Conservation districts are units of local government designed to help citizens conserve their soil, water, and other renewable natural resources. They were organized in the 1930s as a response to the “Dust Bowl” days.

The State of Montana passed legislation creating its conservation districts in 1939 to provide for local control of natural resource management programs and activities. Montana’s 58 conservation districts cover all counties and include more than 70 municipalities included within district boundaries.

In Montana, CDs have the additional responsibility of implementing the Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act, also known as the 310 law. This law requires a permit from the local CD before any work is done in Montana’s waterways.

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