August Updates from Montana's Conservation Districts Across the state, Montana’s 58 Conservation Districts (CD) support farmers, ranchers and landowners in local, voluntary, on-the-ground conservation efforts in protecting our soil, water and natural resources. Check back each month as we highlight our Conservation...

Feature Photo by Lisa Schmidt. The grassy knolls and creek bottom of Schmidt's newly purchased land won't change. The land has always offered spectacular habitat for wildlife and cattle alike. The only change will be who maintains the fence and...

First cutting proves challenging, in typical Montana fashion By Laura Nowlin The sweet smell of fresh air and fresh cut hay remain a rancher’s favorite smells. Windrows of hay down and bales churning out of baler are a rancher’s favorite...

Feature photo: Garfield County consists of primarily open, working landscapes. Expanses like this highlight Eastern Montana in all of its glory. Photo courtesy of Dusty Olson. Leader says collaboration, diversity create strength, community After just a few minutes of conversation,...

Feature photo: Kasydi Lucas, a rangeland intern with the Montana Department of Natural Resource Conservation leads approximately 400 head of goats to a new property to graze near Red Lodge. Photo courtesy of Kasydi Lucas. Summer internship expands to more...

CDs from around the state share their projects Across the state, Montana’s 58 Conservation Districts support farmers, ranchers and landowners in local, voluntary, on-the-ground conservation efforts in protecting our soil, water and natural resources. Check back each month as we highlight our...

Feature photo: Mike Borduin, Craig Tippett and Mandy Tippett train for the 2019 Butte 100 with a jaw-dropping view of Butte in the background. All three participated in the annual races, held on the East Ridge of the Continental Divide...

Despite 14-percent population growth, volunteers adjust From Madison County Conservation District Madison County’s population has grown 14 percent since the 2010 census ─ the second-highest level of population growth among Montana counties for that period. With that growth comes more...

Feature photo of Savannah Sparrow and cow is World Wildlife Fund-US/Clay Bolt. Beef and Birds: Grazing Cattle Benefits Grassland Birds By Laura Nowlin Some of the highest densities of grassland birds make the Northern Great Plains (NGP) their home.   “You...

Multi-generational Allens of Lewistown show how it’s done Photos and writing by August Schield In a high pasture on his ranch just east of Lewistown, rancher Russ Allen rides across his land in near silence. The only audible movement emanates...