With support from MACD and MRCDC, the Garfield County Conservation District met with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff on December 6th to discuss management of the CMR National Wildlife Refuge. The 1.1 million acre Refuge surrounds the Missouri River, including the Fort Peck Reservoir, from the Fort Peck Dam upstream through McCone, Valley, Garfield, Phillips, and Petroleum counties, into Fergus and Blaine Counties. Barron Crawford, Project Leader for the Refuge, explained some of the federal regulations that govern the Refuge, as well as current policies on grazing, fire management, weed control, and wildlife management. Mr. Crawford explained that plans are underway to draft a new management plan for the Refuge in the next 2-3 years. Now is the perfect time for local CDs to follow Garfield County CD’s lead and ensure that the issues are understood and local voices are well-represented.