Conservation Chronicle January 2018

Conservation Chronicle

Published in the interest of encouraging the most beneficial utilization of natural resources within Cascade County

Volume 52, Number III January 2018

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Gayla Wortman, Chairman Elliot Merja, Vice Chairman 34 year NRCS Career

Marc Shane, Treasurer It has been quite a ride. I started my career as a student trainee for the John Chase, Urban Supervisor Soil Conservation Service, SCS, after my junior year at MSU. The first Alan Rollo, Supervisor office I went to was Helena. The next summer I went to Livingston and did mostly range inventory. After graduation, with a degree in range Stevie Neuman, Supervisor management, I went to the Plant Materials Center in Bridger. We Scott Brown, Urban Supervisor worked on plant evaluations on mine land reclamation and tree/shrub plantings as well as plant evaluation plantings. I was there for about a Rose Malisani, Associate year and a half. While I was there I somehow talked my better half, Judy, Jim Freeman, Associate into marrying me and moved from Bridger to the Billings field office. A Jim Larson, Associate year later I resigned because I had the opportunity to farm on Judy’s parents’ farm. We were there for 5 years, and because of 15 to 20 % interest rates and drought conditions, and Judy having a teaching job in DISTRICT STAFF Laurel, it just was not meant to be. We moved to Laurel, where Judy Tenlee Atchison, Administrator taught in a very good school system and I worked for a friend that had a Laura Crawford, Admin Assistant landscaping business. In 1987 I applied with SCS and came back on in Malta. I was there for about a year and a half, then moved to Philipsburg

as the District Conservationist, DC. I was there for a year and then NRCS STAFF moved back to the highline at Chinook as the DC. We were there for Matt Crampton, District Conservationist 19 and a half years. After raising our family there, we moved to Great Craig Biggart, Soil Conservationist Falls in 2010. I am the DC here and in 2013 became the supervisory DC in Stanford. There are things about the job that have been somewhat of a trial, but I think that is with any job. What I will remember about the places I have been and the positions I have held are the people. That is

In This Issue my take away.

Alan’s Changing World 2 God Bless! Matt Crampton Technology……. 3 FWP Programs 4-5 Whatchabeenupto…… 6-8 Water in a changing…. 8-9

AIS Update 10-11

Upcoming Events 12-13

Matt Crampton, NRCS District Conservationist at 2017 Ag Days making edible soil cups with 4th Graders!

PAGE 2 CONSERVATION CHRONICLE Volume 52, Number III

By: Supervisor Alan Rollo

When I was growing up on a farm in Illinois, I really effort, I met many hard-working, dedicated individuals. In enjoyed playing in the little stream that went through the fact, way too many to list by name. What a great team effort place – even if I had to share it with the hogs. As I grew up, I it has been. I cannot put into words what it has meant to me continued to enjoy playing in the water in any way I could to be part of something so wonderful as the Sun River find. In 1975 the Air Force decided I needed to be in Great Watershed effort. Falls, Montana. I soon found the mountain streams, where I On the CCD side of my fun - in 2010, the CCD board continued to play in the water with our three daughters and members decided it was time for me to join the CCD team friends. My fascination of water led me to take classes and as a full fledge supervisor. The only thing that really changed attend educational events about Montana water quality and was I could vote on issues that came before the CCD board. stream dynamics. One of the educational events occurred in Through the many years of being involved with the CCD – the early 1990s where the Cascade Conservation District there has been ups and downs but for most of the time it has sponsored a stream dynamics class taught by a Dr. been a GREAT ride. The CCD board is now completely Reichmuth. WOW – that class gave me new information on different than when I first became involved, and one constant how and why moving water reacted the way it did. I started has been the CCD team tackling complex issues – NEVER attending the CCD meetings even though the board willing to sit on the sidelines when there were natural members were suspicious of why a member of the Air Force resource issues to be worked on. This story would turn into would want to sit in on their boring meetings. The CCD a book if I tried to tell all the good things about the CCD administrator took a different approach by being more team. inclusive, teaching me what a conservation district did and what issues the CCD was tackling. During that educational period the CCD picked up a hard task of bringing together a variety of interest groups to try again to solve a massive erosion problem on a little stream called Muddy Creek. At the urging of a past Muddy Creek project coordinator, I quickly volunteered to represent the environmental community on the newly formed Muddy Creek Task Force. I got to witness first-hand lots of new stream restoration ideas on this huge undertaking. As this project started to build momentum, I was nearing the end of my Air Force career. Luckily for me, the Muddy Creek Task Force, through the CCD, hired me to become the next coordinator for this massive project. I was also lucky that in 2000, the CCD Board Supervisors—Alan Rollo, front; Scott board invited me to become an associated supervisor. This Brown, middle; and Stevie Neuman, back. meant I got to participate in discussions and 310 inspections but could not vote. WOW again – I was now part of the Because there are too many personal things I needed to CCD family. deal with that prevent me from actively participating in CCD As the years went by, I continued to work on the Muddy board duties – 2017 is my last year as a supervisor, but the Creek erosion problem, eventually being part of an awesome board has allowed me to return in the associate supervisor group effort to take the team approach to the entire Sun role. With any luck, I will return as a supervisor sometime in River Watershed. I was also lucky enough to be part of this the future. But for now, my priority is family. The time has team when they reduced the erosion in Muddy Creek by 80% finally come for me not to work as much and fully enjoy time - taking the sediment load entering the Sun River from with my wonderful wife, our three lovely daughters, 10 approximately 200,000 tons per year down to 27,000 tons awesome grandkids, my mom, and the rest of my family. per year. One of the reasons this team approach on Muddy Onward and upward as one constant thing in life occurs Creek and other Sun River projects was so successful – there will be change. Hopefully, all of you can be as lucky because the CCD led that charge – especially board member as I have been - to be part of a great team that enjoys getting Dale Marxer. Through the years working on the Sun River shit done AND having fun.

Volume 52, Number III CONSERVATION CHRONICLE PAGE 3

By: Elliot Merja, Vice Chair In the 70s, there were numerous we did truly made a difference. A wise for fertilizer and what we should be people that planted tree and grass person once told me, “A short pencil is doing for weed spraying, was valuable. barrier rows in order to prevent better than a long memory.” Too This helps us to develop maps so that erosion from the wind. Some of these often the question arises what bin did we are working smarter which has worked better than others. As time that grain go in or even worse where great economic benefits for everyone. proved, some of these practice changes did we seed the IMI (idazolinone- In this day and age, we've gone from needed to happen. As an example, resistant) wheat? steering tractors by hand to disc where people use chem fallow, both marker systems on the side of each the trees and the grasses have trouble. We had an interesting year last year, implement to having the GPS steer Spray drift becomes a major with early spring moisture making it entirely. It's so technical you can component. Noted by one producer, difficult to get spring crops in, but actually farm ground that is irregularly “Now I have branches to deal with winter crops looked great, which shaped, that the tractor will follow or because I no longer have a plow brought the earliest harvest in our set up a pivot on the inside that will keeping the trees cleaned up.” memory and one of the better make the circle all the way to the harvests, even though it was hot and outside or vice versa. What surprises No matter how much technology we dry from June on. What did show up me is the number of conservation have, we still have struggles to deal was not blowing dirt but tumbleweeds districts that are looking to get a no till with. Technology can help us, but we and the challenge to kill weeds in the drill because their constituents are still need to look at good practices. hot dry climate. That proved to be a largely using conventional tillage. There One of the practices we learned again very difficult task. I drive along fence is a place for conventional tillage and a this year (due to weather), is to not rows now and see tumbleweeds off place for no till and those are choices spray anything after the temperature farms where we haven't seen weeds that are made by moisture availability, got up to 80 degrees. That meant not like this in years. and/or wind and crop rotations. In our getting much spraying done in the case, we started no till (seriously) in daylight. As the temperatures rose too the 70s and went to virtually all no-till quickly, plants were stressed for water, “Now I have branches to in the 80s. I look around at the lack of so they would shut down early and the deal with because I no dust blowing off of Airport Hill in chemicals had limited effect. There is a longer have a plow Great Falls or the lack of dust that used danger in creating a resistant plant. By to blow out of the fields along the having them survive poorly timed keeping the trees interstate fence lines, that had been chemical applications or the lack of cleaned up.” covered with dirt years ago that aren't using chemicals that have differing now because there's virtually no black modes of action. One constant practice summer fallow being done here, No-till is that of being good stewards by Cascade Conservation District held a works in our area. keeping good records. Without those, summit in October. A discussion about we don't know what works and what technology, using drones, protein Innovation and technology doesn’t work in varying conditions. We testers and yield monitors that helped is here! Can you dig it? don't know what's causing us problems correlate data from one to the other or whether any of the treatments that to determine what we should be doing

Cascade Conservation District is on the web at www.cascadecd.com

PAGE 4 CONSERVATION CHRONICLE Volume 52, Number III

Popular Wildlife Habitat Projects for Landowners

FWP MANAGEMENT LEASE AGREEMENTS ineligible for Open Fields. (320 CRP Acres x $5.00/acre) x 10 years = $16,000.00 Habitat Management Lease Agreements (HML’s) HML’s are FWP’s newest lease agreement administered Long-term Grassland Conservation Leases through the Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program. 30-year, long-term Conservation Leases are designed for HML’s were purposefully designed for the working-private working lands that are inherently, exceptionally valuable to lands known also for their excellent hunting opportunities. many wildlife species, in particular, sensitive migratory HML Agreements outline annual payments to the landowner waterfowl and grassland songbirds. FWP recognizes the in exchange for resting otherwise productive lands for wildlife importance of protecting these properties, ‘as is’, so longterm habitat. Payments are based on categorized cover types and population stability can be maintained. Conservation Lease may also include reimbursement for infrastructure needs Agreements for 2017 and forward include a one-time (primarily fencing materials) and herbicide for weed control. payment of $30/acre for a basic commitment to maintain Examples of project areas leased out with HML Agreements native vegetation and wetland areas on the property and include productive wetland areas, creek bottoms known to provide reserved public access for hunting and/or other support woody vegetation, and old hay fields associated with recreational opportunities such as bird watching. Specifically, other productive habitat components like shelterbelts around the landowner agrees not to plow, burn, spray, or otherwise abandoned homesteads. HML’s are designed for small, high- remove existing native grassland vegetation, sagebrush, or value areas (<160 acres in size) that are otherwise too costly drain wetlands for the term of the contract. Land manager to be left unused for longer periods of time. HML’s pay up to grazing practices are not restricted in any way with this type $25/acre/year annually and receipts are required for of agreement. Expiring CRP acres may be eligible for reimbursement if additional cost-share is requested and payment if they are part of a larger area that includes native approved. As part of the agreement, the property is signed habitats. Proposed projects must compete for limited funding ‘Open’ to upland game bird hunters for the fall hunting season and meet several initial criteria before becoming finalized. Sept 1 – January 1, unless the property is enrolled in the Block Management Program. COST-SHARE AGREEMENTS Open Fields Program Leases Working Grassland Initiative Open Fields Leases are designed to incentivize FWP has dollars set aside for range infrastructure landowners with active CRP Contracts to consider wildlife improvements on private land, in areas identified in Montana’s friendly management options and also encourage free public State Wildlife Action Plan. Through cost-share agreements, hunting. Open Fields use matching dollars from the NRCS FWP can provide material costs for water and fencing Farm Bill Grant Program and upland game bird hunting license infrastructure needs on lands with expiring CRP and those dollars to pay landowners an additional $5/acre/year on top scheduled to be incorporated into new or existing livestock of their current CRP rental payments. Stipulations include: operations. Cost-share for converting stands dominated by 1) restricting emergency haying and grazing during drought crested wheatgrass to native species may also be included in years and 2) maintaining a traditional mid-contract the agreement. The intent of the Working Grassland maintenance schedule. A onetime payment by FWP is made Initiative is to incentivize grass-based agricultural practices in in January of the year the contract is activated. As part of the areas known to have significant value to wildlife. Land agreement, the property is signed ‘Open’ to upland game bird manager grazing practices are not restricted with this type of hunters for the fall hunting season Sept 1 – January 1. agreement. Properties already enrolled in Block Management are

Cascade Conservation District is on the web at www.cascadecd.com

Volume 52, Number III CONSERVATION CHRONICLE PAGE 5 …….continued from page 4

Hay Fields & Other Grass Plantings cooperators equipment. - Block design is preferable to a linear If interested in planting and managing hay land temporarily design, recognizing limitations of farm operations and existing for upland game bird habitat, FWP can assist with the material landscapes. - Fabric mulch within rows is required – FWP costs needed to establish a productive stand (i.e. seed and provides 6-ft wide mulch as part of the agreement. - Drip herbicide costs). Minimum field size is 30 acres and block irrigation systems, snow fence and deer/livestock exclosure plantings are preferred. Contracts last for 10 years, after fence are available as well. - In-row spacing (3 – 6 ft. w/ which the producer can manage the stand as they please. For shorter shrubs; 6 – 10 ft. w/ taller shrubs) - Between-row non-CRP plantings 60 acres in size or more, up to a third of spacing (12 – 15 ft. w/ shorter shrubs; 15 – 24 ft. w/taller the stand may be hayed or grazed annually after July 15th. For shrubs). Popular Species: - Caragana, Rocky Mountain Juniper, smaller plantings, up to half of the stand may be hayed or Common Lilac, Eastern Red Cedar, Common Chokecherry, grazed after July 15th every 3 years. All fields may be mowed Silver Buffaloberry, American Plum. for weed control the first growing season following planting. Seed mixes would be dominated by wildlife friendly grass Rest-Rotation Grazing Management Systems species but would also likely include a high percentage of alfalfa For over 30 years FWP has endorsed and cost-shared on or something similar. Hunting access would be required for a rest-rotation grazing system developed by August Ludwig the term of the contract but via a default agreement where a Hormay. (See Principles of Rest-Rotation Grazing and limited amount of hunters (i.e. upland game bird hunters only) Multiple-Use Land Management, September 1970). The would have to make reservations with the landowner prior to Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program reimburses hunting. landowners for costs associated with establishing a system including fencing, pipelines, wells and other infrastructure. Food Plots The program can pay up to 50% of costs for wells and water FWP’s Food Plot Project has recently undergone rule lines (MCA87-1-248-5c) and 75% on all other necessary changes. Producers can now receive pre-paid food plot seed infrastructure. Grazing systems are intended for areas that (up to $25/acre) on top of the $150/acre payment for leaving provide or have the potential to provide high quality habitat, the crop standing throughout the winter months. Prior to this particularly for grouse species (i.e. sharp-tailed grouse, sage- change, producers had to submit receipts for seed unless they grouse, and dusky grouse). Agreement terms range from 15 – left grain unharvested (preferably solid stem winter wheat). 21 years depending on the total project cost. All that is The new ‘diverse seed’ mixes vary slightly depending on the required is a reservation-style, limited amount of public local seed supplier but do include species like sorghum- hunting for upland game birds. FWP may use up to $200,000 sudangrass, millet, annual sunflowers, clover, and lentils. A (with Commission approval) from the Upland Game Bird producer may enroll up to two, five-acre plots on agricultural Program and other sources to fund valuable rest-rotation lands near winter cover and receive a maximum of $1,500/ systems. Co-assistance through Farm Bill Programs such as year (winter cover must be within a ¼-mile). The minimum the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is contract length is three years and upland game bird hunting encouraged. See the attached document “FWP Minimum must be allowed on a minimum of 160 acres. Hunting access Standards for Grazing Livestock” for more details on cost- would be required for the term of the contract but only via a share agreements involving a pre-defined grazing management default agreement by which a limited number of hunters (i.e. system. upland game bird hunters only) would have to make reservations with the landowner prior to hunting. For more information about Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks landowner programs, please contact your Wildlife Friendly Shelterbelts nearest wildlife biologist, regional FWP office, or the Receive free shrub seedlings, fabric mulch and FWP Habitat Bureau at (406) 444-5633 reimbursements for fence and drip irrigation when part of an FWP Shelterbelt Cost-share Agreement. Design: - A minimum of 5 rows wide and 300 feet in length. More rows Visit: http://fwp.mt.gov/fishAndWildlife/landowners/ for more are encouraged. - The minimum between-row spacing is 12 programs feet; however, consideration is made to accommodate the

PAGE 6 CONSERVATION CHRONICLE Volume 52, Number III Whatchabeenupto...

By: Laura Crawford

Thanks to the planning and from Ag Data Resource. They offered information on how sponsorship of the conservation drones may be used in conservation districts, with Brandon districts in Lewis & Clark County, bringing in his drone for show-n-tell. Finally, the first day Valley County, Yellowstone ended with dinner and Sharon Lacey from Sharon Lacey County, and Cascade County, and Comedy, who made laughter ring out from every table. the partnership of Department of Second day started with Mary Natural Resources & Conservation Tyrrell, Global Institute of Sustainable (DNRC), a successful supervisor Forestry, and Angela Wells, DNRC, summit was hosted in Great Falls. providing tools, like outreach With a DNRC conservation district activities, to engage landowners in Great Falls Mayor Bob Kelly grant, the two-day event brought in conservation. After lunch was a supervisors and administrators session with Montana Association of from 20 counties near and far, as well as Cascade County Conservation Districts (MACD) commissioners, members from DNRC, MT Salinity Control, board members Mark Suta, Dean Missouri River Conservation District Council (MRCDC), and Rogge, Jim Simpson, and Gary Giem. Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Finally, the summit ended with snow Mary Tyrrell The first day started off with a falling outside and many great Executive Director at welcome speech from Great Falls comments to host another summit Global Institute of Mayor Bob Kelly, the posting of the again. One attendee said, “I enjoyed Sustainable Forestry colors by Electric City FFA, and the the session on engaging landowners”, first guest Thanks to sponsors like Coors, on a survey that was given out. speaker, Frank A highlight of this summit was the Ortiz, with his MSCA, and Frontline Ag Solutions, amount of networking that went on presentation snacks were provided during the and how important it is to keep on reaching sessions over the two days. partnerships strong with other for happiness agencies and the community. We all with positive thinking and setting Frank Ortiz, have the goal of maintaining Montana’s natural beauty to the goals. The first session, was on the Motivational Speaker best of our abilities and that takes partnership. With the San Bernardino, CA role of conservation districts in the educational and inspirational information presented by the recovery after fires with guest many speakers, Montana’s natural beauty can be maintained speakers Ray Beck, DNRC, and Dean Rogge, Garfield County and enjoyed by all. Conservation District Supervisor. Then Nicole Cartwright, Tahoe Resource Conservation District, and Tom Woolf, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Bureau Chief at MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks, shared their knowledge on living with the Right: Nicole threat of mussels in the waters and the role of communities to Cartwright, Executive Director at Tahoe keep them from spreading to other water systems. After that, Resource attendees went to a session of crafting a Land Use Ordinance Conservation with speakers, Karl Christians, DNRC, and Jeff Pattison, Valley District, Lake Tahoe, CD Supervisor. Just before dinner came a drone technology CA session with Chuck Merja, local farmer, and Brandon Ewen

Volume 52, Number III CONSERVATION CHRONICLE PAGE 7 Shanes Honored as Centennial Family by Lyndsay Bruno | Nov 17, 2017

By David E., Shirley, Marc, Maggie, and Annie Shane

On July 8, 2017 Shane Farm celebrated their centennial out on the farm with many friends and family, including members from the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth generations.

Lester Shane was born December 6, 1879 and Lucy Aitchison was born February 6, 1881. They were married in Speer, Illinois on December 23, 1902. Their two sons, Harold and Hubert, were born in Speer, Illinois on December 4, 1903 and June 23, 1913 respectively. Lester and Lucy Shane moved from Illinois to Montana with their two boys Harold and Hubert on February 6, 1917. Lucy purchased the first piece of land west of Portage in March of 1917 and Lester bought the second piece of land where the original home once stood, in October that same year. The boys worked alongside their parents until 1935 when Lester and Lucy retired from the farm. Harold and Hubert took over after their parents moved into Great Falls and the two sons bought the farm in 1947. Lester and Lucy passed away simultaneously in August of 1956 in Great Falls.

Hubert took over the original farm from his parents, while Harold farmed just north of his brother on property he had been leasing for several years prior to his parents retiring. Harold married Helen Bell in 1926 and started a family, raising two daughters, Gail and Sharlee, and one son, David. In 1931 Harold’s family moved further north and in 1935 bought the current home of David and Shirley Shane. Over the years Harold and Hubert purchased more pieces of land that are all currently parts of Shane Farm. David married his wife Shirley Stillman of Choteau, Montana on June 10, 1956. They had three daughters, Tara, Darci, and Karel, and one son, Marc, that all grew up on the Harold Shane farm. David took over the farm in 1962 after his father passed away. Hubert continued on the properties he owned until the early 1970’s when he retired and David purchased his land. David and his son Marc worked together on the farm until David retired in 1993 and Marc took over.

Harold and David were both very conservation oriented. Harold was on the original committee for the Soil and Water Conservation District in Cascade County and his son David continued in his footsteps. Over the years they started to use many conservation focused practices including grass waterways and adding over 30 miles of Caragana windbreaks. Practices like this earned them the Outstanding Cooperators Award from the Conservation District in both 1965 and 1997. David was a very innovative farmer with advanced crop rotations including mustard for 29 years. He started to practice no till and minimum till farming in the late 1970’s and his son still continues this practice today.

Marc purchased his first piece of land in 1982 south of the original farm where Hubert had lived. In 1993, he married Rachel Pachek and they had three children, Maggie, Annie, and David. Marc continues operating the land his family has accumulated over the years, including a piece of property his sister bought in 2003, with the help of his father and children. Marc has also joined the Conservation District like his father and grandfather, continuing in their conservation practices.

Harold and Helen were very active in Montana Farmers Union. Helen was a big advocate for the Farmers Union Education Program. Harold was on the Board of Directors for the Farmers Union Oil Company of Great Falls and Farmers Union Elevator of Portage. David grew up being very involved in Farmers Union too. He attended the Fort Assiniboine Camp in Havre, Montana, went to All-States in Colorado, traveled to New York for the Encampment of Citizenship, and received his Torchbearer Award. …….continued on page 8

Left: The Shane Farm celebrates farm centennial at the 2017 Montana Farmers Union’s 102nd annual convention last month.

Cascade Conservation District is on the web at www.cascadecd.com

PAGE 8 CONSERVATION CHRONICLE Volume 52, Number III

…….continued from page 7 He also followed in his father’s footsteps in both the Farmers Union Oil Company of Great Falls and Farmers Union Elevator of Portage Board of Directors. David’s children were very active in Farmers Union as well. They grew up going to the summer camps at Arrowpeak Lodge, working as summer staff, and also attending All-States. Marc’s three children have also stayed very involved by attending the summer camp since an early age, working as summer staff, traveling to All-States, attending many State and National Farmers Union Conventions and Conferences, and all three have received their Torchbearer Award.

Montana Farmers Union wants to congratulate the Shane family on reaching this milestone and appreciate the opportunity to share it with them!

Article and picture borrowed from Montana Farmer’s Union website: https://montanafarmersunion.com/shanes-honored-centennial-family/

approximately 886,000 people in Montana, which is about Water in a Changing 58% of the state's population.” When I checked the Western Reginal Climate Center (wrcc@dri-edu/anom/mon West… -anom.html), I discovered that for Cascade County the average temperature for December to date has been the by Gayla Wortman, Chair mid to upper 30s and even into the 40s in some areas. In The current weather pattern in Montana has me really December? Not in the Montana I live in! worried. Not mildly concerned; not bothered or troubled, but really worried…anxious even. You see, I am a problem solver. My Dad always told me that “if you don’t like what’s “It’s better to have it and not need it going on, then fix it.” But, I can’t fix this. I can’t make it rain than it is to need it and not have it…” or snow. I can’t make the temperature go down in the summer and I can’t make that dang wind stop blowing. I

can’t fix this – and that makes me worried. So, for we worriers, what is to be done? Sadly, short of a The National Integrated Drought Information System rain dance or cloud seeding, not much. But, there are some (NIDIS) reports that almost 25% of the contiguous United water use and management efforts that can be employed on States is in a drought of some degree. That’s one quarter of an individual basis. Producers can develop a budget for the the United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. One fourth! water available based on the pressures that water will have That is quite a land mass. Cascade County is listed as in the coming months. And, that is where your local “abnormally dry”. And, you know, as I look out my living conservation district can be of assistance. room window this windy afternoon in December when it is 46 above zero, I believe they are right! According to the NIDIS, “Abnormal dryness or drought are currently affecting …….continued on page 9

Cascade Conservation District is on the web at www.cascadecd.com

Volume 52, Number III CONSERVATION CHRONICLE PAGE 9 …….continued from page 8

As a conduit to programs and services through the shifting economy, the Montana Water Summit will highlight Department of Natural Resources and the Governor’s the impacts from these well-documented pressures on the Drought & Water Supply Committee, we can provide state’s water resources (quantity and quality), examine landowners and water users and managers information and water policy and management challenges at the quality/ educational opportunities that will help them prepare and endure significant and prolonged periods of drought. Over the last few years, it has become evident that the most successful of drought readiness plans are those that include a variety of options— no matter if it floods in the spring or drought in the fall. For example, based on the water data from last year, in eastern Montana particularly, the soil moisture was good in the first three months of the water year, which is October, November, and December. There was good snow amounts and cool temperatures, so the gambling man bet on flood. However, it turned very warm in April and May creating an early run-off. Then, there was no rain, extremely hot temperatures, and hot winds. The soil moisture was depleted and one of the worst droughts on record was the result, underlining the fact that we can do all the planning we want, but we cannot anticipate the weather. If we could learn from that lesson and craft a “water budget” that puts into place contingencies for both epic events (floods and drought), perhaps the impact could be lessened. Another bit of wisdom from my dear old Dad: “It’s better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it.” The most current Water Supply Report will be quantity nexus, present transferrable case studies of available through the DNRC or this Conservation District in adaptation across water use sectors, and foster a statewide 2-3 weeks, about mid to late January. From that , producers multidisciplinary discussion about Montana’s water future.” could begin to look at ways to store water or create a new Ann Schwend, Water Planner for DNRC, indicated that the grazing rotation to capitalize on early run off. summit “is open to everyone from legislators to landowners Because Montana and other states in the West have seen and water users of all kinds.” So, Joe Cowboy is welcomed earlier spring runoff, less snow and rain, and warmer and encouraged to come—I promise, it won’t be too temperatures resulting in recurring drought conditions, technical. And, Cascade CD will be looking into providing water management leaders in the state have seen the need financial assistance for producers who wish to attend this to examine not only our water resources, but also the event. For more information or to register for the Water predicted climate changes and the demographic shifts in our Summit you can contact me at 788-3128 or Laura at the populations. The Montana Department of Natural District office at 727-3603 ext. 111. Resources, the Montana Water Center, Montana In the meantime, the forecast for water availability in Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Montana Cascade County is none too shiny. Now is the time to look Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), and Montana at your available water resources, think about the possible Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG) have joined together additions to that on-hand supply and the corresponding to bring the Montana Water Summit to Helena in March. pressures, then craft a budget to help weather the next Information on the Summit indicates that “Building on the drought… or flood whichever comes first! For more knowledge and experience of past state water policy information, or free advice and help in drawing up your leaders, the 2017 Montana Climate Assessment, and water budget, call us at 727-3603, ext. 111. information regarding the state’s changing demographics and

PAGE 10 CONSERVATION CHRONICLE Volume 52, Number III

Mussel-Sniffing Dogs Find No Mussels, Clean Drain Dry Still Important

Aquatic Invasive Species Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Mussel-sniffing dogs from Alberta combed the shores of Tiber and Canyon Ferry Reservoirs during the past week, but found no evidence of invasive mussels. Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) requested the assistance of the dog team in an attempt to identify adult zebra or quagga mussels following larval mussel detections last fall. This was part of a larger effort by FWP and other partners to survey for invasive mussels state-wide. Intensive plankton sampling, diver survey and snorkeling surveys have found no larval or adult zebra or quagga mussels this season in Montana waters.

Intensified survey and watercraft inspection this season was in response to larval mussel detections in Tiber Reservoir and a suspect detection in Canyon Ferry Reservoir last fall. This year FWP inspected more than 74,000 watercraft, with 17 intercepted transporting invasive mussels. Most of the boats intercepted with mussels were coming from the Great Lakes and were headed for Montana or other western states and provinces. The six Montana-bound mussel infested boats were decontaminated. The watercraft not bound for Montana were washed at the inspection station and the destination state was notified to allow for follow up and decontamination.

“This season was incredibly successful” reported Tom Woolf, AIS Bureau Chief at FWP. “But just because we did not see any invasive mussels in our waters this season, doesn’t mean they aren’t out there. Small populations can be difficult to detect, so we are planning to continue intensive sampling and survey next year.”

AIS inspection stations are now closed for the season, but it is still critical that people recreating on Montana’s waterways always Clean Drain and Dry their watercraft and gear. This means making sure all boats, decoys, equipment and gear are clean when leaving the water, all watercraft are drained of any standing water and everything is dried thoroughly. Inspection before launch is still required for watercraft entering the state and crossing the Continental Divide into the Columbia River Basin. Inspections are also required for vessels leaving Tiber or Canyon Ferry before they launch in other waters. Through the fall and winter months, FWP regional offices will provide inspections for watercraft where inspection is required.

For more information, please visit musselresponse.mt.gov

Article found on: http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/ais/nr_0029.html

Cascade Conservation District is on the web at www.cascadecd.com

Volume 52, Number III CONSERVATION CHRONICLE PAGE 11

“What we ever hope to do with ease, we must first learn to do with diligence.” ~ Samuel Johnson

And so it goes… For over a year now, we have shared the Zebra Mussel threat with you through this publication. Much has been shared through other media platforms about the State of Montana’s effort to respond to a possible Dreissenid Mussel threat to our water ways as well. It is serious. The fact that no new detections were found this summer, does not allow us to sit back on our heels and become complacent. Congressional researchers estimated that an infestation of Zebra Mussels in the Great Lakes cost the power industry alone $3.1 billion over a 6-year period, with a total economic impact on industries, businesses and communities of more than $5 billion. An economic impact study done in Idaho in 2009 estimated an impact of almost $95,000,000 for hydropower dams, other water impoundment structures (dams) not associated with power generation, drinking water intakes, golf courses, fish hatcheries and aquaculture, boater costs, fishing use, and irrigation. Sounds like everything we have right here in Cascade County. Doesn’t it? Great Falls is positioned smack dab between Canyon Ferry and Tiber Reservoir with heavy infrastructure that would be drastically affected by a mussel invasion. The threat is real. It is serious, and it is probable. Therefore, the North Central AIS Task Force continues to meet to discuss and plan strategy in the fight against aquatic invasive species including partnerships with other stakeholders around the state.

The State of Montana (DNRC/FWP) is initiating a pilot project. The intent of the Missouri River System Dreissenid Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) project is to identify, test, and evaluate effective coordination among government agencies and non-governmental stakeholders for site-specific early detection and rapid response actions. Mainly to institute emergency response measures and increase education & outreach to Missouri River stakeholders.

Tenlee Atchison, CCD Administrator, sits on the Missouri River EDRR project steering committee representing interests in this area. The committee will deliver a strategic plan that actively engages all stakeholders so that there is proactive participation in the prevention and spread of mussels in the Missouri River Basin. Ensuring that we have an educated and informed citizenry as the frontline of attack on any threat or infestation will help maximize resources and prevent unnecessary hardships on any one user/area.

Atchison will attend a one-day workshop that will be held in January 2018 in Lewistown to achieve the following outcomes:  Review the draft strategic plan for coordination in order to better define roles & responsibilities, identify resources and come to agreement on cooperative actions to prevent the spread of invasive mussels in the Missouri River Basin.  Review Montana’s Dreissenid Rapid Response guidelines and identify basin-specific augmentations, additions, customizations.  Identify strategies to increase public understanding and concern about invasive mussels with a focus on nonrecreational stakeholders.  Establish networking, knowledge-sharing and cooperative action among project partners.

…diligence now will prepare us to easily defend our waters from aquatic invasive species later. Stay tuned. Article by: Tenlee Atchison, Administrator

PAGE 12 CONSERVATION CHRONICLE Volume 52, Number III Montana Conservation Seedling Nursery • The nursery provides high quality, locally adapted, source identified seedlings for use in conservation practices. • We grow bareroot and containerized stock; variety of deciduous trees and shrubs, conifers and grasses. • We grow for private landowners; county conservation districts; city, county, state and federal agencies; tribal agencies; conservation organizations; and the forestry industry throughout the state of Montana.

Nursery Updates We are now taking orders for spring 2018. The current inventory can be found on the following link: http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/forestry/forestry-assistance/conservation-seedling-nursery/nursery-catalog We will no longer be able to FedEx ship Cottonwoods, Aspen, and Willows in the 100 or 175 cubic inch size. They will only be available for Nursery pick up or delivery on the state truck. If you have any other questions, please call Megan at (406) 542-4244 between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, or you can email us at [email protected].

Hosted by Lake County Conservation and NRCS

Contact Lewis & Clark Conservation District

406-449.5000 ext. 112, [email protected].

Volume 52, Number III CONSERVATION CHRONICLE PAGE 13

MSU Extension Economists George Haynes, Kate Fuller, and Joel Schumacher will offer Farm Management Workshops in five communities in January to March 2018. Other faculty members contributing to these workshops include Agricultural Economists Anton Bekkerman, Joseph Janzen, Gary Brester, and Eric Belasco; Family Economist Marsha Goetting, Plant Pathologist Mary Burrows, Cropping Systems Specialist Kent McVay, and Beef Cattle Specialist Rachel Endecott.. Workshops are scheduled for two days, and will cover the following topics: (1) Financial analysis and enterprise budgeting; (2) Risk management; (3) Marketing of grain and cattle; (4) Disaster assistance and tax considerations; (5) Agricultural policy issues; (6) Estate planning; and, (7) Crop and livestock production. A pre-workshop optional course, Introduction to Quicken, will be offered on January 3 (Lewistown), February 7 (Ronan), February 12 (Choteau), February 20 (Great Falls), and March 7 (Glasgow). This optional course will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on those days. The number of participants is limited to 12 individuals for the Introduction to Quicken course. The Farm Management Workshops will be held at the following locations January – March 2018: • Lewistown, Jan. 4 – 5, Yogo Inn, Snowy Room, 211 NE Main Street • Ronan, Feb. 8 – 9, Ronan Community Center, 300 3rd Avenue • Choteau, Feb. 13 – 14, Stage Stop Inn, 1005 Main Ave N • Great Falls, Feb. 21 – 22, Cascade County Extension Office, 3300 3rd Street NE, #9 • Glasgow, March 8-9, Cottonwood Inn and Suites, 54250 US-2

Participation in these workshops will satisfy the requirements for Farm Service Agency Production and Financial Management Training. There is no cost for this workshop. Please register by contacting Keri Hayes (406-994-3511 or [email protected]) or George Haynes (406-994-5012 or [email protected])

KMON’s MAGIE Montana ExpoPark Great Falls, Montana January 18-20, 2018.

FOR SALE Cascade County Ownership Maps $30 Paul Brown Soil Probes $65 Stock Tank Bird Ramps $35 Large Heavy Duty Rain Gauges $35

Cascade Conservation District is on the web at www.cascadecd.com

Cascade Conservation District Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage 12 Third Street NW, Suite 300 PAID Great Falls, MT 59404 Great Falls, MT

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Billings Resort, Horn Big Workshop, Health Soil ~ 18 January

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Forks Three Workshop, Health Soil ~ 16 January

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