Two successful and innovative grazing programs were presented to the Council, agency representatives, and Petroleum County residents on June 7th in Winnett. Fred King with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks highlighted the successful use of cattle grazing to enhance elk habitat at the Wall Creek Wildlife Management Area in southwest Montana. When the state purchased the WMA in 1960, domestic cattle grazing was eliminated and the area supported only 200-250 wintering elk. During the 21 years without grazing, the elk herd increased to just 600 while expenses due to elk forage and damage of private property grew tremendously. An experimental grazing program began in 1982, resulting in a healthy rangeland that currently supports nearly 700 cow/calf pairs as well as 1,200 – 1,400 wintering elk. Another innovative program was presented by Dale Veseth with the South Phillips County Rancher Stewardship Alliance (RSA) and Linda Poole with The Nature Conservancy (TNC). In the last three years, TNC has used a grassbank program to support south Phillips County ranchers while protecting more than 25 sage grouse habitats and 10,400 acres of prairie dog towns, which are necessary for survival of the Black-footed Ferret. Both Linda and Dale noted that an equally important and somewhat unexpected benefit from the program is the community spirit and camaraderie gained by working together.