Conservation Districts have always used local ingenuity to find solutions for land and water use concerns in their districts. The Missouri River Conservation Districts Council (MRCDC) has taken that concept a step farther, using expertise from member districts to grapple with problems that affect all or part of the river basin. We are excited to see the inception of a sister group on the Milk River. The MRCDC was honored to be on hand for the organization of the Milk River Watershed Alliance and we look forward to sharing ideas on common projects in the future.

As many of you know, Vicki Marquis, the coordinator of the MRCDC has held a position on the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (MRRIC) drafting team for the past several months. One of the duties of the drafting team was to provide the framework MRRIC will use to identify impacts, meld ideas, and then implement solutions on the Missouri River. The drafting team designated 6 seats on the committee for, what I think of as “people from the land”. I think Vicki deserves a big “thank you” for working with others to help keep local voices involved with decisions affecting the Missouri River.

I would like each of you to consider if there is a person in your district who would be an effective voice for the upper Missouri River. You may contact Vicki if you would like more information about the positions. The downside to the positions on the MRRIC is that the members will have to bear the expenses to attend the meetings. Vicki was instrumental in bringing one of the drafting team meetings to Billings, but, unfortunately, most of the meetings will be out of state. It is estimated that the travel and related expenses will be about $5000 per year for a MRRIC member. Additionally, local districts and the MRCDC should discuss the possibility of reimbursing the travel expenses of a Montana grassroots member.

I wish each of you a joyous New Year and ask that you reflect on the wonderful blessing of land and water that we have been given.