Montana Association of Conservation Districts

Northern Plains Soil CD Employee Leadership Conference
2023-11-01 - 2023-11-03
Northern Plains Soil Conservation District Employee Leadership Conference to be held at the Lodge in Deadwood, South Dakota, November 1st through the 3rd.

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/northern-plains-soil-conservation-district-employee-leadership-conference-tickets-699827531987?aff=oddtdtcreator
This is a great opportunity to meet District Employees from other states and gain insight into how other states function along with learning how to better manage your District. It is a valuable workshop that I hope everyone can fit into their schedules.

Action, Implementation, & Mitigation (AIM) Funding
2023-10-27
Action, Implementation, & Mitigation (AIM) Funding Release
The AIM Program is dropping its REQUEST FOR CONCEPT PAPERS (RCP) on September 29, with RCPs due October 27.
Learn more about the AIM Grant: https://co-co.org/get-involved/grants/aim-grant/
The AIM grant is available for a wide variety of capacity-building activities, including personnel, planning efforts, and wildfire risk reduction work on non-federal lands. COCO funds organizations across the country with a focus on programs and projects that increase communities’ ability to overcome barriers to successful community wildfire mitigation, multiply the efforts, achieve quantifiable outcomes, support equitable and inclusive community wildfire mitigation programs across the fence, and support place-based solutions.
Applicants must demonstrate how their proposal fits into the larger community wildfire strategy, including coordination with federal partners on nearby public lands. Applicants must contribute a 100% match and may request from $10,000 up to $75,000. Grants are contracted for a period of one year.
Learn more about the grant and your eligibility now!

AIM Grant Informational Webinar
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM MT.
REGISTER NOW to reserve your spot and get your questions answered by the AIM team.
REGISTER HERE

CEMIST Quarterly Meeting
2023-10-24 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Denver) | lewiston, lewiston, MT, United States
CEMIST will host our Quarterly Meeting this month on October 24th starting at 9AM. It will be located at the Calvert Hotel in Lewistown, MT. We are also planning to provide a virtual option for those who are not able to attend in person.

The focus of the meeting will be AIS status in Montana and our neighboring states (Discussion led by Tom Woolf, MT FWP AIS Bureau Chief). We will also allow time for our partners to give an update as well. Attached is a draft agenda with call in information and location for the meeting.

CEMIST Quarterly Meeting 10_24_23 Agenda (DRAFT) (1)

MACD Board Meeting
2023-10-16 07:30 - 09:30 | Zoom
The MACD Board meets on the third Monday of the Month at 7:30am via zoom. Contact Rebecca Boslough for meeting details.
https://macdnet.org/about-us/board-organization-documents/

CDB Planning, Project, and Pollinator Grants
2023-10-15
CDB Grants | Oct 15
The first grant cycle for CDB Planning, Project, and Pollinator Grants is now open. Applications are due Oct. 15. Contact your CD Specialist to discuss these grant opportunities or to receive feedback on a draft application.
Grant Guidelines

Education Work Group Meeting
2023-10-06 09:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
Agenda items for this meeting are:

Assign note-taker
Reports from teams
Re-visit calendars for each team to start planning for next steps
Update on Canva project
Update from Statewide employee training
Need to put together a report from the Work Group for MACD
Set next meeting

Action items from last meeting were:

Kay Webb will create a new Education Folder, owned by MACD and work with Chris Evans to clean up the files.
Madi will create a step-by-step draft for Canva project

Topic: MACD Education Work Group Meeting
Time: Oct 6, 2023 09:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5538406576?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 553 840 6576
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Education Work Group Meeting
2023-10-06 09:00 - 10:00 | Zoom
Join us if you can, and forward to your board members as they are also welcome to join us!
Topic: MACD Education Work Group Meeting
Time: Oct 6, 2023 09:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5538406576?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 553 840 6576
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Area Meetings: Area 2
2023-10-05

Area Meetings: Area 1
2023-10-04

Area Meetings: Area 4
2023-10-03

MACD Executive Committee Meeting
2023-10-02 07:30 - 09:30 | Zoom
Contact Rebecca Boslough-King (rebecca@macdnet.org) for details.

Area Meetings: Area 6
2023-09-28

Area Meetings: Area 3
2023-09-27

Area Meetings: Area 5
2023-09-26

Employee Roundtable
2023-09-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
The next Roundtable is Wednesday, September 20th at 10 am. See Zoom information below.
This month’s RT is all about planning for the CD’s future, with a discussion about the Operations Audit, strategic and annual or operations plans, Budgeting, and succession planning. I am really hoping for lively discussion on these topics, with feedback from you all on what your district is doing, or what you’d like to do. Let’s share some ideas on things!!! If your CD has a plan in place, or tools that they’ve created, please feel free to share them with me so we’ll have even more to talk about! Even if you’re just looking for ideas on how to do this at your district, send me your questions! Pass this on to your supervisors! They’re also welcome to attend the Roundtables!
Please don’t forget to fill out the Employee Organization Training Survey since we are already planning for training in 2024! Topic ideas submitted could be for the statewide employee training in 2024, special training events, or the Roundtables.=
Also, if you’d like to nominate someone (or more than one!) for an award from MACD or the Employee Organization, go fill out the nomination form! It’s super easy this year, even easier than last year! Spread the joy by nominating someone for something! The link is at https://convention.macdnet.org/awards/.
Topic: Montana CD Employee Roundtable
Time: Sep 20, 2023 10:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Every month on the Third Wed, 3 occurrence(s)
Sep 20, 2023 10:00 AM
Oct 18, 2023 10:00 AM
Dec 20, 2023 10:00 AM
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZMsdempqzIjG9KfW6c3fMzfklR___WT4Tts/ics?icsToken=[REDACTED]
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87120159916?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 871 2015 9916
Passcode: [REDACTED]

EO Roundtable Meetings usually meet on the third Wednesday of the month. For this month’s zoom information contact Chris Evans (chris@lewisandclarkcd.org).

Convention Planning Meeting
2023-09-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
MACD has a convention planning meeting scheduled for next Tuesday at 10:00am. Meeting agenda is attached and up-to-date Convention agenda.
September 12 Convention Meeting MinutesLand Trust_Conservation Panel Questions

MACD Board Meeting
2023-09-18 07:30 - 09:00
MACD Board will be Monday, Sept. 18th at 7:30am via zoom.
Montana Association of Conservation Districts is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89875002317?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 898 7500 2317
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Info Sessions on running for the MACD Board
2023-09-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
Info Sessions on running for the MACD Board

Sept 15 at 2pm
Sept 18 at 9:15am

We have several upcoming info sessions for those who may have interest in running for the MACD Board. If you are interested but are not able to attend one of these sessions – please reach out and we will get a call/zoom scheduled with me or a current board member.

Please use the same zoom info for all three meetings

Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88598585282?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 885 9858 5282
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Phone: +16892781000 or +1719359458

MISC Informational Meeting on eDNA and metabarcoding
2023-09-14 08:30 - 14:30
On September 14th MISC will host an informational meeting about eDNA and metabarcoding and how they apply to invasive species detections. Guest speakers are John Amberg (USGS), Gordon Luikart (University of Montana), and Taylor Wilcox (Rocky Mountain Research Station). The meeting will be held at the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks office from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Both meetings are open to the public and virtual attendance is available. Register by Sept 11th using the link below.
MISC is a statewide partnership working to protect Montana’s economy, natural resources, and public health through a coordinated approach to combat invasive species. All MISC meetings are open to the public.
For more information about the meeting and to access meeting materials, visit misc.mt.gov or email Liz Lodman, Council Administrator, at liz.lodman@mt.gov.
To attend these meetings in-person or via zoom, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MISCSeptPublic or email your request to MISC Administrative Assistant Anna Connerton at anna.connerton@mt.gov and include your name and affiliation. Written comments can be emailed to staff and will be forwarded to the Council.

Montana Invasive Species Council Meetings
2023-09-13 10:00 - 16:00 | Fish, Wildlife and Parks office at 3201 Spurgin Road in Missoula, at 3201 Spurgin Road, Missoula
Montana Invasive Species Council meets Sept 13
in Missoula

HELENA, Mont — The Montana Invasive Species Council (MISC) will hold its next council meeting on Wednesday, September 13th, at the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks office at 3201 Spurgin Road in Missoula. The meeting will run from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
On September 14th MISC will host an informational meeting about eDNA and metabarcoding and how they apply to invasive species detections. Guest speakers are John Amberg (USGS), Gordon Luikart (University of Montana), and Taylor Wilcox (Rocky Mountain Research Station). The meeting will be held at the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks office from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Both meetings are open to the public and virtual attendance is available. Register by Sept 11th using the link below.
MISC is a statewide partnership working to protect Montana’s economy, natural resources, and public health through a coordinated approach to combat invasive species. All MISC meetings are open to the public.
For more information about the meeting and to access meeting materials, visit misc.mt.gov or email Liz Lodman, Council Administrator, at liz.lodman@mt.gov.
To attend these meetings in-person or via zoom, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MISCSeptPublic or email your request to MISC Administrative Assistant Anna Connerton at anna.connerton@mt.gov and include your name and affiliation. Written comments can be emailed to staff and will be forwarded to the Council.

Upper Musselshell CD Grazing Seminar (Harlowton)
2023-09-12 08:30 - 15:30 | The Barnsion, 402 South River Drive, Harlowton, Montana, 59036, United States
Upper Musselshell Conservation District Grazing Seminar in Harlowtown
Hear from Cooper Hibbard, Craig and Tyler French, and Allison Cooley-Agee!
Lunch and notetaking supplies will be provided
Registration and Coffee 8:30-9:30
9:30 Welcome and first presentation
12:00-1:00 lunch
3:30 wrap up!
If you need to pay cash or check, please send payment along with the number and names of attendees to Upper Musselshell Conservation District PO Box 201, Harlowton, MT 59036 by September 5th

Grazing Seminar Flyer

Ruminating on Grazing: Lessons from Montana Ranchers
2023-09-12
Tuesday, September 12
Ruminating on Grazing: Lessons from Montana Ranchers
Come on out for a day of learning, listening, and discussion! Eat a delicious meal and ruminate with us on everything Montana grazing.
Event Registration Hear from Cooper Hibbard, Craig and Tyler French, and Allison Cooley-Agee!
Lunch and notetaking supplies will be provided
Registration and Coffee 8:30-9:30
9:30 Welcome and first presentation
12:00-1:00 lunch
3:30 wrap up!
If you need to pay cash or check, please send payment along with the number and names of attendees to Upper Musselshell Conservation District PO Box 201, Harlowton, MT 59036 by September 5th

Cooper Hibbard is a member of the fifth generation and Foreman of Sieben Live Stock Company in Adel, MT. The ranch is home to cattle, sheep, wildlife, and people. Learn more about Sieben Live Stock Company here:
https://www.siebenlivestock.com/#home
Cooper has been on numerous podcasts, spoken far and wide, and remains a humble individual. Watch a short clip of Cooper here:

More info about our speakers will be updated soon!

Applications DUE for Education and Outreach Mini Grants
2023-09-08 08:00 - 17:00
Education & Outreach Water Quality Mini Grants

2023 Statewide Employee Training (SET)
2023-08-27 - 2023-08-29 | Fort Peck Hotel, Fort Peck, MT, United States
Statewide Employee Training (SET) | Aug 27-29
At this year’s training we will attend the play “Misery” at the historic Fort Peck Theater, and talk about Conservation District Authority, Mock Educational Event, Social Media, Working remotely, and give a YouTube Primer
Accomodations for the event will be at Historic Fort Peck Hotel (no need to reserve a room) If you prefer to camp at the downstream campground, make your reservations early. www.recreation.gov

Governor's Drought and Water Supply Advisory Committee (DWSAC)
2023-08-17 09:30 - 11:00
The Governor’s Drought and Water Supply Advisory Committee (DWSAC) will meet next Thursday, August 17, at 9:30 a.m.
With the onset of very dry conditions in July and higher daytime temperatures, drought conditions are expanding from the northwest across the highline and south into Beaverhead and Madison counties. DWSAC will receive an update on current drought conditions, current and projected stream flows, recent and potential wildfire activity, USDA drought relief programs, and fishing restrictions.
Agenda
Via Zoom or in-person in DNRC’s Montana Room, 1539 11th Ave., Helena

Please note, there will not be an official update on the Montana Drought Management Plan at this meeting. The planning team is currently sorting, summarizing, incorporating, and responding to the 55 comments received during public comment. Responses will be posted alongside the final Plan this fall.

MACD Resolutions Deadline
2023-08-15

NACD 2023 Outreach and Technical Assistance Grant Program
2023-08-08
NACD 2023 Outreach and Technical Assistance Grant Program
Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM ET on August 6th, 2023.
NACD is pleased to announce the FY2023 Outreach and Technical Assistance grant program. In partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), NACD anticipates award of approximately $15 million in conservation operations technical assistance (COTA), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) funding. Learn more about the program through this recording: https://youtu.be/PSwFauRqO-o or visit the NACD grant page.

Education Work Group
2023-07-27 09:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
Housekeeping
Review of Team Calendars as a reminder to set us up for fall/winter activities
Co-chair reports (Eric Rannestad is looking for a co-chair for the Outreach Team and the Stewardship week/Poster Contest team, and I am looking for a co-chair for the Rolling Rivers Trailer Team)
Team Updates as applicable
Action Items from last meeting

LaRinda will update the scholarship ads to better suit Instagram–maybe 2 formats, one that’s 8.5×11 and one that’s square?
Help Eric find a co-chair for the poster contest and outreach teams.
Chris will find a co-chair for the rolling river trailer team
Eric will send out a reminder email for the poster contest.
Chris will look into doing a Canva training or adding it to the monthly round table.

Education Funding remaining in LCCD’s grant from DNRC-Proposal to use it for travel funding for Statewide Employee Training
Other business/Open mic
Set next meeting date/time

Topic: MACD Education Work Group
Time: Jul 27, 2023 09:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Every 2 months on the Fourth Thu, until Jan 25, 2024, 4 occurrence(s)
Jul 27, 2023 09:00 AM
Sep 28, 2023 09:00 AM
Nov 23, 2023 09:00 AM
Jan 25, 2024 09:00 AM
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZcodOyorTspG9A0UXTRV82NVyn2ch1ptXFo/ics?icsToken=[REDACTED]
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83535030314?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 835 3503 0314
Passcode: [REDACTED]
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Noxious Weeds Ed Conservation Field School For Teachers
2023-07-27 - 2023-07-28 | Jack Creek Preserve, Ennis, MT, United States
A Conservation Field School for public school teachers being hosted at the Jack Creek Preserve Foundation in beautiful Ennis, MT July 27-28. This will be a two day event with lodging and meals included with the registration cost. During the training, teachers will receive continuing education credits, learn all about noxious weed identification and control, as well as how to adopt three amazing noxious weed education programs in their classroom:
1) Pull Your Share
2) The Whitehall Project (biocontrol)
3) The Kids in Action Initiative

Register Here

Teachers may also register on the Jack Creek Preserve Foundation website. Feel free to reach out to me for info or Abi King (Executive Director, Jack Creek Preserve Foundation).

Area Hosts Meeting
2023-07-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
Meeting for 2023 Area Hosts and MACD Staff.
