Montana 's conservation
districts are political subdivisions of state government, created
by the legislature in 1939. Lincoln Conservation District was formed
in 1943. A non-paid elected and appointed board of supervisors
governs the activities of a conservation district. The 58 conservation
districts in Montana are part of national network of over 3,000
conservation districts similarly organized in all 50 states.
Their main function
is to conduct local activities to promote conservation of natural
resources. The activities vary from district to district, but generally
include education or on-the-the ground conservation projects. Conservation
districts, however, have the authority to pass land use ordinances
if necessary to conserve local natural resources. In addition, individuals
planning to work in or near a perennial stream or river must first
receive a permit from their local conservation district.
Funding for conservation
district operations comes from their authority to levy a tax on
real property within their district. For conservation projects and
educational activities, conservation districts rely heavily on grants
from state and federal governments.
The Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides the majority of technical
assistance for conservation district activities and the two entities
usually share office space when their offices are located in the
same towns.
The Department of
Natural Resources and Conservation is required by law to provide
the conservation districts with administrative, technical, financial
and legal assistance.
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