A Look into the Working Lands Internship Program
Every summer, the Montana Rangeland Resources Committee and the Rangeland Resource Program at DRNC provides an unique internship opportunity to two students looking to further their natural resources education and skills.
This internship is designed to offer beginning agriculturalists, natural resource and range specialists, biologists, soils majors or any student looking into natural resources, a real-world and hands-on experience implementing the educational tools they have learned into a ranching operation. This is a paid internship that lasts for three months during the summer.
See below for a look into Kasydi Lucas's, a previous intern, experience:
"The working lands internship entailed traveling to six different ranches throughout Montana, more precisely, eastern Montana. Having never worked on a ranch and never traveled further east than Billings, I was eager to head to my first ranch in Ashland. There, I was introduced to range and wildlife policy through grazing leases on forest service and running cattle on deeded land. I then continued my internship on the complete opposite side of the state, in Culbertson, MT, where they get North Dakota news. Here I was introduced to a small cow/calf operation that helped me better understand different grazing methods and grazing on school sections. My learning is still being continued at this ranch, where I have returned to several times to help out. Dick and Connie have even given me the opportunity to play ranch manager, which gave me a small glimpse into the daily lives of Montana producers – a truly unique one.
Throughout the rest of the internship, I continued to develop hands-on experience that one could only gain on a working operation. Whether it be the joys of gathering cattle out of the Missouri River Breaks or the nitty gritty of fixing harvest equipment, I would highly suggest partaking in this internship; I would do it all over again if given the chance. One last important thing is the friendships and relationships I have gained from this program. It’s been two years since I was an intern, and am still in contact with 5/6 ranchers I worked for.
Without a doubt, this internship has helped further my education and even more so, my career goals. I have had job opportunities sent to me from previous ranch-owners that I wouldn’t have known about without. To this day, I am still reaping the benefits of the opportunity I had to participate in this internship and am so thankful for Stacey’s dedication to creating such a fun experience."
For more information, please contact Stacey Barta at 406-594-8481, or sbarta@mt.gov.
The last day to apply is February 1st, apply here!
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 New River Forecast Model Integrates Artificial Intelligence for Better Water Management in the West
Water supply forecasts are important for any crop year. But for farmers, ranchers, foresters, and water managers in the West facing extreme and debilitating drought conditions, those forecasts have never been more critical to their operations and livelihoods.
Since the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, NRCS has helped America’s producers plan for their operations through the Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecast program. The program runs a massive network of mountain climate and snow monitoring sites across the western U.S. called SNOTEL. This is coupled with other data and computer models to predict the amount of river runoff in the upcoming spring and summer. These water supply forecasts are used by America’s producers to plan their operations for the year, by helping guide choices like crop selection, water rights rentals, and whether to leave land fallow.
Over the decades, that information has grown to be used by many other groups for many purposes – from optimizing hydroelectric power generation, to assessing seasonal flood risk, to complying with legal decisions around endangered species and international treaties governing transboundary rivers. The value of water managed using these forecasts is easily in the billions of dollars, and even modest increases in accuracy can create over $100 million a year in public benefit for just one river basin.
However, major forecasting improvements are needed because of narrowing margins between water supply and water demand in the ever-more-thirsty American West. Those tighter margins reflect a combination of climate change and population growth, and they mean there’s less room for error than ever before in water management, requiring improved efficiency and accuracy in everything we do.
Read more, here!
E&E News: Could conservation plan prompt tougher grazing oversight?
By: Jennifer Yachnin, 11/01/2021
When top federal land managers suggested this month that millions of acres of public lands leased for grazing livestock could count toward the Biden administration’s aggressive conservation plan, environmentalists were quick to slam the idea.
After all, according to data compiled by vocal grazing critics like the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, more than a third of the 155 million acres leased to ranchers for cattle, horses, sheep and goats by the Bureau of Land Management fails to meet existing standards for water, vegetation and other health markers.
But some advocates see the discussion about grazing and conservation as potentially opening the door to a long-sought goal: grazing reform.
Read more, here!
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BDA installation at NWF project. Courtesy of Autumn Holzgen - Montana Conservation Corps.
Mimicking Beaver Activity in Streams - Helping to Improve Montana’s Rangeland
Written by: Autumn Holzgen - Montana Conservation Corps
You may have heard the word beaver being passed around more than usual lately, and there is a good reason for that. Historically whenever you used beaver in a sentence it was to say, “those darn beavers cut down my cottonwood trees” but lately there's a new meaning behind the word beaver and that is range health and drought resiliency.
When beavers are present in a stream they are looking to create pools of water and do this by building structures that slow the water and even dam the water up. They build these structures using whatever building materials they have around them (generally sticks, mud, rocks, thick vegetation). They do this for reasons such as protection against predators and to build their homes. When beavers build these structures for their own selfish reasons, there is in fact a wide list of benefits for the stream that come with it. These structures will slow energy and trap sediment, thereby making the alluvial soils perfect for willow and other plant growth. With less sediment being washed away downstream and with lower energy flows, the chances of that stream being severly incised and having a mess of headcuts decreases. When the structures dam up the water it forces the water up into the floodplain where its energy is dissipated even further and can be stored into the water table and increase riparian/wetland plant productivity. While all of this is healthy for the stream, it is also beneficial to your rangeland. Livestock will have water available to them for longer periods during the year, the vegetation will be greener for longer periods of the year, and your rangeland itself won't be eroded away by high energy flows. All of which is also critical when combating drought.
Don't have an active beaver in your stream? No problem, that is where beaver mimicry structures come into play. As conservationists we have really put our brains to work to try and mimic nature's best engineers, the beaver. In doing so there have been several techniques/methods that have been created and coined as “Low-Tech Process Based Restoration (LTPBR).” Such techniques and methods include Beaver Dam Analogs (BDA’s) and Post-Assisted Log Structures (PALS). In reality it's a fancy way of saying we are using what nature is already proving us to implement low-cost structures into our stream systems. It's also important to keep in mind that generally the goal with LTBPR is not to reintroduce beavers ourselves, although they could eventually move in on their own.
Depending on your rangeland goals as a landowner and what the riverscape is showing you, that determines what type of structure you build and what materials you need to harvest. For example, when building a BDA you tend to construct them out of willow, non-treated wood posts, conifer brush and sod (harvested at a local location). Incorporating these types of projects does often require technical assistance on the placement of the structures and for the permitting process. Montana Conservation Corps, Winnett ACES, and World Wildlife Fund are working together collaboratively with landowners to impact prairie stream systems and incorporate field crews to construct these structures. Other stakeholders leading the charge for similar work in Central & Easterm Montana are Pheasants Forever, National Wildlife Federation, The Nature Conservancy, NRCS and the BLM.
If you are interested in learning more about this type of restoration work, or have questions, please contact Autumn Holzgen or any of the listed organizations/agencies above.
autumn@mtcorps.org, 574-329-8113.
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MSU Extension Weed Post
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Chicory, also commonly called blue daisy, coffeeweed, and corn flower, is a forb in the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and has been reported in nearly all states and provinces of North America. Chicory is a species that receives mixed reviews from humans—some people consider it weedy while others celebrate its showy, blue flowers and edible and medicinal qualities. It can be weedy where disturbance is frequent, like roadsides, field edges, and waste areas, but it typically does not invade natural areas. Regardless of your perception of chicory, its flowers are arguably beautiful, and it has an interesting and storied history.
Read more about Chicory ID and Management, here!
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Interior’s Office of Policy Analysis Seminar Wildland Fire and Invasive Species
The magnitude of recent fire seasons has heightened awareness of the Nation’s wildfire crisis. In many areas throughout the U.S., the spread of invasive plants has contributed to an increase in the size, frequency, and severity of wildfires. This panel will highlight the intertwined dynamics of wildland fire and invasive species, with experts addressing the underlying science and ecology, as well as agency perspectives and management strategies from the invasive species and wildland fire communities. This will also include looking at the different stages of the wildfire and invasive species management cycles: proactive pre-fire planning and fuels treatment, wildfire response, and post-fire stabilization and restoration. The panel will conclude with a discussion on integrating efforts at different scales as well as on potential opportunities for future collaboration across the invasive species and wildland fire management communities.
Watch the recorded webinar, here!
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Infrastructure Package Supports Regional Goals; digitally mapping fire damage; crossbreeding sustainable cattle; and developing North Dakota’s first ‘water trail’
After months of debate (and continued advocacy from WGA), Congress approved the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act worth roughly 1.2 trillion dollars. Along with funding to improve outdated roads and bridges, many Western states will receive significant sums of federal aid to address the region’s most pressing issues – including drought, wildfire, cybersecurity, broadband connectivity and energy.
With a total of $3.3 billion appropriated for wildland fire, $200 million will be available for post-fire restoration projects; The Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service will each get $250 million for planning and conducting prescribed burns; and $500 million will be allocated for mechanical thinning projects, which will work in tandem with current state and local programs like the Arkansas River Watershed Collaborative, a first of its kind collaborative working to thin hundreds of acres trees killed by the mountain pine beetle on Monarch Pass in Colorado.
Read more about the Infrastructure package, here!
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 ARPA Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Opportunity
On October 27, 2021, the Economic Transformation, Stabilization and Workforce Development ARPA Commission voted unanimously to allocate $7.5 million in ARPA funds to strengthen and diversify Montana's industry through targeted investments in value added agriculture projects across the state.
The intent of the Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program is to advance Montana's agricultural industry through targeted investments in value-added agriculture projects across the state. Grants will assist with the development of innovative agricultural business improvements to keep pace with a transforming agricultural industry, create new jobs, and expand business opportunities.
Matching funds are required on all awards. Matching funds must be used toward completing the proposed project and may not come from another federal or state grant award. The purpose of matching funds is to assure commitment and buy-in from the grant recipient.
Concept paper deadline: Dec 15, 2021 5:00 PM MST
Learn more, here!
Montana Department of Agriculture Seeks Healthcare Organization Partner for Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Counseling Session Voucher Program
The Montana Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for healthcare organizations to help facilitate its Montana Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Counseling Voucher Program.
To prioritize mental health in agricultural communities and improve access to trained professionals based in Montana, the department is launching a counseling voucher program to provide free mental health services to individuals involved in agriculture across the state. The department expects to award $250,000 in funds through the program which was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA) Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN).
“The most important part of any ag operation is its people,” said Christy Clark, Acting Director for Montana Department of Agriculture. “Recognizing that farming and ranching can be stressful and overwhelming at times, we will offer counseling vouchers to connect folks with professionals that have an appreciation for agriculture and the ability to help them find healthy paths forward.”
Healthcare organizations interested in applying can learn more about the program on the department’s website at agr.mt.gov/frsan. Applicants must be based in Montana, have the ability to offer both in person and telehealth appointments, and should have a network of mental health counselors that are familiar with the stressors faced by agriculture producers. The application deadline is December 6, 2021.
Several Montana agricultural organizations have already been awarded grant funds for mental health speakers, trainings, and workshops through the department’s Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Mini-Grant Program. A Montana-focused ad campaign will soon begin its work to continue addressing the stigma surrounding mental health issues and connect Montanans involved in agriculture with tangible, effective resources as well.
Click Here to view counseling voucher program guidelines. Click Here to apply before 5 PM on Dec. 6th.
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NRCS in Montana Accepting Applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
BOZEMAN, Mont., November 16, 2021 – The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Montana is accepting applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) enrollment option. While NRCS accepts easement applications year-round, applications for the current funding cycle must be submitted by January 28, 2022.
“Agricultural Land Easements are one of the many tools available to landowners for the long-term protection of working lands which build sustainable agriculture, manage future development or protect critical habitat for wildlife,” said Allen Persinger, NRCS assistant state conservationist for easement programs in Montana.
ACEP-ALE provides financial assistance to eligible entities, including land trusts and state and local units of government, for purchasing easements that protect the agricultural use and conservation values of eligible land by limiting non-agricultural uses of the land. In the case of working farms, the program helps farmers and ranchers keep their land in agriculture. Landowners interested in an ACEP-ALE easement must enter into an agreement with an eligible entity to be considered for enrollment into the program. Find a list of entities eligible to hold ACEP-ALE easements in Montana and additional information at www.mt.nrcs.usda.gov.
To learn about ACEP-ALE and other technical and financial assistance available through NRCS, call your local USDA Service Center or visit www.mt.nrcs.usda.gov.
Contact: Allen Persinger, 406-587-6873
USDA Issuing Approximately $270 Million in Pandemic Assistance to Poultry, Livestock Contract Producers
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2021— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has begun issuing approximately $270 million in payments to contract producers of eligible livestock and poultry who applied for Pandemic Assistance. Earlier this year, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) identified gaps in assistance including in the initial proposal to assist contract growers. In August, USDA released the improved program for contract producers to fill these gaps, providing support as part of USDA’s broader Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.
Learn more, here!
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USDA Builds Pandemic Support for Certified Organic and Transitioning Operations
WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2021— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide pandemic assistance to cover certification and education expenses to agricultural producers who are certified organic or transitioning to organic. USDA will make $20 million available through the new Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP) as part of USDA’s broader Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, which provides new, broader and more equitable opportunities for farmers, ranchers and producers.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, certified organic and transitional operations faced challenges due to loss of markets, and increased costs and labor shortages, in addition to costs related to obtaining or renewing their organic certification, which producers and handlers of conventionally grown commodities do not incur. Transitional operations also faced the financial challenge of implementing practices required to obtain organic certification without being able to obtain the premium prices normally received for certified organic commodities.
Learn more, here!
FWP Working with the Dept. of Livestock Following the Detection of Bovine Tuberculosis in Blaine County
Hunters encouraged to submit samples for wildlife surveillance in the area
GLASGOW – To assist in monitoring bovine tuberculosis, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is looking to deer hunters in Blaine and Phillips counties for help.
In September, bovine tuberculosis (bTB) was discovered in a herd of cattle in northern Blaine County and then later in Phillips County. Bovine TB is a contagious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis and primarily affects cattle. The disease can be transmitted to nearly any mammal, including humans. The Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) is the lead agency for the investigation into this finding and any epidemiologically linked cattle herds. To date, bTB has not been detected in any additional cattle herds or in wildlife in the area.
However, testing harvested deer within the general area can help determine if the disease is in wildlife and, if so, what the distribution might be. FWP is the lead agency for wildlife surveillance and needs the assistance of deer hunters (see map for surveillance area). Wildlife surveillance will be conducted in portions of both Blaine and Phillips counties, due to the use of pasture ground in Phillips County by the affected cattle herd.
Read more, here!
December 2021:
January 2022:
Stacey Barta, State Coordinator for Rangelands
220 W. Lamme, Suite 1A
Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 594-8481
SBarta@mt.gov
Rangeland Resources Committee:
Diane Ahlgren, Chair
John Hollenback, Vice Chair
Sigurd Jensen
Jim Anderson
Leah Lewis
Ron Devlin
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