Conservation & Partnerships
 Ranching for Rivers Funds Available!
If you are planning a project for Fall 2025, applications must be submitted by August 12th to be considered during the August 20th Application Review Committee Meeting. Funded projects must be completed by December 31, 2025.
Options for Damaged Fields After Recent Storms
We know many across the state were hit hard by this weekend’s severe weather. Hail and high winds caused significant damage in some areas, and with more storms in the forecast, we’re hoping no more acres are affected. Like many of you, we have deep ties to farms and ranches throughout the region, and our thoughts are with everyone dealing with the aftermath.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!!
WSE is developing a Financial Analysis System to help farmers and ranchers assess the viability of their current operations and explore opportunities for diversification.
To ensure this tool is as useful and relevant as possible, we’re gathering input directly from producers and that’s where you come in.
Please help us spread the word by sharing this short survey with farmers and ranchers in your network: Survey link: [forms.gle]https://forms.gle/jkAuEWrRsmPyY7Sd6 [forms.gle]
 Looking to buy or sell hay or straw? Need to lease pasture or have some available? Mountain West Grazing is here to help! With the launch of the grazing connection, you can easily post listings FOR FREE to connect with others in the ag community - this is your go-to resource.
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.
 2025 Waste Disposal Events
September 23- Plentywood
September 24 - Glasgow
September 25 - Glendive
September 26 – Hardin
Pre-registration Deadline Sept. 16, 2025
BLM considers new areas for coal leasing in Montana and Wyoming
The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on potential updates to coal leasing on public lands in the coal-rich Powder River Basin areas of southeast Montana and northeast Wyoming. Coal produced from the basin accounts for more than 85% of all federal coal production.
The BLM is considering updates to identify areas that may be suitable for future coal leasing. These potential changes are being developed in response to Secretary’s Order 3418, which implements Executive Order 14154—both titled “Unleashing American Energy.” These directives prioritize the allocation of energy resources on public lands and the federal mineral estate, including a possible revision of coal leasing decisions in the resource management plans for the Miles City and Buffalo field offices.
 Huge USDA reorganization eliminates Ag offices, USFS regions
A Trump administration reorganization of the Department of Agriculture would eliminate U.S. Forest Service regional headquarters and significantly change or eliminate some agency functions.
On Thursday, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brook L. Rollins issued a secretarial memorandum detailing a reorganization plan for the Department of Agriculture, including the U.S. Forest Service, that takes effect immediately.
Seed pellets for rangeland restoration: Boosting native plant recruitment in the semi-arid West
Rangelands across the western United States that are infested with invasive plants may need active restoration. Drill seeding native species can be successful but is not an option on steep or rocky terrain where the most accessible revegetation method is broadcasting seed. However, broadcast seeding with native species is often unsuccessful due to low precipitation and seed predation in these semi-arid environments.
 FWP Public Notices & Opportunity for Comment
Fish and Wildlife Commission to meet Aug. 21
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission is set to meet on Aug. 21 starting at 8:30 a.m. at Montana Wild in Helena.
Along with the 2025/2026 Furbearer and Wolf Trapping and Hunting Regulations and several habitat and access proposals, FWP is asking the Commission to approve a variety of other proposals as well.
FWP releases Grizzly Bear Conflict Dashboard
In Montana, grizzly bear populations have expanded in both number and in distribution along both sides of the Continental Divide and in the Greater Yellowstone area. In many instances, grizzly bears are expanding into areas they haven’t been in more than a century.
With this expansion comes an increased focus by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to help people and communities stay safe and avoid conflicts. Across Montana’s bear country, FWP staff are working hard to respond to conflicts, provide tools to landowners and communities to prevent conflicts, and to educate people on how to stay safe.
As part of that effort, FWP unveiled a new Grizzly Bear Conflict Dashboard as a resource for information on where FWP staff are helping landowners and communities with conflicts and the types of conflicts people are experiencing.
 USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Adopts Categorical Exclusions Under the National Environmental Policy Act
The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) is reducing red tape around the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)-related reviews, which will improve conservation delivery to America’s farmers and ranchers.
USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Agricultural Producers in Montana Impacted by Recent Severe Storms
Agricultural operations in Montana have been significantly impacted by recent severe weather, tornadoes and flooding. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover from these adverse weather events. Impacted producers should contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn more about program options available to assist in their recovery from crop, land, infrastructure, and livestock losses and damages.
Podcast Corner
AoR 161: The 5th "C" of Agricultural Lending, with Zach Ducheneaux
What would rural finance look like if it truly supported long-term stewardship and resilience? This is the question Zach Ducheneaux has been asking himself and working toward for a couple of decades. Zach is an agricultural producer, a farming advocate, and the former Administrator of the USDA Farm Service Agency.
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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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