MACD Board Meeting
2023-06-02 09:00 - 11:30 (America/Denver) | Montana DNRC Headquarters, 1539 11th Ave, Helena, MT, United States
For the month of June, the MACD Board Meeting will be held during the in-person Spring Board Meeting in Helena. We will also have zoom available.
We will meet from 9am-11:30am in the Montana Room (first floor) at DNRC headquarters at 1539 11th Ave.
More information is available on our draft meeting agenda HERE.

MACD Spring Board Meeting In Helena
2023-06-06 - 2023-06-08
The Annual MACD Spring Board Meeting will be held June 6-8th in Helena, MT.

Spring Board Meeting
2023-06-06 - 2023-06-08 | Helena, Montana, Helena, MT, 59601, United States

Montana Conservation District Employee Organization Meeting
2023-06-07 08:30 - 17:00
The Montana Conservation District Employee Organization will be meeting on June 7th in the Montana Room at the DNRC, 1539 Eleventh Ave, Helena Montana. Check in will begin at 8:30 am, with the meeting starting at 9 am.
Lunch details will be provided about 1 month in advance. I’ll be setting up online ordering from Jimmy John’s.
A room block (20 rooms, variety of configurations include double queen, king and deluxe king rooms) at the rate of $107/night, for the nights of the 6th and 7th of June. Call by May 12th to reserve your room!!! 406-443-1000 Room Block name is MCDEO. If you plan to share a room, please work that out with the person you’re planning to share with.
The MACD Board will be having a discussion, probably on the 7th, about the CD Funding Effort. We will plan to zoom into that meeting for that discussion.
Please RSVP by filling out this form.

MACD Annual Barbeque
2023-06-07 17:30 - 19:00 | Ten Mile Brewing, Helena
MACD Annual Barbeque
June 7 @ 5:30pm, Helena
MACD invites you to our annual barbeque at Ten Mile Brewing. We can’t wait to celebrate the 2023 legislative session with you! Food provided by Bad Betty’s Barbeque. Please RSVP here so that we can plan food for the event.
Learn More

Executive Committee
2023-06-15 08:00 - 17:00
Executive Committee | July 31, 2023 7:30am
Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83664649400?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 836 6464 9400 Passcode: [REDACTED]

River Rendezvous Tour
2023-06-21 | Jordan, MT, Jordan, MT, United States

MACD Finance Committee Meeting
2023-06-21 07:30 - 09:30 | Zoom
MACD Finance Committee
Wednesday, June 21⋅7:30 – 9:00am
Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85045326731?pwd=[REDACTED]

Employee Roundtable
2023-06-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Employee Roundtable
Wednesday, June 21⋅10:00am – 12:00pm
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Previous Roundtables recordings available here: https://employees.macdnet.org/trainings-recent-and-older/

CMR Community Working Group | June 22, Jordan MT
2023-06-22 | Jordan, MT, Jordan, MT, United States

The Wetland Training Institute: Hydric and Problem Area Soils
2023-06-22 - 2023-06-23
The Wetland Training Institute will again be offering a course in Helena this summer. This year’s topic is:
Hydric and Problem Area Soils
Course Overview
This course begins with 8 hours of online lectures on soil formation, redoximorphic features, soil color, drained hydric soils, and wetlands not meeting indicators. The 2-day field practicum includes field exercises and additional instruction on regional hydric soil indicators and problematic situations. Informed insights and a focus on field techniques and proper documentation should greatly improve the participant’s command of the Field Indicators of Hydric Soils, a major aspect of the Regional Supplements for wetland delineation. Field visits will examine natural, landscaped, and disturbed conditions and include time for in-depth questioning of a knowledgeable instructor to reinforce the lectures.
Participants will receive Lecture Notes, a Pocket Guide to Hydric Soils Indicators, and a USB drive containing the current Regional Supplements and other pertinent reference publications.
Expect to spend a minimum of 8-lecture-contact-hours online and 16 hours in the field. Online lectures can be started (and reviewed) at any time after December 12, 2022. All online lectures must be completed prior to attending chosen field practicum. Progress through online lectures at your own pace and review as many times as you wish until online courses close on November 30th each year.
Successful completion of course requires completion of online lectures and participation at one in-person 16-contact-hour field session.
More information can be found at: https://wetlandtraining.com/course/hydric-problem-area-soils/

Old Salt Music and Food Festival
2023-06-23 - 2023-06-25 | Helmville, MT, Helmville, Montana

2023 Range Tour
2023-07-06 08:00 - 17:00 | Emigrant, MT, Emigrant, MT, United States
Registration: https://opp.mt.gov/doa/opp/DNRRangelandResourceProgram/cart
MT-Range-Tour-AGENDA_2023

Q and A Sessions on MACD Resolution Process:
2023-07-06 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Q and A Sessions on MACD Resolution Process:
One hour sessions on the MACD Resolution process. Basic information on the process will be provided with a majority of the session reserved for questions and discussion.

Thursday, July 6th at 1:00 PM
Friday, July 7th at 7:00 AM
Wednesday, July 12th at 9:00 AM This session will be rescheduled for Thursday, July 27th at 9am. The zoom link will be the same.

Please see the attached letter from MACD Dean Rogge regarding the MACD Resolutions Process and Timeline. Please note that this is an updated version of the letter, which now includes the schedule for three Q and A Sessions (info also included below). The MACD Resolutions Process and Timeline is also attached. Please ensure this information is received by all CD boards.
MACD Letter on 2023 Resolutions [PDF]
To Districts_MACD Resolution Process
MACD Resolution Process [PDF]
MACD Resolutions Process and Timeline. 6-7-2023 Board Review
Please use the following zoom information for all three Info Sessions:

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88330554124?pwd=[REDACTED]
Phone: +13462487799 or +16694449171
Meeting ID: 883 3055 4124
Passcode: [REDACTED]

DEQ: Applications for Watershed Planning from Government, Tribes, and Nonprofits
2023-07-10
DEQ Asks for Applications for Watershed Planning from Government, Tribes and Nonprofits
Expanded Funding Opportunity Through Federal Funding
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Nonpoint Source and Wetlands Section is seeking to build local capacity for addressing nonpoint source pollution in areas that don’t currently have a DEQ-accepted Watershed Restoration Plan. We are soliciting requests for funding for capacity building and project planning projects in these areas. Projects must lead to reduction or prevention of nonpoint source pollution and must implement actions consistent with an existing state or tribal Nonpoint Source Management Plan.
The intent for these funds is to increase organizational capacity, aid in watershed planning, and/or lead to a grant application(s) for larger on-the-ground project activities that align with new EPA guidance.
Funding Source: USEPA §319 federal funds
Total Funding Available: $80,000
Individual Awards: Recommended $5,000 – $10,000 per applicant, not to exceed $10,000 per applicant
Cost Share: Encouraged, but not required (In-kind donations, other non-federal match)
Applications are due by close of business on July 10, 2023. Draft applications can be submitted for feedback in advance and DEQ staff is available to discuss ideas.
For more information on applying, visit MT DEQ Capacity and Planning Funding

MACD Board Meeting
2023-07-10 07:30 - 09:00 | Zoom
MACD Board Meeting
Monday, July 10⋅7:30 – 9:00am
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Convention Planning
2023-07-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Convention Planning
July 11th 10am – 12pm
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Action Items before next meeting:

Ideas for welcome event sponsor – ALL ($5k+ goal)

Contact speakers for presentations you are the lead on

Eric will work on the logo (Cultivating a sustainable future)

Food planning group will also meet to discuss the menu.

NACD Summer Meeting
2023-07-15 - 2023-07-19
Early bird registration for NACD’s 2023 Summer Meeting has been extended until Wednesday, June 28! Hosted in partnership with the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts, the 2023 Summer Meeting will take place in Bismarck, North Dakota from July 15-19, 2023. You don’t want to miss these networking opportunities, workshops, or tours!
Sign up to attend before June 28, 2023 to save up to $100 on registration costs with this early-bird special!
Hotel reservations at the Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center under the NACD block still need to be made by June 23 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Reservations can be made by calling 701-660-8063 and identifying yourself with the National Association of Conservation Districts.
Learn more about the meeting, agenda, tours, speakers, and how to register and reserve your hotel room on NACD’s website.

REGISTER FOR WORKSHOPS
Register for one of three workshops being held during the Summer Conservation Forum and Tour!
These workshops will explore: Regenerative Grazing on Public Lands and Conservation Leasing, Perspectives on Ecosystem Service Markets and the Eco-Harvest Program, and Developing Equitable Pathways to Market.

Saturday, July 15, 1-5 PM CT | Regenerative Grazing on Public Lands and Conservation Leasing
Saturday, July 15, 1-5 PM CT | ESMC & General Mills EcoHarvest Program
Saturday, July 16, 1-5 PM CT | Equitable Pathways to Market cohosted with Forum for the Future

Space for these workshops is limited! There is no cost to attend but all interested meeting attendees must register to participate. To reserve your spot, add the workshop to your schedule on the event app or email info@nacdnet.org.
Register Here

CEMIST Quarterly Meeting
2023-07-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
CEMIST would like to invite you to attend our Quarterly Meeting at the end of this month. The meeting will be virtual on July 26th from 1-3pm. We will be having updates from some of our partners and their efforts in IS management. Also, Jared Beaver, MSU Extension Associate Professor, will be presenting on Feral Pigs and their threat to our state.
Please share with your partners and contacts if you feel they would be interested in this meeting.
Below is the zoom link for the call and also attached is the informational flier.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82883670711?pwd=[REDACTED]

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

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).

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]
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Meeting ID: 835 3503 0314
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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.

MACD Resolutions Deadline
2023-08-15

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.

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

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

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!

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

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.
