The Beaverhead Conservation District is a legal entity of the State of Montana formed in May of 1950 by local citizens to provide technical assistance to landowners in carrying out soil and water conservation practices. The district works with stakeholders in southwest Montana to protect natural resources through sustainable agriculture, 310 permitting, and conservation.
Purpose
Conservation districts (CDs) work locally to fulfill the state’s policy to conserve soil, water, and other natural resources of the state. A map of all Montana Conservation District regions is available online. The Beaverhead Conservation District (BCD) receives funding from a county mill levy, and is guided by a board of directors with a shared concern for the health of the land and the region’s resources.
Activities
Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act: (75-7-101 et seq. BCA)- Any private individual or corporation that proposes to work in or near perennial streams must first apply for a permit from a conservation district.
Water Quality: BCD is responsible for nonpoint source (NPS) pollution control at the local level. Conservation districts work with federal and state agencies to identify and prioritize areas affected by NPS pollution. They also work to conduct projects that demonstrate NPS pollution control practices.
Coordinated Resource Management and Planning/Watershed Planning: CDs coordinate and/or participate in local efforts to increase the effectiveness of resource management and planning activities on private, county, state and federal land.
Education: BCD engages in educational activities with people of all ages to help them understand the value of conservation and how best to accomplish it.
Riparian Management: CDs sponsor and conduct landowner workshops, produce and distribute informational materials, and conduct demonstration projects and tours of riparian management techniques.
Urban/Suburban Activities: CDs provide soil surveys, water inventories, assistance with waste disposal, and other services to planning boards commissioners, municipal officials, schools, builders, hospitals, industries, and owners of subdivided acreages.