildlife Federation, Dale Marxer.
chairman Cascade SWCD, Ted Mclntyre.
director, Montana Grass Conservation Com-
mission, Ed Shubat. past president Montana
Association of County Commissioners,
J im Wenban. deputy regional forester, USDA,
Ed Zaidi Icz. director. Bureau of Land
Management, and Hal Price, planner,
Montana Planning & Economic Development
Department.

Bradley Parrish, Lew i stown , w i 1 1 cha i r the
afternoon sessions.

The annual Awards Banquet will be at
6:30 p.m., Thursday, with Robert McClel land.
Western Program Advisor of the NACD, Denver,
master of ceremonies. The Goodyear, super-
visor, newsletter, and President's awards
will be presented during the banquet ses-
sion by Charles Lane, Maxville, MASWCD
director. Special entertainment also is
planned for the evening.

Friday's program will start with the
annual Directors' Breakfast at 7 a.m.,
with business meetings scheduled for 8
a.m., MASWCD President Carl Johnson,
Livingston, presiding. Reports will be
made by Johnson; Mrs. Dean Hanson, presi-
dent of the women's auxiliary, Havre;
NACD area director's by Jackson; secre-
tary's report by Mrs. Jeanne Baluka, Helena;
treasurer's report by Wendel I Mart I ne I I ,
Butte, and State Committee report by
Dean Hanson, chairman, Havre.

A Business meeting of So i I & Water
Conservation Districts of Montana will
be held at II a.m. Final luncheon of th|^
convention will feature a speech by Ed^ ^^
Glassgow, general manager of the Black
Hills Conservancy Sub - District, Rapid
City, S. Dak. MASWCD director Harold
Jensen, Baker will be master of ceremonies.
Convention adjournment is scheduled for
2 p.m. followed by a director's meeting.

MASWCD Ladies Auxiliary

The MASWCD Auxiliary session, while
following the men's program for the most
part, will hold their own sessions Thurs-
day afternoon, according to Mrs. Hanson,
president.

Following a luncheon and Wig Show by
the House of Hair at the Holiday Inn,
the business session will be chaired by
Mrs. Hanson, with Invocation by Mrs. Ave
Linford, Bozeman; welcome by Mrs. Dale
Marxer, Great Falls and response by
Mrs. Carl ZInne,Ryeqate. Speaker for the
meeting will be Margret Adams of the
Great Falls Public Schools System.

President sez - cont'd.

Old Indian exemplified it when he said
"White man crazy! Turn grass upside down!"
Becaus of the change the "Dirty Thirties"
were inevitable. The winds blew and the
sky became dark with top so i I blown from
the land. As a result of this soil conser-
vation came into being, administered by
the Department of Agriculture thru the Soil
Conservation Service and implemented by
the Soil & Water Conservation District Pro-
gram. Change still remains constant,
and as such presents many challenges. We
as districts are now concerned with water
polluiton, air pollution, and the conser-
vation of all our renewable natural re-
sources. We must also be concerned and
involved in proper planning, for croplands,
grazing, outdoor recreation, location
of cities, suburbs, highways, utilities,
etc. In other words we must be con-
cerned with any changes that will im-
prove as well as conserve the environment
in which we I i ve.

"A shearching light ascends the sound-
ness of my days. The sun reveals a patch-
work quilt - a coat of many colors.
Fields of green and acres freshly turned.
Each color well defined fits firmly into
p lace.

GRANT - LINFORD - HANSON

Over 100 Soil Conservation Service
people, district supervisors and guests,
turned out for a steak fry at the Deer
Lodge Prison Farm, September 1 0th to
visit with Ken Grant, Soil Conservation
Service Administrator from Washington,
D. C.

Mr. Grant had made a tour of several
Montana ranches to get better acquainted
with grassland management and work that
is being done to improve ranges.

###

DISTRICT HIRES AIDE

Now I must turn the searching light
on me, to mesh my life with other men's,
yet keep my purpose well defined!"

IN MEMORIUM

Oscar Doane, Glacier County SWCD
supervisor and County Commissioner died
August 30, 1970 as a result of a heart
attack.

SWCD people morn his loss and extend
sympathy to his wife.

Joseph Arlee has been employed by the
Lake County Soil & Water Conservation
District as a Conservation Aide to assist
the staff at the Poison Work Unit. Mr
Arlee has had over 30 years of experience
In various fields of engineering.

The employment of Mr. Arlee was made
possible through a transfer of funds from
the Bureau of Indian Affairs to the Lake
County Soil & Water Conservation District.

Chairman Harball anticipates that this
move by the district will increase ser-
vices in the field of conservation to all
land holders in the district

Oscar was a leader particularly In
gaining cooperation of Indian landowners
to participate In District Programs.

Said the saleslady, trying
to talk the custooer into buy-
ing another miniskirt: "How do
you expect men to appreciate the
flower of womanhood, when they
can't even see the stems?"

VARIED INTERESTS REPORTED ON AT AREA
MEETINGS

Six area meetings of the Montana Asso-
ciation of Soil & Water Conservation
Districts were held across Montana the
week of October 5th on consecutive days
starting at Billings, hosted by Still-
water, then to Jordan hosted by Garfield,
Choteau hosted by Teton, Missoula
hosted by Deer Lodge Valley and North
Powell, and Three Forks hosted by Jeffer-
son Val ley.

The biggest turnout was at Billings
where all districts were well represent-
ed and about as many wives as supervisors.
District reports showed an outstanding
amount and variety of new activity in
addition to the ongoing programs of
prior years. Districts seemed to be
increasingly concerned about reclamation
of mined lands, city and county plan-
ing and zoning, pollution control,
helping cities and towns, working with
county commissioners, getting more
help, conservation education, finances,
highway locations, state resource plans
land use, etc.

Wally McRae, Director of Montana
Stockgrowers Association and rancher at
Colstrip, Montana, addressed the group at
Broadus on coal strip mining operations
and problems created to reclaim these
lands. He said there is a question of the
value of these lands to future generations
McRae emphasized the need for organiza-
tions such as the stockgrowers. Soil and
Water Conservation Districts, and others
to coordinate and cooperate.

Senator Jack Rehberg, candidate for
Congress, Senator Carrol I Graham, and
Representative Bill Christian visited
with the supervisors at Broadus. Senator
Dave Manning and Representative Ed Smith
visited with the supervisors at Jordan
and inspired the group with their comments.

All areas heard reports from the Soil
Conservation Service and the State Sol I
Conservation Committee.

Many new supervisors as well as old
hands were In attendance.

Resolutions advanced concerning
coal mined land reclamation, unnecessary ^
ruination of land in search of minerals, ^
pollution of ground water by Improper
deep core drilling and blasting, acti-
vation and representation on county olan-
ning boards, conservation education, pub-
lic relations, finances, etc.

Carl Johnson, president, reoorted
that all but two districts had supported
the purchase of the land and buildings for
the operation of the Plant Materials
Center and that formation of a non-profit
corporation called Soil and Water Con-
servation Districts of Montana, Inc.,
was completed.

At the Missoula meeting Mrs. Don
Naegli of the Green Mountain District
reported on new techniques In teaching
conservation in the schools and recommended
the association consider these for fur-
ther use in other districts.

m§

MONTANA WATER DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION MEETS

The Montana Water Developinent Associa-™
tion met In Helena Oct. 22-23. Highlights of
the meeting were talks by Ellis Armstrong,
commissioner. Bureau of Reel amation,Lorin
Markham, president. National Water Re-
source Association, and Henry Loble, Helena
attorney.

Interesting reports were made by Mont-
ana Water Resources Board, Montana Water
Research Center, Soil Conservation Service,
and Bureau of Reclamation.

Several other talks and panels made the
meeting a very informative session. H. G.
White, Townsend is president. Brad Parrish,
Lewistown, MASWCD Director Is also a direct-
or of the MWDA.

MONTANA RANGELAND RESOURCE PLAN

The final draft of the proposed Mont-
ana Rangeland Resource Plan will be ready
for distribution soon, Pete Jackson, chair-
man of the development committee announces.
The program will require some additional
funding by legislature to the State Soil
Conservation Committee so it will be im- ^k
portant that legislators become acquaint-
ed with the plan and understand its great
potential for economic development.

DISTRICT DOINGS

Granite SWCD Mr. Speacht reported that

32 Philipsburg 6th grade students visit-
ed Cy Corlettes rock jetties and riprap
on the Clark Fork, Allendale concrete
ditch and at the same time Cy talked to
the students about grass. Then they
visited Lower Willow Creek watershed and
then looked at Parker's sprinkler. The
Hall and Drummond students came to the
Philipsburg area and visited the Vic
Johnson and Tom Collins project of re-
claiming the land along the highway.
Also a visit to forest lands to view clear
cut and slash removal was made.

Garfield County SWCD Karl Hinther made
a motion that C. H. Mahoney be appointed
as Montana representative of the Upper
Missouri Development Assn. and that said
recommendation be sent to Gov. Anderson,
other concerned state departments and
the Congressional Delegation.

Richland County SWCD Bill Driver, SCS
lead a discussion concerning the town of
Sidney entering the district. It was
.agreed that the Chamber of Commerce Agri-
culture Committee would be contacted to
see if the district could assist them
to encourage Sidney to enter the dist-
rict. Also, individual city council mem-
bers are to be contacted to explain the
advantages of entering the district. This
will be done in advance of the April Elec-
tion.

Lower Mussel she I I SWCD Gene Jones, BLM
representative, presented the BLM's allot-
ment management plan for the Lake Mason
Grazing Association. He explained that
plans such as this had to be drawn up so
that BLM funds can be allocated for devel-
opment work. He asked that the Board
of Supervisors sign the agreement as a
cooperating agency. Zinne moved that the
V ice-Chairman sign for the Lower Mussel-
shell SWCD. seconded, passed.

Ruby Val ley SWCD Group applications dis-
cussed for the Bullerdick & Thompson ditch-
es regarding riprap and repair of head-
gates to eliminate sedimentation and pol-
lution from same.

Montana Sol 1 & Water Conservation

District needs inventory booklets handed
out to all members for year 1970. Vo_Ag
teachers of both schools (Twin Bridges
& Sheridan) were also given copies.

Beaverhead SWCD District policies relating
to new land ditch enlargements was a sit-
uation discussed as to what is really a
conservation practice and what is a pro-
duction practice. The supervisors agreed
to take the position of better distribu-
tion of water, smaller ditches with a
possible maximum of 15 minor inches per
acre.

Gal latin Val ley SWCD Ch. VanHoorn re-
ported on a meeting at the Court House
on Flood Control. An organization to be
known as the East Gallatin Resources Com-
mittee was formed with Elmer Rosner, Ch.
As a result of this action, VanHoorn signed
a letter from the district to A.B.Linford
requesting an amendment to the P.L.566
Watershed application now on file and to
include a Flood Plan Survey of the East
Gallatin River. This action was author-
ized by a motion made by Buttleman.

Petroleum County SWCD After much dis-
cussion on a Cooperative Agreement be-
tween BLM and Petroleum County SWCD,
Gary Gershmel made a motion that the
Agreement be signed. Earl Bassett second-
ed the motion, passed.

Upper Mussel she I I SWCD The conservation
booklets. Working Together For A Livable
Land, received late last spring and held
over til this school year, to be distrib-
uted as follows, Harlowton - 50, Judith
Gap - 20, Shawmut - 10, Twodot - 10, and
Cherry Creek School - 10.

Box Elder SWCD Mr. Bickerdyke wrote Mr.
Linford and the State Conservationist of
So. Dakota explaining the District's
interest in the RC&D district of the
Black Hills which will probably correct
the mis- information concerning the dist-
rict's attitude toward the eastern Mont-
ana District. There was also discussion
concerning the priorities that should be
set up for Carter Co. in relation to
the RC&D district .

THE REAL TREASURE OF THE TREASURE STATE

by George Darrow ^k

Montana's treasure of relatively unspoiled, uncluttered living space is a unique asset
in tlie final third of the twentieth century. No other one-third of one percent of the
United States population enjoys such elemental environmental affluence. Our wide, fir-
tile valleys, rimmed by mountains, laced by clear streams, are a surviving remnant of the
way other areas of the country used to be.

Montana in this decade will make the choice of how this land will be used for gener-
ations to come. We are poised on the threshold of a new wave of development unequalled
since the homestead era of a half-century ago. With our environmental heritage yet in-
tact, we now must make the irreversible decisions which will either enhance or degrade
the future productivity and livability of this magnificent chunk of America. Our choice
is clear. Unique Quality or Common Tragedy?

We now realize that there is only one interwoven, interacting, interdependent life-
support system on this planet - the biosphere. The world is a single organic unity. Our
human systems, including industrial, agricultural, social and urban systems, are dependent
upon the healthy functioning of the biosphere and inseparable from it. Our lives, no less
than those of eagles and antelope, depend upon it.

The problems we niu^r resolve can be described in four categories: I - Depletion;
2 -Degradation:' Disruption; 4 - Destruction.

The solutions stated in broad terms are really very simple. To put these solutions
into effect will require painstaking study, patient analysis, and persistent, dedi-
cated effort for years to come. |t will require a major cooperative effort by the state
administration, the legislature, counties and communities, and citizens working together^
The six solutions are briefly outlined below. ^

1. REDESIGN our technology for environmental compatibility and resource conservation.
Our human systems are ultimately dependent upon natural systems and must be harmoniously
intemieshed with them if they are to remain productive.

2. RECYCLING and RE-USE of nutrient elements, minerals and "waste Products." Pollu-
tants and "wastes" are simply "resources out of place."

3,RESTRAINT in the consumption of irreplaceable resources in intervention in natural
ecosystems, and in the Introduction of contaminants. A reduction in our demands on the
environment is often the easiest way of increasing the supply and maintaining the quality
of what is available for use.

4. RESTORATION and REHABILITATION of degraded environments and disturbed ecosystems.

5. REORDERING of the goals of our state and a re-thinking of the previously unques-
tioned assumptions of our time.

6. RESPECT for all life and recognition of the fragile interrelationships between
I i ving organisms.

Montana has the fleeting option to choose to maintain its environmental quality and
the sustained productivity of its healthy ecosystems. The choice we make and the actions
we take in support of that choice will establish a pattern of land use and resource
allocation that will determine Montana's future productivity and livability.

Montanans have both the ability and the determination to go beyond repair and restora-
tion. We have a fleeting opportunity to enhance the livability of our environment. We
are now aware, as earlier generations in other places were unaware , of the interdependent
links between a healthy natural environment and human well being. We have the knowledge,
we know the pitfalls. Can we fail to choose the opportunity for a better future for all
Montanans, for all generations, for all time? ^

CX)NSERVAT|ON DISTRICTS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

\ In connection with every action and activity contemplated by the district, it seems

to me each District official ought to ask himself this question:

What will it do for the quality of llving-not only in my district, but In my section
of the country?

I would suggest further that we need to re-examine the long-range programs of our
districts, and revise them with a new dimension in mind. It seems to me that if dist-
ricts are really going to serve their communities during the rest of this century, district
leaders need to shape their goals and their work deliberately toward those resource activ-
ities which will clearly improve the quality of living in their communities.

The new dimension in district affairs is the human dimension. It means acting with
the well-being of people in mind, instead of operating primarily for the protection of
resources. It means thinking in terms of the long-range needs and benefits of the whole
community rather than in terms of individual farms and watershed.

Let's look at some of the ways district leaders contribute either through the applica-
tion of their own know-how, or by bringing to bear the expertise of agencies cooperating
with districts, or both.

1. Districts can help in the control of water pollution that has its sources In the
erosion process, whether the erosion takes place on farmlands, construction sites, road
sides, strip mines or stream banks. Sediments produced by erosion are the most exten-
sive pollutants of surface watersheds.

2. Districts can help in the control of water pollution that has its sources in

I runoff from feedlots and farmlands - runoff that carries animal wastes as well as a variety
of chemicals including pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers.

3. Districts can help in the control of air pollution that has its sources in soil
blowing (dust storms) or in the malodorous fumes sometimes generated in farming or live-
stock operations.

4. Districts can help with beaut i f icati on through healing work on ugly landscapes;
through planting programs of attractive trees, shrubs, and grasses; through the identifi-
cation and protection of particularly scenic streams and vistas; through roadside beauti-
f icati on projects; and in dozens of other ways.

5. Districts can help with the development of recreational facilities- through coopera-
tion with private landowners in establishing fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, riding,
picnicking, and other recreational attractions. The district can help also in connection
with the development and management of such public recreational facilities as local parks,
town forests, camp grounds, nature trails, and lakes.

6. Districts can help with the protection and preservation of unique areas that may
be threatened by neglect, commercial exploitation, erosion, or pollution. Thease areas
may include stream and lake shores, estuaries, historic sites. Irreplaceable sections of
class I farmland, waterfowl breeding grounds, or unusual stands of timber.

7. District can help with solid waste disposal though the identification of sites
suitable for use as sanitary landfills.

8. Districts can help with waste land use, zoning, and resource development by calling
in experts on soils, forests, water, fish, wildlife, recreation, education, economics, and

P'3""'"9- Lyie Bauer - NACD treasurer

7

WATER RESOURCES BOARD AREA MEETINGS

The Montana Water Resources Board announces plans to hold area meetings as per the
schedule listed below, to explain to the public their proposed program for the coming
year. A special invitation is extended to Soil & Water Conservation Districts and cooperat-
ors to attend. The theme of their meetings will be "Water - - the time is now."

Date

Nov. 16

Nov. 16

Nov. 17.

Nov. 17

Nov. 18

Nov. 18

Nov. 19

Nov. 19

Nov. 20

Time Location

9:00 A.M. Kalispell - Eagles Hall

7:00 P.M. Missoula - Florence-Governor's Room

9:00 A.M. Great Falls - Holiday - Glacier Room

7:00 ^•^' Havre - Elks Club - Green Room

9:00 A.M. Glasgow - Civic Center

7:00 P.M. Miles City - Red Rock-Bun khouse

9:00 A.M. Billings - Science Auditorium

Eastern Montana College

7:00 P.M. Bozeman - Baxter

9:00 A.M. Helena - Jorgensons - Big Sky Room

Meeting Chairman
Homer Bai ley
Home r Ba i I ey
Fred Barrett
Fred Barrett
Everett Redeen
Everett Redeen
Clyde Hawks
Pete White
Pete White

MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF SOIL & WATER

CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
224 Mitchell Building - Helena , Montana

r/etea- t/ouk cqdyi^:

-r.^r'

MO'IT STATE LlBnARY
950 E LYMDALE

i;el£::a (.io;iT 52301

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

measiuire

l!i

STATE DOCUIVIEIVTS

JAN 5 1971

c re §

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER-

.BOB ANDERSON - PRESIDENT SEZ

The wheel of time continues to turn
and we have gone through another State
Convention. Dale Marxer and his crew
from Cascade County are to be congratu-
lated on their fine program and excellent
facilities. Planning a convention of this
size and duration is no small job. Our
thanks again for a job well done.

We begin a new year looking at a flur-
ry of new problems along with a backlog
of old, unresolved ones. We progress
a little each year, however the scope of
activity seems to be widening at least as
fast as our program pace, possibly fast-
er.

Districts are to be commended for their
increased interests in the affairs of
people. You are providing leadership at
the local and state level in solving some
important problems. We will hear a lot
about pollution, ecology, reorganization
of State Government, etc. in the next
year. I challenge each of you super-
I visors to get into the act. You are grass-
roots people with an organization that is
heard. Keep in touch with (cont'd on pg.2)

Wm. F. D'Ewart SSCC
Vice-chairman Dies

Montana's Conserva-
tion District leaders
were saddened to learn
of the untimely death
of Wm D'Ewart at hi s
ranch home west of
Wilsall Nov. 21, of an apparent heart at-
tack.

Bill was currently serving his 4th
term as a member of the State Soil Con-
servation Committee having been first ap-
pointed by Governor Aronson in 1957. He
had served as chairman of the committee
and championed many successful soil &
water conservation measures during his
terms of office.

Sympathy is extended to his wife Pearl,
daughter Elenor Mitzi, a student at Con-
cordia College, Moorehead, Minn., and his
father, Wesley, former Eastern District
Congressman .

Carl Johnson, Living-
ston has been appointed
by Governor Forrest H.
Anderson to fill the
unexpired term of Wm.
D'Ewart which runs un-
til Jan 1973. Carl and
his wife operate a sheep
and cattle ranch on the
Shields River in Park
County.
Governor Anderson Expressed his "be-
lief that in Carl Johnson, Montana has a
man of high competence to whom we can en-
trust a part of our renewable natural re-
sources with great confidence. Carl is
immediate past president of the Mont-
ana Association of Conservation Districts.

President Sez cont'd.

Legislators, keep them informed of your
problems and, more important, help them
provide acceptable solutions.

Soil and Water Conservation District
Supervisors have a thing or two going for
them. Some of you may not know It but
five members of your ranks ran for the
legislature last November and f i ve we re
elected. They are Pete Jackson, past
president, Brad Parrish, Lewistown direct-
or, Everett Snort] and, Conrad Director,
Cecil Weeding supervisor from District
6, and myself. As the saying goes, "Not
too shabby."

Your state association will attempt
to keep you informed in the coming ses-
•sion via letters, news releases etc. If
you are not getting the information you
want, don't hesitate to call me in Helena
or journey over to see us. You wi I I be
welcome and you will be heard.

# # #

MASWCD LEGISLATION PROPOSALS

i. Support budget to State Soil Conser-
vation Committee for Range I and Resourc-
es program.

2. Support Extension Service budget to
hire an Extension Forester in addition to
current number of Extension Specialists.

3. SWCDs be recognized as grassroots plan-
ners and should become part of and be
included in planning at state and local
levels.

That at least one member of a city-
county planning board where agricultural
land is involved be from the rural area,
and that he be a land owner making a
major portion of his income from agricul-
tural production.

4. Because oil developers have varying
concepts of cleaning up after drilling
activities and most location sites are
subject to severe wind and water erosion
after development or abandonment and
newly developed sites are often pock-
ets of weed infestations, be it resolved

that the land should be left in a condi-
tion where reasonable rehabilitation is
possible and that adequate drainage be
provided. ^^

5. In many areas of Montana, farmers and
ranchers are solely dependent upon known
aquifers for household and stockwaters
and water analyses of known aquifers have
been showing increasing amounts of soluble
salts making them unfit for either human
or animal consumption and these conditions
are most often encountered in areas of
oil exploration. Resolved that the State
Association of Soil i Water Conservation
Districts request legislative action to
require that all areas underlain by known
aquifers, and where drilling activities
are known to pierce these aquifers, that
In the future it be required to protect
these aquifers from further contamination.

6. The Montana Water Development Associa-
tion recognizes the vast potential that
water-based recreation has an economic
factor In the development of Montana's
economy and the Importance of protecting
and preserving water that can be utilized
in recreation. Resolved that Montana law
recognize recreation as a beneficial use^^

7. That zoning for recreation be Included
In city-county planning and state plan-
ning.

8. Present surface mining laws are In-
adequate and we believe that surface
mining operations must be prevented from
destroying the productivity of the land
for crops, livestock, wildlife and re-
creation utilization. Every effort toward
reclamation should be made to insure

its continued productivity. The use of
top soil and/or weathered soil material,
and the establishment of minimum slopes
are needed and proven criteria for recla-
mation, we therefore urge that these two
items be minimum basic requirements of
reclamation plans.

"How come your son is doing
so well in college?"

"Well, he's bald-headed. He
doesn't want to grow a beard.
Drinking makes him sick. He's
too weak to march and carry a
protest sign. So the only thing
left for him is to stay home
and study. "

-z-

DISTRICT SUPERVISORS ELECT BOB ANDERSON PRESIDENT

Robert Anderson, Fort Benton, was ele-
vated to president of the Montana Associa-
tion of Soil & Water Conservation Districts
during concluding sessions of the 29th
annual convention of the statewide asso-
ciation of conservationists In Great Falls
November 6.

Other officers elected for 1971 in-
clude A. G. S lattery, Hardin, vice pres-
ident; Wendell Martinell, Butte, treasurer;
and Mrs. William Baluka, Helena, secretary.

Women's auxiliary officers were elect-
ed for next year include Mrs. Harm Uhlrich,
Lewistown, president; Mrs. Raymond Patrick,
Havre vice-president; and Mrs James McCann,
Chinook, secretary.

Mrs. Uhlrich, S lattery, Anderson, Baluka

The theme of the Convention was "Co-
ordination and Cooperation for a Quality
Envi ronment."

Conservation Leadership Urged

The present search for a solution to
environmental problems through organiza-
tion should alert conservation districts
to move now i f they
want to see local
control of the con-
servation and devel-
opment of natural
resources survive.
This was the con-
clusion of Howard

Geers, executive „

1 . ., Geers

secretary of the

South Dakota State Conservation Commission
in an address to the 29th annual conven-

tion of the Montana Association of Soil 4
Water Conservation Districts.

Geers said the conservation districts
have the authority and they have devel-
oped the organization, leadership, ability
and know-how to be the natural resource
or environmental departments of each
county, each state and the nation.

"The decision is yours," he said.
"Improvement of our environment Is up for
grabs. Conservation districts don't have
to grab for a part in improving the en-
vironment. They have been working at It
for many years." '

All the districts need to do, he said
is to up date their present long-range
programs, tell people what they are plan-
ning to do now and In the future and of-
fer their services to legislatures, state
planning areas, counties and others.

Geers remarked that the majority of
the people of this nation need to under-
stand that the land is the basis of their
total existence.

"This majority of our people need to
understand and our children must be taught
that the earth can support just so many
people. Our present concept that we will
have an ever- increasing gross nation pro-
duct that wi I I suppo^^ an endless increase
in population isn't possible. We have
just so much oxygen, so much water and
land to support plants, animals and man."
Geers said.

Zaidiicz, Mclntyre, Shubat, Marxer Jackson,
Aldrlch,and Wenban
In an afternoon panel discussion

-5

Convention news cont'd.

"Montana's Land Policy?" Cascade County
ccmmissioner Ed Shubat said he was prim-
arily interested in the future of those
areas on the outskirts of the larger
towns. He said he believed a "grand-
father clause" should protect an indivi-
dual and his business in such an area,
while new developments could be more strict-
ly regulated.

Jim Wenban, deputy regional forester
with the U. S. Forest Service, Missoula,
explained that the Forest Service is now
shifting its emphasis from specific pro-
diiciton goals to one of quality manage-
ment In the future, in the case of con-
flict, the decisions will be in favor of
qual ity, he added.

Hal Price, planner with the Depart-
ment of Planning and Economic Development
at Helena, said a state land use policy
is definitely needed but that such plan-
ning and use of controls should be at
the local government level or at the reg-
ional level, involving a combination of
local governments, such as county and
city.

Ed Zaidlicz, State Director of the
Bureau of Land Management, Billings,
endorsed a master land plan for Montana
development but he said he would not
endorse an "inflexible" plan. He said
Montana is in a position where it still
has potentials and options.

Final Speaker Friday was Ed Glassgow,
general manager of the Black Hills
Conservancy Sub-district, Rapid City,
South Dakota, who spoke on "Regional Re-
source Action."

Highlight of the Thursday evening Awards
Banquet session was the presentation of
the Goodyear Conservation Award for Montana
to the Hill County Soil i Water Conserva-
tion District. The district, adjudged to
have submitted the best annual conserva-
tion plan and program for the state during
1969, was awarded a plaque and an all-ex-
pense-paid trip for two district super-
visors to the Goodyear conservation work-
shop in Arizona. Runnerup in the com-
petition was Richland County SWCD.

Mr. W. E. Frank, Jr., Goodyear represent-
ative, with Hill County Board of Super-
visors.

Best District newsletter — Cascade
County SWCD, first; Big Horn County SWCD,
second; Big Sandy SWCD, third, and Broad-
water County SWCD, honorable mention.

John Schroeder

Carl Johnson

President's award — John Schroeder,
longtime conservationist and retiring m^^
ber of the MOntana Soi I Conservation Com-
mittee, and Mrs. Oscar Hippe, long active
in the program of the MASWCD.

Outstanding supervisor awards went
to (left to right) William Snapp,
Fergus County SWCD; George Rice, Dawson
county; Tom Wharram, Chouteau County;
Yugo Nayematsu, Big Horn County; Jack Iman,
Bitterroot, and William D'Ewart, Park.

Service awards were presented to
Stanley Nelson, Wibaux SWCD, 30 years;
Clarence Popham, Bitterroot, 25 years;
Emmett Blomqulst, Beaverhead; Art Chrlst-
ensen, Beaverhead, Wn. D'Ewart, Park,
and Wayne Proff, Teton county, 20 years ;^^
Sewell Marks, Broadwater, Elmer Quanbeck^^

y

DISTRICT DOINGS

Gcii field County SWCD - Discussion was
held on N. P. Lands which are being brok-

«up for farming. The board was concern-
that land not suited for cropland was
being farmed or might be. The N.P. had
requested and been given soils information
in the past. Hafia was to contact the
Burlington-Northern in an attempt to
get them to meet with the board.

Eastern Sanders SWCD - The County Agent
left some bulletins on zoning to be read
by the supervisors. There will be an
extension specialist for planning and
zoning here in the parly part of the wear.
A discussion was held on electing an
Advisory Supervisor from the Tribal
Committee to serve on the Board.

Ye I lowstone SWCD - Herb Beckers reported
that in 1965 a new civil rights memoran-
dum was initiated. Beckers explained
that minority group farmers are to be en-
couraged to become district cooperators
and to receive services and information
available. Beckers discussed other pert-
inent civil rights information.

^inroin SWCD - Dexter Shermerhorn report-
^Pd~that the town of Eureka has decided
to have each member of the Town Counci I
take a turn as representative of the
town at the Lincoln SWCD meetings.

Lake County SWCD - There was discussion
of the program for Conservation Day. Clem
Rose suggested a talk or panel on city-
county planning, and perhaps include the
advantages of towns being part of the dis-
trict. Ed Bratton will arrange with
4-H delegates to put on a program.
A report on the agreement between 81 A
and the district will also be arranged.

Fergus County SWCD - At a special meeting
held Nov. 17, 1970 all cooperating
agencies met with the board and report-
ed on their accomplishments in the dist-
rict during the past year and their plans
and recommendations for the next year.
The agencies reporting were BLM, County
Commissioners, Forest Service, ASCS,
Extension Service, and Soil Conservation
Service. The Chairman of the district
also reported on the many and varied pro-
^^rams and activities undertaken by the

district in 1970.

Daniels SWCD - Boyd Tymof ichuk made a
motion to meet with the Scobey City Coun-
cil explaining the Districts duties and
ask them if they wish to petition to join
the District SWCD.

Broadwater County SWCD - The district's
annual meeting was brought up for discus-
sion. Ray will contact Chuck Bordsen of
Whitehall as a possible speaker. He
spent four years In Thai land prior to
coming to Whitehall.

Lower Mussel she I i SWCD - On Dec. 9, the
board spent some time talking with Rep.
Robbins and Sen. Moore. The subjects
discussed were: I) Executive Reorgan izatidn
2) zoning - the board indicated they
felt that a law should be enacted allow-
ing permissive county wide zoning. 3) the
board discussed some of the Water board
legislative proposals, 4) they also
expressed their views on contamination
by oil exploration companies.

Rosebud County SWCD - Houser reported
on a request for SCS technical services
in regard to seeding on bentonite claim
sites in the Vananda area. Hal lett
Minerals who are mining there requested
help in determining kinds and amounts
of seeds to be planted. This indicates
that although these companies are not re-
quired by law, or the terms of their
leases, to do any reclamation, they are
going to do some. It was felt that public
awareness and feeling are causing this
type of concern on the part of the miners.

Conservation Charlie news - - A new gen-
eral Soils map with Interpretation has
just recently been published for the
Lewis & Clark SWCD. The map was sponsor-
ed by the District and the Helena City
C ounty Planning board. It will be used
for broad required planning and community
development.

The map gives estimates soil limitations
or suitability for selected uses for build-
ing sites, septic tank filter fields,
roads and parking lots, pond sites,
recrearion sites, etc. No. Powell & Deer
Lodge Valley need a similar map and hope
to get It In the near future If funds
permit. It could be a great help to

everyone.

-^-

A NATIONAL LAND USE POLICY?

Senator Henry Jackson (Washington) is sponsor of S. 3354, a proposal to give the Fed-
eral Water Resources Council responsibility for stimulating and coordinating land use
planning. The council would be authorized to provide grants to the states for the devel-
opment of comprehensive "statewide environmental, agricultural, recreational, and indust-^k
rial land use plans," establish "reasonable and flexible federal requirements to give ^^
individual states guidance In the development of statewide land use plans and to condition
the distribution of federal funds on the establishment of an adequate statewide land use
plan," and carry out other functions.

Grants would be made to "an appropriate single state agency, designated by the Govern-
or of the state, which has statewide land use planning responsibilities. This agency
would prepare an inventory of land and related resources and data in the fields of pop-
ulation trends, economic projections, urban and rural growth, public works, ecological
and environmental conditions, and projected land requirements.

NACD in a statement to the Senate Interior Committee stressed the need for analysis
of land use problems on private lands and reminded the committee of their proposal for
the establishment of a Senate Select Committee on Land Resources.

The present proposal, the statement said, would presumably authorize the council to
give consideration.

land.

To the protection and future use of the nation's 47 million acres of prime crop-

- - To the nation's needs for vastly Increased production of wood products on the 300
million acres of non-industrtal private forests, and

- - To the extent and timetable of land reclamation by Irrigation and drainage the
protections of wildlife lands; the effects of tax policies on land use; and oncoming

land requirements for recreation, transportation, and suburban and Industrial development^

NACD raised questions about the responsiveness of congress to recommendations of a recon-
stituted land and water resources planning council and the lack of machinery for a coordin-
ated consideration by congress of proposals cutting across the purview of several congres-
sional committees.

The Senate Interior Committee has issued a second version of the bill, entitled
Committee Print No. 2 S. 3354, which gives greater consideration to agriculture and
modifies some of the proposals regarding the role of the states.

This bill deserves the earnest study of district leaders. It can have major effects
of district and state soil and water conservation commission programs.

» » §

BE FAMILIAR WITH THESE TERMS

With each passing year, the following terms gain new importance and will be used more
often. It Is important that we have an accurate understanding of their meaning.

Ecology: The study of the interrrelatlonship of organ izlsms to one another and to the
environment. This Involves the proper relationships of land, water, air, animals, people,
plants, and all forms of life and soils.

Envi ronment : The sum total of all the external conditions that may act upon an
organism or upon a community to Influence its development or existence.

(This page is sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary, MASWCD) fl

-<^-

PLANNING LEGISLATION

Convention news cont'd.

The following Is a brief summary of
^e "planning legislation" which will
^i Introduced to the 42nd Legislative
Assembly. A detailed report, along with
the final bills. Is being prepared by the
Legislative Council and will be sent to
a I I Legislators.

Copies of the ful I report and bi I Is
will also be available on a request basis
on or shortly after the 1st of December.
It Is hoped that those who need or would
like to have more complete information
on this subject will contact the State
Department of Planning and Economic
Development, Capitol Post Office, Helena,
Montana 59601.

In brief, the recommended legislation
are amendments to existing statutes which
will permit County Commissioners to pro-
vide for countywide planning, zoning and
subdivision regulations. It will also
allow cities, towns, and counties to
combine their efforts and resources in
order to plan and maintain a planning pro-
gram. The proposed changes also estab-
#ished guidelines for the scope of the
Ian and establish certain planning stand-
ards which are required to be met.

In all cases, the Planning Board is
an advisory body. The final authority to
plan and to implement the plan rests with
the elected officials, either the City
Council or the Board of County Commis sion-
ers.

It is emphasized that the proposed
planning laws are not unique to Montana —
the basic concepts which these laws ex-
press have been tried and found to work
in situations similar to Montana's.

These laws have been formulatdd in
light of our existing land use problems;
In recognition of the utter chaos seen
in some other States, and with the firm
belief that Montanans have learned from
the mistakes of others and have the will
to exercise some control over their own
future.

-7-

Yellowstone, Duane Christof ferson, Frold,
and John Vanlsko, Deer Lodge Valley, 15
years. Jack Iman, Bitterroot, William
Booher, Broadwater, William Skorupa, Car-
bon, Robert Anderson, Chouteau County,
Kenneth Schurch, Deer Lodge Valley, Cliff
Benson, Deer Lodge Valley, Al Tronstad,
Flathead, Edward Cervenka, Judith Basin,
Roland Mosher, Lewis i Clark County,
Reinhold Straub, Little Beaver, Ronald
Jackson, Meagher County, Charles Brock-
way, Mineral County, Wendell Copenhaver,
North Powell, Edward Banay, North Powell,
Robert Brown lee, Sweetgrass County, and
Eric Anderson, Upper Mussel shel I , all »
received their 10 year awards.

Master of ceremonies for the Awards •
Banquet was Robert McClelland, Western
Program Advisor for the NACD, Denver.

# # #
SOIL DISTRICT HONORS TEACHERS

Whitepine- - Teachers from the Thomp-
son Falls, Trout Creek, Noxon and Heron
schools were guests Thursday at a dinner
given by the Green Mountain SWCD to intro-
duce them to resource personnal and mat-
erial available to assist with natural
resource study projects. Ed Hartman dis-
played chalk pictures to illustrate each
speaker's subject.

Presenting material were: Harris Wllt-
zen, weeds and spraying; Gary Gebhart,
snow surveys; Carl Hayworth Forest enemies;
Ray Jorgenson, plant material; Alan
Knutson, soils and seed; Irwin Puphal,
rocks; A. H. Cheney, wildlife; Kelsey
Smith, multiple use forests; Ron Stole-
son, fire damage; H. Jim Wilson, Ameri-
can Forest Institute.

POLLUTION ABATEMENT PITS
Stockmen and Dairymen in the Corvallis-Stevens-
ville area are joining together to construct abatement
pits for storing animal wastes until ready to be spread.
Emphasizing their concern about water and air pollu-
tion, they expect to manage their wastes to comply
with laws and regulations designed to protect the envir-
onment. Standard plans are available from the S C S
office. As a significent syep forward, 26 stockmen
and dairymen have signed the project proposal to init-
iate action in accelerating environalment cleanliness
in the agricultural industry of the valley.

SSCC and MASWCD
to Back Reorganization

As a result of a joint meeting of the SSCC and the MASWCD board of directors, agree-
ment was reached to support the recommendations of the Montana Commission on Executive
Reorganization with some modifications. ^P

The recommendations of the Commission on Reorganization is to establish a Department
of Natural Resources and Conservation headed by a director appointed by the Governor.
The present Water Resources Board, Fish & Game Commission, Forestry Board, State Soil
Conservation Cormittee, and Grass Conservation Commission would be abolished. A five
man Natural Resources Board appointed by the Governor would be set up to be advisory to
the director and perform the quasi-Judicial and quasi-legislative functions of the five
abol ished boards.

Separate and distinct divisions of Water Resources, Fish i Game, and Forestry, would
be set up under the Natural Resources Board and the Director. The administrative func-
tions of the SSCC and Grass Commission would be assigned to divisions as administratively
feasible.

The Directors of the Association of SWCD strongly recommend however that the functions
and responsibilities of the SSCC be provided through a separate and distinct division
within the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to be called "Conservation
Districts Division."

Chairman Dean Hanson of the SSCC and President Bob Anderson of the MASWCD in replying
to Governor Anderson's request for comments commended the Governor for his efforts to
update State Government. They further stated that "It Is important and necessary that
conservation districts representing both urban and rural interests be provided a direct
and responsible link to state government. Also determined essential that each division
be provided with a statutory advisory committee." ^

Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the State Soil Conservation Committee have
a legally established working relationship with several Federal Departments such as Agri-
culture and Interior, as well as others. Technical services and financial cost-sharing
assistance in excess of 10 million dollars annually is provided by these agencies to the
citizens of Montana through Conservation Districts.

The directors expressed their feeling that Natural Resource Conservation and Development
objectives vital to Montana can best be met by inclusion of Water Resources, Fish & Game,
Forestry, and "Conservation Districts" in a single department. Experience supports the
principle of a director to provide the essential coordination.

MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF SOIL & WATER

CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
224 Mitchell Building - Helena , Montana

51 i^e^tsJayoa/cccpyc^:

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

Treasure
ficres

MOMT STATZ LiBRAPxY
9 30 E LYMDALE

HELENA mo::t 5:5601