Conservation districts (CDs) are local units of government that work to fulfill the state’s policy to conserve soil, water, and other natural resources of the state. CDs are governed by a board of elected and appointed supervisors and conservation coordinator. Montana’s Lake County Conservation District (LCCD) is responsible for the soil and water conservation work within the Lake County boundaries.
History of Conservation Districts
Lake County Conservation District (LCCD) is one of 58 conservation districts in the state of Montana. The Montana Legislature created conservation districts in 1939 to help citizens conserve their soil, water, and other renewable natural resources. The Lake County Conservation District was established in 1945.
Conservation districts work closely with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), and the US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) when carrying out their duties.
In 1974, an additional level of responsibility was added when the State Legislature charged conservation districts with administering the “Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act”, commonly known as the “310 Law” for the state of Montana. Any private individual or corporation proposing to undertake a project or construction activity in a perennial stream must first apply for a permit from their local conservation district. In the permitting process, conservation district supervisors and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks representative inspect the site with the applicant to ensure it is completed in a fashion that maintains the integrity of the stream system.
What Do Conservation Districts Do?
- The Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act
- Water Quality
- Watershed Planning, Local Watershed Councils, and Coordinated Resource Management Efforts
- Riparian Management
- Federal Conservation Programs
- Conservation Education
- Urban Conservation
- Saline Seep Reclamation
- Rangeland Resources
- Forest Practices
- Resource Conservation and Development
- Water Reservations
- Conservation Equipment
- And That’s Not All
Our Mission
Lake County Conservation District provides technical assistance, financial assistance, and education in order to create a sustainable, productive, healthy environment for the Lake County community.
Lake County Conservation District
Lake County Conservation District
64352 US Highway 93 Ronan, MT 59864
406-747-0895
