MACD Board Meeting
2022-03-14 07:00 - 09:00 (America/Denver) | Zoom
MACD Board Meeting
The March MACD Board Meeting will be on Monday, March 14th at 7am via zoom. The plan is to cover normal board business from 7am-8am followed by an hour-long (8am-9am) discussion of proposed updates to the MACD resolutions process and committee structure. You should have just received the google calendar invite.
Partners – Please note that this means your reports will take place at least a half hour earlier than usual.

The Resolutions and Committees workgroup will be meeting this Friday at 12:30pm. I will be emailing out those materials shortly to the following people who have conveyed their interest: MACD Executive Comm. members, Jeff Pattison, Chris Evans, Willy Bernard, and Steve Wanderaas. If you want to participate in this meeting and are not included on this list, please let me know ASAP.

Meeting Information
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85142078080?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 851 4207 8080
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile: +16699006833,,85142078080#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (San Jose)

Irrigation Development Grants
2022-03-16 08:00 - 17:00 | MT
Irrigation is the dominant commercial use of Montana’s water and is a key component of Montana’s economy, accounting for 96% of surface and ground water withdrawals. The irrigation development grant program was created to increase the value of irrigated crops while preserving natural resources and the environment for future generations.

Employee Roundtable
2022-03-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
March Employee Roundtable
Meeting Information
Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/95758528510?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 957 5852 8510
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+14086380968,,95758528510#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (San Jose)

MT Soil Health Focus Group - Great Falls
2022-03-16 11:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls, Great Falls, MT, United States
From Sept 2021 – July 2022, MACD and partners are reaching out across the state to ask: “What more might be done to better support farmers and ranchers in managing soils in Montana?” The purpose of this outreach effort is to understand how to help increase the pace and scale at which land stewards implement voluntary practices and systems to maintain and improve soil health, and thereby the long term economic and ecological vitality of agriculture in Montana.

We are looking to hear from producers & partners through upcoming focus group meetings being hosted throughout the state (listed below). Each meeting will feature a local producer and provide an opportunity for all attendees to voice their ideas.

• March 16 in Great Falls at Holiday Village Mall conference room
• March 17 in Glasgow at the Valley County Courthouse
• March 23 in Miles City at Miles City College, room 106
• April 14 in Kalispell at Kalispell ImagineIF Library
• April 15 in Dillion at Armory
• April 20 in Livingston at Livingston Food Resource Center
• May 26 virtual meeting via Zoom

* Each meeting will be held from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

We encourage district staff, district board members, and any interested producers in your community to attend!

Please visit https://montanasoiloutreach.macdnet.org/ to RSVP and for additional information

Collaborative Monitoring Successes
2022-03-17 11:00 - 12:30 | MT
Putting People and Data to Work: Collaborative Monitoring Successes
Three examples of community-based and regional cooperative monitoring approaches.
Learn More

MT Soil Health Focus Group - Glasgow
2022-03-17 11:00 - 14:00 | Glasgow, Glasgow, MT, United States

MEPA Training
2022-03-17 13:00 - 15:00 | MT
Demi Blythe, CARDD MEPA Coordinator, will provide an overview of the MEPA process as well as how to draft and prepare an ‘Environmental Checklist’ at this training. For those that won’t be able to attend, it will be recorded.
In our training we’ll cover:

Why we have to consider and think about MEPA
Step-by-step instructions on the Environmental Checklist
How the Checklist is used for DNRC (e.g., Environmental Assessments, Categorical Exclusion determinations)
Resources
Question/Answer session – we’re here to help!

Thank you for your participation! We hope this will help and clarify our MEPA process!
ZOOM Information:
Topic: MEPA for CDs
Time: Mar 17, 2022 01:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mt-gov.zoom.us/j/86176705227?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 861 7670 5227
Password: [REDACTED]
Dial by Telephone
+1 646 558 8656 or +1 406 444 9999
Meeting ID: 861 7670 5227
Password: [REDACTED]
Find your local number: https://mt-gov.zoom.us/u/khue4imbH

MACD 2022 Scholarship Deadline
2022-03-18 | MT

Submittable Training for Grant Recipients
2022-03-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
Reminder: Training for Grant Recipients
DNRC Conservation and Resource Development Division is moving to a new Grant Management System called Submittable. Please join us for a webinar on Friday, March 18 at 10 AM to introduce our grantees to the new system.
Webinar: Introduction to Submittable for Grant Recipients
Friday, March 18 at 10 AM
Agenda
Starting your application or form

Active Grants
New Applications

Viewing your Submission
Managing your grant in Submittable

How to find your project
Submitting Progress Reports, Reimbursement Requests, and other forms
Editing forms
Messaging in Submittable

Questions and Discussion
How to Join:
Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://mt-gov.zoom.us/j/81594808692?pwd=[REDACTED]
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Or One tap mobile : US: +12063379723,,81594808692#,*[REDACTED]# or +12133388477,81594808692#,*[REDACTED]#
Or Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 206 337 9723 or +1 213 338 8477 or +1 646 558 8656
Webinar ID: 815 9480 8692
Passcode: [REDACTED]

National Ag Day
2022-03-22 | MT
They have created a really nice social media packet for people to use to promote Ag Day at https://www.agday.org/promote#:~:text=Ag%20Day%20is%20celebrated%20on,falls%20during%20National%20Ag%20Week.
Purpose

The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) is an organization uniquely composed of leaders in the agriculture, food and fiber communities dedicated to increasing the public awareness of agriculture’s vital role in our society. The Agriculture Council of America and the National Ag Day program was started in 1973.

Core Values
Canva Kit:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAE6hXXr4-Y/D-YepLdL7-sk1zyjzx2M7Q/edit?utm_content=DAE6hXXr4-Y&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

ACA believes that every American should:

Understand how food and fiber products are produced.
Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.
Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.
Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry.

Key Initiatives

The primary focus of ACA is to conduct the National Agriculture Day Program which occurs in March of every year.

Strategic Priorities

ACA will:

Support and encourage programs and activities in observance of National Agriculture Day by organizations, companies and individuals.
Provide planning information and materials in support of National Agriculture Day programs and activities.
Inform trade and general media about National Agriculture Day and provide information to increase awareness.
Involve the agricultural public relations community in support of National Agriculture Day.

World Water Day 2022
2022-03-22 | MT
Groundwater-Making the Invisible Visible

CDOWG
2022-03-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Contact Tahnee Benson (SheridanCD@macdnet.org) or Eric Rannestad (eric@macdnet.org) for zoom information.

Broadwater Conservation District Monthly Meeting
2022-03-22 18:00 - 19:00 | MT
Monthly Meeting on the fourth Tuesday of every month.

MT Soil Health Focus Group - Miles City
2022-03-23 11:00 - 14:00 | Miles City, Miles City, MT, United States

CMR Community Working Group
2022-03-24 10:00 - 15:00 | MT
CMR Community Working Group The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge Community Working Group (CMR CWG) was formed to enhance and preserve the ecological, economic, and social well-being of the 6 counties (Fergus, Garfield, McCone, Petroleum, Phillips, and Valley) surrounding the Refuge. Participants in the group include agency representatives, landowners, grazing permittees, county commissioners, conservation districts, interest groups, and engaged citizens.

CMR Community Working Group
2022-03-24 10:00 - 15:00 | Cottonwood Inn and Suites, 54250 US-2, Glasgow, MT, 59230, United States
CMR Community Working Group
To all past and present participants to the CMR Community Working Group,
The CMR CWG Planning Committee, with the help of Valley County Conservation District, is planning to hold our next meeting on March 24, 2022 from 10:00am-3:00pm in Glasgow, Montana at the Cottonwood Inn & Suites. The topic focus for this meeting will be sage-grouse. We are setting up a broad range of presenters to cover the work Montana has done to benefit the species and talk about future plans as well. Once we have a finilized agenda, we will post it to our webpage, www.cmrcwg.org.
Please RSVP by March 10 if you are planning to attend in-person or virtually by clicking on this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8PLKT6P. This will help us for the meal count and if attending virtually, who to send the Zoom meeting link to. If attending in person, please be prepared to pay $13 for the meal.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you,
CMR CWG Planning Committee
-Bill Milton
-Dean Rogge
-Perri Jacobs
-Paula Gouse
-Molly Masters
-Morgan Marks
-Corrie Williamson
-Tory Sribner
CWG Purpose, Mission and Goals
RSVP Link (Please RSVP by March 10, 2022)
CMR NWR Community Working Group Website:
http://www.cmrcwg.org
Missouri River Conservation Districts Website:
www.missouririvercouncil.info

Monitoring in Service to Local Communities
2022-03-24 11:00 - 12:30 | MT
Data Stewardship: Monitoring in Service to Local Communities
How data can support and enhance collaborative efforts and outcomes for land stewards and local communities. Steward (verb): to manage or look after (another’s property)
Learn More

Soil Health Webinar Series: Soil Health Assessment
2022-03-30 08:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
Soil Health Webinar Series: Soil Health Assessment, A New Approach
Panelists: Patrick Freeze, Willie Pretorius, Zach Wright, Ray Ward, Nick Ward
Date: April 16
Zoom Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5316474401423/WN_22epqjaEQg6RWcQaruZS7A
Description: Dr. Ray Ward, Dr. Nick Ward, Willie Pretorius and Patrick Freeze of Ward Laboratories along with Zach Wright of Living Soil Compost Lab LLC discuss a NEW way to measure soil health: the Soil Health Assessment. This test combines everything we’ve learned about soil fertility and soil health into a single test, helping farmers and ranchers measure and manage soil health without compromising productivity.

WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program
2022-03-31 | MT
WATERSMART COOPERATIVE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT GRANTS FOR WATERSHED GROUP DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING, AND PROJECT DESIGN
The WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program Phase I funding opportunity is now available from the Bureau of Reclamation to develop a watershed group, complete watershed management planning activities, and design watershed management activities. Applicants may request up to $200,000 for projects to be completed within two years. A non-federal cost-share is not required for this funding opportunity.
The funding opportunity is available on grants.gov by searching for opportunity number R22AS00163. Applications are due on March 31, 2022, at 4 pm MDT.
The Bureau of Reclamation will host a webinar on Thursday, February 17, 2022, at 1 pm MST to discuss eligible applicants and project types, program requirements, and the evaluation criteria for the Cooperative Watershed Management Program Phase I funding opportunity. Click here to join the live event or use the same link to watch a recording after the completion of the live event.
If you have questions regarding applicant and project eligibility, program requirements, or the evaluation criteria, click here and select CWMP Phase I Program Inquiry to schedule a time to talk with the program coordinators.
Find out more about the Cooperative Watershed Management Program by visiting our website at www.usbr.gov/watersmart/cwmp.

Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Training
2022-03-31 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom

MEPA Training
2022-03-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
MEPA for CDs
Demi Blythe, CARDD MEPA Coordinator, will provide an overview of the MEPA process as well as how to draft and prepare an ‘Environmental Checklist’ at this training. For those that won’t be able to attend, it will be recorded.
In our training we’ll cover:

Why we have to consider and think about MEPA
Step-by-step instructions on the Environmental Checklist
How the Checklist is used for DNRC (e.g., Environmental Assessments, Categorical Exclusion determinations)
Resources
Question/Answer session – we’re here to help!

Thank you for your participation! We hope this will help and clarify our MEPA process!
Zoom Info
Time: Mar 31, 2022 10:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mt-gov.zoom.us/j/86363769910?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 863 6376 9910
Password: [REDACTED]
Dial by Telephone
+1 646 558 8656 or +1 406 444 9999
Meeting ID: 863 6376 9910
Password: [REDACTED]

Mill Levy, Permissive Mills Training
2022-03-31 13:00 - 15:00 | MT
Mill Levy, Permissive Mills Training
Darla Erickson with Local Government Services will discuss mill levies, permissive mill levies and touch on budgets during this presentation. There will be time for Q & A, too, so bring your questions! An agenda will be sent to you before the training.
Topic: Mill Levy, Permissive Mills Training
Time: Mar 31, 2022 01:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mt-gov.zoom.us/j/82689338023?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 826 8933 8023
Password: [REDACTED]
Dial by Telephone
+1 646 558 8656 or +1 406 444 9999
Meeting ID: 826 8933 8023
Password: [REDACTED]
Find your local number: https://mt-gov.zoom.us/u/keIwadIs0d

Deadline: Watershed Management Grants
2022-04-04 | MT
The Watershed Management Grant (WMG) Program goals are to provide financial support for the development and implementation of locally led watershed related planning and capacity building activities that conserve, develop, improve or preserve state natural resources. These goals are aligned with Montana Code Annotated (MCA) Title 85, Chapter 1, Part 6.

MACD Executive Committee Meeting
2022-04-04 07:30 - 09:00 | Zoom
March Executive Committee Meeting
Meeting Information
Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88044316606?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 880 4431 6606
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile: +16699006833,,88044316606#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (San Jose)

Legislative Ad Hoc Committee Meeting
2022-04-04 13:00 - 14:30 | Zoom
Contact Rebecca Boslough for the most up to date meeting information (rebecca@macdnet.org)

MACD Legislative Committee
2022-04-06 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom

Ruby Valley Conservation District Board Meeting
2022-04-06 19:00 - 21:00 | MT
Monthly RVCD Board Meetings
Each meeting the board and staff cover:

310’s
News in the conservation world
updates on ongoing projects
public comment

USDA Funding: Climate Smart Commodities (Funding Pool #1)
2022-04-08 | MT
USDA to Invest $1 Billion in Climate Smart Commodities, Expanding Markets, Strengthening Rural America
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is delivering on its promise to expand markets by investing $1 billion in partnerships to support America’s climate-smart farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. The new Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities opportunity will finance pilot projects that create market opportunities for U.S. agricultural and forestry products that use climate-smart practices and include innovative, cost-effective ways to measure and verify greenhouse gas benefits. USDA is now accepting project applications for fiscal year 2022.
“America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest owners are leading the way in implementing climate-smart solutions across their operations,” said Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Tom Watson in Montana. “Through Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, USDA will provide targeted funding to meet national and global demand and expand market opportunities for climate-smart commodities to increase the competitive advantage of American producers. We want a broad array of agriculture and forestry to see themselves in this effort, including small and historically underserved producers as well as early adopters.”
For the purposes of this funding opportunity, a climate-smart commodity is defined as an agricultural commodity that is produced using agricultural (farming, ranching or forestry) practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or sequester carbon.
Funding will be provided to partners through the USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation for pilot projects to provide incentives to producers and landowners to:

Implement climate-smart production practices, activities, and systems on working lands.
Measure/quantify, monitor and verify the carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) benefits associated with those practices.
Develop markets and promote the resulting climate-smart commodities.

How to Apply
The primary applicant must be an entity, not an individual. A range of public and private entities may apply, including:

County, city or township governments
Special district governments
State governments
Small businesses
For profit organizations other than small businesses
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) (other than institutions of higher education)
Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) (other than institutions of higher education)
Private institutions of higher education, or
Public and State-controlled institutions of higher education.

Funding will be provided in two funding pools, and applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on:

April 8, 2022, for the first funding pool (proposals from $5 million to $100 million), and
May 27, 2022, for the second funding pool (proposals from $250,000 to $4,999,999).

Proposals must provide plans to:

Pilot implementation of climate-smart agriculture and/or forestry practices on a large-scale, including meaningful involvement of small and/or historically underserved producers.
Quantify, monitor, report and verify climate results.
Develop markets and promote climate-smart commodities generated as a result of project activities.

USDA is committed to equity in program delivery and is specifically seeking proposals from entities serving all types of producers, including small or historically underserved producers. Providing sufficient incentives to encourage producer participation and generating both verifiable greenhouse gas reduction and carbon sequestration benefits are critical to project success and will be considered in the evaluation criteria.
More Information
Visit usda.gov/climate-smart-commodities for additional information, including details on Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities and resources to support your application. Get more information from a virtual meeting hosted Wednesday, Feb. 16, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET. This webinar will focus on the details of the funding opportunity. Recordings will be available after the event.
USDA published a Request for Information in September 2021 seeking public comment and input on design of this new initiative and used the nearly 400 comments received to inform this funding opportunity.

MACD Board Meeting
2022-04-11 07:30 - 09:00 | Zoom
The MACD Board will meet on the second Monday of the Month at 7:30am. Contact Rebecca Boslough for meeting details.

Soil Health Webinar Series: Nature’s Functions
2022-04-12 | MT
Soil Health Webinar Series: Practical Example of Nature’s Functions
Panelists: Patrick Freeze, Willie Pretorius, Zach Wright
Date: April 12
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6316474401119/WN_VM5gb0ZZSk64qabKIwsvfg
Description: Willie Pretorius and Patrick Freeze of Ward Laboratories and Zach Wright of Living Soil Compost Lab LLC follow up from part 1 of our webinar series with a practical example of nature functioning in soil.
