The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Rangeland Resources Program (RRP) promotes and advocates for healthy, sustainable rangelands that supports people, wildlife, recreation, clean water, and the natural scenic beauty of Montana.

News

Wickens Salt Creek Ranch to Receive MT Leopold Conservation Award Wickens Salt Creek Ranch of Hilger has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Montana Leopold Conservation Award®. The award honors ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in the management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land. Wickens Salt Creek Ranch’s owners, Eric and Emma Wickens, will be presented with the award at the Montana Farm Bureau Annual Convention in November. They receive $10,000 for being selected.

Working Lands Intern Program

Intern Jodi Fields in her own words I am a student at Montana State University studying Fish and Wildlife with the end goal of becoming a game warden. After learning about agriculture in Montana this summer and expanding my knowledge to encompass a broader perspective on rangeland management, I hope to work with ranchers in a flexible and collaborative manner in my future career.  I cannot express how insightful this internship experience has been. The variety of ranch management perspectives I was exposed to definitely allowed me to grow, both as a person and in my capabilities as a candidate in fish and game. Independence is essential for isolated operation, whether you’re a game warden or a biologist. Ranches like the Stevens Ranch in Ashland and The Flying D in Gallatin County allowed me to figure out issues on my own and practice problem solving. Understanding the intricate inter-workings of your local rangeland is also a necessary practice in conservation, and Indreland Angus in Big Timber taught me about the importance of knowing how livestock affect the flow of natural resources. The XC Ranch in Boulder welcomed me readily into their community. Forging close relationships with local ranchers is one of the most beneficial things you can do in natural resource management. From each of these ranches that I have visited, I gained valuable knowledge that I am confident will make me a stronger asset to both agriculture and conservation. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and extend the biggest thank you to everyone involved in making it possible.

Accounting For Nature's Value With Rangeland Conservation Practices in the Western Range & Irrigated Region The term “nature’s value” refers to the observation that healthy ecosystems provide a broad range of services—such as air quality, water storage and filtration, and biological control—which benefit local, regional, and even global natural and human communities. Integrating the economic value of such services—commonly referred to as “ecosystem services” or “nature’s contributions to people”—into land use planning and resource management could result in more informed decisions about resource allocation and the strategies needed to balance agricultural productivity and ecosystem health.

Virtual Fencing Webinar

Learn about the basics of virtual fence (VF) technology, including an overview of the components, potential applications, and compare the current and emerging VF vendors. We hope this webinar will empower you to effectively evaluate VF for sustainable rangeland management. This 1-hour webinar is the first of a three-part series on VF. Learn more and register! [rangelandsgateway.org]

Control needed as grasshoppers continue to devastate Montana rangeland, cropland During meetings in Washington earlier this month, the Montana Farm Bureau continued to stress the need for grasshopper control while visiting with Congressional leaders. In talking with Senator Jon Tester and Representative Matt Rosendale, and with the staff of Senator Steve Daines’ and Representative Ryan Zinke’s offices, Farm Bureau leaders explained the negative impact of the destructive insects and the need for help with control.

Montana Summer Drought Outlook Report 2024

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) has released the 2024 Montana Drought Outlook Report. The report provides a synopsis of recent statewide precipitation and temperature trends, snowpack information, an outlook on summer water supplies and an update on current and forecasted drought conditions.  

New vegetation mapping tools aids flexible rangeland management Powerful new digital mapping tools developed by University of Nevada, Reno researchers hold promise to improve management of rangeland, particularly public lands in the far-flung Western United States. The significant improvements in mapping of vegetation enabled by the University's research provide managers of rangeland, ranchers as well as federal managers of public lands, with better information to make large-scale decisions to mitigate effects of grazing, wildfire and other potential disruptions.

Wildfires Increase Flooding Risks 

Recent hot temperatures and dry conditions have triggered wildfires throughout the state. While some wildfire effects are predictable, a lesser-known effect can be an increased risk of flooding due to wildfire burns. 

“It is difficult to think about flooding in the middle of or after a wildfire event. We urge residents to be observant of rapidly changing conditions, especially on uphill slopes, and be prepared for the possibility of flooding,” said Traci Sears, the Montana National Flood Insurance Program Coordinator at the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. While most flood events in Montana occur as a result of rain on snow events during springtime, flash floods do happen throughout the year and are particularly common after wildfires.  

Montana State University recently came out with a promotional video for the College of Agriculture's Rangeland Degree program.  Rangeland specialists are in high demand across the US, yet programs are struggling with enrollment.  As a graduate from this program, it was one of the best curriculums I could have chosen.  I didn’t start out in Rangelands, in fact I, like many started out in Wildlife.  I was assigned by the biology department to an advisor, who was pretty old school and he persuaded me to look at other degrees.  I flipped through the course catalog and saw the Range curriculum and noticed it had a broad variety of disciplines all in one degree.  Wildlife, hydrology, botany, reclamation, grazing and livestock, soils, and my favorite, economics 😉!  I thought everyone should be pursuing this degree. 

I am so grateful for that advisor that suggested I look elsewhere for another degree.  The program and degree have served me well over a 30-year career.  It gave me a diverse set of skills and knowledge that made me marketable to a variety of opportunities across many agencies and NGO’s. 

Stacey Barta

Conservation & Partnerships

MSGA Seeks Applications for 2024 Annual Convention Internship

The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is now accepting internship applications for its 2024 Annual Convention, scheduled for December 4-6, 2024, in Billings, Montana. The program offers students a hands-on opportunity to explore association event planning, execution, policy development, and social media engagement. Multiple internship positions are available for the event, providing valuable experience across these diverse areas.

Provide Montana's farmers and ranchers with resources, trainings, and support to increase workplace safety within Montana's agriculture industry.

Sustainable Ranching Initiative - RSVP Program sign up

World Wildlife Fund’s Sustainable Ranching Initiative (SRI) has continued its support of ranches and agricultural communities in Montana through another busy season of projects and collaborative networking. SRI works closely with many local collaborative groups and also supports individual ranches. SRI’s Ranch Systems and Viability Planning network (RSVP), now in its fourth year, is partnering with 58 ranches in the state. 

 RSVP takes a holistic and individualistic approach to ranch support, and provides resources for educational development, ecological monitoring, and ranch infrastructure improvements. To-date RSVP has supported 57 infrastructure development projects in Montana, with a total investment of nearly $1.5 million. RSVP has also hosted and sponsored many educational events and field days, including field demonstrations for virtual fencing and mesic restoration in the summer of 2024.

 In addition to RSVP, SRI has worked with ranchers and conservation partners across the state to re-seed nearly 15,000 acres of cropland to grass through their grassland restoration program.

 To learn more about SRI or RSVP network reach out to Aaron Clausen, SRI Program Manager, at aaron.clausen@wwfus.org, or visit the SRI website at: https://www.worldwildlife.org/projects/sustainable-ranching-initiative [worldwildlife.org]

Agency Updates

Funding Available Now!

Multiple Grant Opportunities

DNRC administers a wide range of grants and loans for Montana, assisting cities and towns, conservation districts, private landowners, and other groups in managing natural resource issues at the local level. 

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $90 Million in Innovative Projects that Help Conserve Natural Resources and Address Climate Change as Part of Investing in America Agenda 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $90 million in 53 Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) projects, which support the development of new tools, approaches, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands.

NRCS Conservation Effects Assessment Project Data Based Digital Tools for Producers 

Rangeland Soil Vulnerability Index for Water Erosion Web Tool

Identifies rangeland areas that are susceptible to water erosion when dry and unvegetated. Users may leverage this to identify the need for proactive conservation measures before potential issues – such as rangeland health, soil stability, water infiltration, plant productivity, and invasive species – become problematic.

Rangeland Brush Estimation Tool

Estimates woody plant canopy cover over time. Users may leverage this to assess woody encroachment for an area that extends from Arizona to Texas and north into Colorado and Nebraska.

USDA, USFWS, State Partners Find Non-Lethal Answers to Grizzly Bear Interactions on Montana Ranches

Wayne Slaght has spent more than 25 years learning to coexist with grizzly bears and wolves on his Montana ranch near Ovando. 

Protecting his cows requires constant vigilance, but Slaght has worked — with the help of State and Federal government agencies and nonprofits such as the Blackfoot Challenge— to implement a variety of preventative measures on his ranch and keep predators from eating into his bottom line.

Plant Identification Apps for your Smartphone: 2024 Update

Smartphone apps are available for almost anything these days, including plant identification. Plant ID apps are a helpful tool to have in your botanical toolbox. There are two broad categories of these apps.

Montana State's Eastern Ag Research Center blends high-tech analysis with diverse on-farm exploration

Eastern Montana may be typecast for its sparse population and rolling landscape, but its vast expanses make it an optimal region for the state’s largest industry.

Along the Yellowstone River near the North Dakota border, Montana State University’s Eastern Agricultural Research Center serves 13 counties that produce nearly three quarters of Montana’s pulse crop acreage, which leads the nation, and almost half its wheat.

FWP seeking applicants for northwest Montana Citizen Advisory Committee

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking applicants to fill volunteer positions on the northwest Montana (FWP Region 1) Citizen Advisory Committee.

Governor Gianforte Announces $50 Million Investment in Montana Forests and Agricultural Lands

Governor Greg Gianforte yesterday announced the State of Montana received a nearly $50 million investment in Montana’s working and natural lands from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Montana is one of just 25 recipients across the nation to be awarded funding.

“We’re known in Montana for our innovative spirit and our strong history of conservation,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I’m grateful we worked together to secure this historic investment to improve the resilience of our forests, agriculture industry, and waterways through innovative, incentive-based projects.”

Pesticide Container Recycling Program      Container Eligibility Requirements Product containers that can be accepted for recycling through the Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC) sponsored programs must meet these criteria: Eligible Rigid high-density polyethylene (HDPE), 55 gallons and smaller, that previously held products utilized in the following markets: Crop Protection – Containers that held EPA registered crop protection products labeled for agricultural uses. Containers that previously held non-registered products such as biologicals, adjuvants, crop oils and surfactants are also eligible for recycling. Specialty Pesticides and Fertilizers – Containers that held EPA – registered products labeled for professional Structural Pest Control, Animal Health, Turf and Ornamental, Vegetation Management, Nursery and Greenhouse, Forestry, Aquatics, and Public Health uses are eligible for recycling. Also acceptable are containers holding micronutrients, biologicals, fertilizer, and adjuvant products. Pest Control Operators, Structural Pest Control – Containers that held EPA registered products labeled for professional application. Not Eligible Any container constructed of anything other than HDPE, rotationally molded containers, mini-bulk, intermediate bulk containers (IBC), totes, and all containers that previously held products utilized in the following markets: Consumer Home & Garden, Pest Control and Swimming Pool Maintenance – Containers that previously held products labeled for consumer use in households, lawn and garden, and swimming pool uses are not eligible for recycling in the ACRC program. RECYCLING OTHER AG PLASTICS   Carli Davis Pesticide Disposal and Container Recycling Programs  Phone: (406) 465-0531  E-mail:  Carli.Davis@mt.gov

USDA Forest Service announces nearly $19M to fight invasive species threatening nation’s forests: More than $1M awarded for projects within Northern Region footprint

The USDA Forest Service is making a nearly $19 million strategic investment to address invasive species threatening forests across the country. Funding for over 60 projects was made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

In the Northern Region, a total of $1,031,187 will be invested in tribal, state and Forest Service invasive species projects.

BLM_Press@blm.gov Jul 12, 2024 WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Bureau of Land Management is approving seven herbicide active ingredients to control noxious weeds and invasive species on public lands. The decision [federalregister.gov] published today in the Federal Register, and BLM field and district offices can now begin considering the use of these tools in efforts to control and eradicate noxious weeds and invasive plant species on the public lands they manage.  “One of BLM's highest priorities is to promote ecosystem health, and one of the greatest obstacles to achieving this goal is the rapid expansion of noxious and invasive weeds. Invasive annual grasses like cheatgrass and Ventenata accelerate wildfire risk and outcompete the native plants essential to maintaining healthy lands and waters. They are one of the greatest threats to important wildlife habitat for sage-grouse and mule deer,” said Sharif Branham, BLM Assistant Director for Resources and Planning. “BLM applies an integrated approach to vegetation management that includes science-informed and appropriate use of herbicides to manage weeds across public lands.”  The seven approved herbicides are Aminocyclopyrachlor, Clethodim, Fluazifop-P-butyl, Flumioxazin, Imazamox, Indaziflam, and Oryzalin. These herbicides have been approved by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency [epa.gov] for treatment of weeds in rangelands and forests by all state and federal agencies subject to location-specific laws or regulations. The BLM adopted assessments by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service [fs.usda.gov] completed Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessments [fs.usda.gov] considering their use on public lands.  BLM manages 245 million acres of public lands primarily in the western United States, including Alaska. Approximately one third of these lands, or 79 million acres, are impacted by noxious and invasive weeds such as cheatgrass, leafy spurge, and aquatic weeds like giant salvinia. If not eradicated or controlled, these plants will continue to jeopardize the health of public lands, waters, and wildlife - including mule deer and Greater sage-grouse where cheatgrass and related natural fire regime changes pose a substantial threat to habitat – in addition to constraining many other uses.  Invasive plant communities can become immune to herbicide active ingredients over time, so BLM and partners often use new active ingredients to overcome such resistance. Several ingredients developed and registered during the past several years provide more effective and efficient management. These approved herbicides are now available for use on public lands after BLM field offices complete local National Environmental Policy Act [blm.gov] analyses and authorizations.   For more information, please visit the BLM National NEPA Register [eplanning.blm.gov].

Podcast Corner

Ep 174: Mid-Summer Nutrition & Cow Herd Planning Dr. Steve Paisley, (University of Wyoming) is back as a guest as we focus of Mid-Summer Nutrition in our cow herd.  Some of you are dealing with little to no grass, while other have grass, but its quality is quickly declining.  So, what are some options?

AoR 136: "Politics of Scale - a History of Rangeland Science," with Nathan Sayre Dr. Nathan Sayre has written a delightful book on the origins and history of rangelands science, public ownership, agency management, and grazing philosophy in the United States. Join Tip and Nathan as they discuss his background building fence on ranches on the Southwest, his pathway to the sociology of rangelands, and then surprising findings in Sayre’s book research. Finally, they visit about recommendations for modern range management.

Research Center

To make the 406 Rangelands newsletter more reader friendly, the "Research Center" section has been permanently moved to the Rangeland Resources Program website. You can access it here.

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August

• 6 - Rancher Led Field Day (Northern Cheyenne Buffalo Pasture)
  For registration information, click here

• 14-15 - T-Bone Classic (Billings, MT)
  For registration information, click here

• 21 Beaver Damn Analog Volunteer Day click here

• 22 - River Rendezvous (Townsend, MT)
  For registration information, email mrcdc@macdnet.org

September

• 18-20 - MWCC Watershed Tour (Sun River, MT)
  For agenda & registration information, click here

• 23rd-25th Expanding Markets Conference (Billings) Click Here

• 21 - MFBF Hoofin' it for Hunger race (Dillon, MT)
  For details, click here

• 30th- Oct 3rd NAISMA click here Missoula

October 

• 22nd-24th Transboundary Grasslands Partnership - Shelby

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February

• 4-6 - Montana Soil Health Symposium
  For registration information, click here

• 9-13 - Society for Range Management (Spokane, WA)
  For registration information, click here 

Contacts

Stacey Barta, State Coordinator for Rangelands
(406) 594-8481
SBarta@mt.gov

Shantell Martin, Program Specialist
(406) 531-4584
shantell.frame-martin2@mt.gov

Rangeland Resources Committee:

Diane Ahlgren, Chair
John Hollenback, Vice Chair
Sigurd Jensen
Jim Anderson
Leah Lewis
Ron Devlin