Important CDB Grant Updates!
The next CD grant cycle opens September 1
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NEW: CD Planning Grants - specifically available to fund any formal planning process that results in a written plan or report such as strategic plans, preliminary engineering designs, watershed restoration plans, feasibility studies, or new program guidelines. Minimum: $2,000. Maximum: $20,000.
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Strategic plans required - the proposed project must fit within a strategic plan or annual work plan, which must be provided with the application. The only exception is if applying for a CD Planning Grant to conduct strategic planning.
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Standardized reporting schedule - quarterly reports for all grants will be due April 15, July 15, October 15, and January 15, annually.
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Reimbursement for actual administrative expenses only - instead of a flat 10% admin fee, we will reimburse for actual hours worked and direct expenses only.
Applications are due October 15th. Contact your CD Specialist to
discuss these grant opportunities or to receive feedback on a draft application.
Click here to view the Grant Program Guidelines
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CDB Staff Updates
Welcome Catey Bauer
Hi, I’m Catey Bauer and I am the new western CD Specialist. I grew up in Billings and moved back to Missoula two years ago. I have a degree in resource conservation from the University of Montana and have experience with conservation non-profits and state and federal agencies. In my free time, I enjoy being outside with my dog hiking or camping, preferably on the water. I also enjoy binge-watching Netflix and movies and trying to cook. I love to read, especially science and historical fiction. Please reach out with show and book recommendations!
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In-Person Funding Forums
CDB is finishing up its hosting of funding forums across the state. These funding forums were meant for sharing of CD funding survey results and discussions about CDB's future budget.
The last forum is scheduled for September 12 in Hysham. If you haven't been able to participate in a funding forum, don't worry, there will be opportunities for further discussion at area meetings and convention.
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Public Information Request
Much of the information maintained by Montana’s Conservation Districts are available to the public. Conservation Districts can charge for the fulfillment of public records information requests. These charges include, but are not limited to, copying electronic or paper records, and research if the public information cannot be readily identified and gathered § 2-6-1006, MCA. Charges can be commensurate with the amount of time and resources required to provide the information. All fees should be collected in advance and only cash or check payments are accepted.
The Public Information Request Model Rule and costs should be set and adopted by the Conservation District at a publicly noticed meeting (can be a regular board meeting).
After the adoption, the public requests should be made using a request form. If asked by the requester, the model rule can also be provided. You can either use the attached sample form or adapt a version of it yourself to be electronically available on the Conservation District website or in paper form.
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Be Prepared: Federal Fiscal Year End - September 30
The Federal Government fiscal year is October 1 - September 30. When Congress returns from their August recess, they will need to push through the spending bills that fund federal government operations to avert an October 1 government shutdown.
In the event of a shutdown, CDs co-located in an NRCS office will not have access to their office or building during that time. Stay updated and have conversations with your NRCS District Conservationist. Plan ahead. If needed, it may even be appropriate to pack supplies, computers, and/or files ahead of time so staff can work from home in the event of a government shutdown.
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CDB Office Hours
We will host CDB Office Hours on the first and third Thursday of September at 2 pm. Please join us as we address any questions that you may have.
CD Staff and Supervisors are encouraged to attend.
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310 Law FAQs
Each month I will be including answers to your frequently asked questions regarding the 310 law. If you have anything you'd like answered, please submit your questions directly to me at hailey.graf@mt.gov.
Q: What is the penalty for violating the 310 Law?
A: If a project is initiated without a 310 permit, a CD may asses a criminal charge of $500 and a misdemeanor, or they may assess a civil penalty of up to $500/day, not to exceed $15,000. For more details, check out rules 17-19 in your CDs Adopted Rules.
Q: Does a CD always have to fine someone if they violate the 310 Law?
A: No, Rule 19 of the Adopted Rules states that a CD may waive the civil penalty if the violator works with them to address the problem. It is at the CDs' discretion.
District News
Summer AIS Early Detection Classes Held
The Central and Eastern Montana Invasive Species Team (CEMIST) have hosted two AIS Early Detection classes this summer with MT FWP AIS Early Detection and Monitoring Coordinator, Craig McLane. The classes were held in Miles City and Harlowton. The Custer CD and Upper Musselshell CD assisted in the logistics of each class as well. |
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The classes were composed of classroom instruction (AIS identification, Aquatic Native Species Identification, Sampling Techniques, Data collection, and decontamination) and a hands-on field portion (Lentic & Lotic Sampling). Each class had approximately 10-12 attendees. These attendees were from CDs, Watershed Groups, NGOs, and other government agencies.
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The purpose of these classes is to help educated individuals/organizations about AIS and the importance of early detection and monitoring. Individuals who completed the class can help bolster the MT FWP AIS early detection program by performing additional sampling of water bodies in their areas of responsibility or focus. These individuals can make observations and report any concerns to the MT FWP AIS Bureau and/or they can collect samples for further testing. These additional samples are sent to the FWP AIS lab for identification, evaluation, and testing. |
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MT FWP AIS Bureau conduct Early Detection and Monitoring trainings throughout the state of Montana every year. These classes are typically in late spring to summer. For more information, you can contact Brent Smith, CEMIST Program Manager, at cemist.manager@gmail.com or Craig McLane at CMcLane@mt.gov.
Send us your District News to share with the Montana CD Community!
Upcoming Events & Deadlines:
August 27 - 29 Statewide Employee Training, Fort Peck
September 1 Project, Planning, and Pollinator grant cycles open
September 12 Funding Forum, Hysham
September 26 MACD Area 5 Meeting, Phillipsburg
September 27 MACD Area 3 Meeting, Choteau
September 28 MACD Area 6 Meeting, Whitehall
October 3 MACD Area 4 Meeting, Roundup
October 4 MACD Area 1 Meeting, Winnett
October 5 MACD Area 2 Meeting, Sidney
October 15 Project, Planning, and Pollinator grant cycles close
The 2023 CD Directory is Coming!
The new cover was submitted by Carter County CD. Thank you to everyone who submitted pictures and for all of their updates.
Contact CDB staff for printed copies of the above resources, or to provide feedback, updates, or additional input.
The Conservation Matters newsletter provides you with all the latest news, updates, and CDB happenings. Please let us know if you have any suggestions, contributions, questions, or comments. Please share with your Supervisors and fellow employees or consider printing for your meeting packet.
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