MRRIC Update & Social Events: Vicki described plans for an Agriculture Tour and presentation of the "Pride and Perseverance" movie during the MRRIC meeting September 21-24 in Great Falls. Rick suggested adding a stop along the Ag tour at the Fort Benton overlook where water reservations and water rights could be discussed. John suggested that is time permits, to have MRRIC tour the Meadowlark Country Club bank stabilization project and/or Whitmore Ravine. Rick agreed to meet the tour at the Maughn farm and suggested having Mauritta Marble with Undaunted Stewardship and Jay Bodner with the Montana Stockgrowers present information during the tour. John moved to have the Council contribute $300 to the events, Jeff seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Agreement with PCCD: The proposed MOU with PCCD for fiscal sponsorship of the Council was reviewed. Jeff moved to approve the MOU pending DNRC review and approval, John seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Update on CMR Efforts: The recent meetings with Mary Sexton at DNRC; one with Randy Gray and Jeff Hagener of the American Prairie Foundation; and previous meetings with CMR Permitees were discussed. The Committee agreed that a meeting with FWP Director Joe Maurier would be helpful. Additionally, they asked Vicki to work with Pete Husby and Jon Siddoway on a request for additional range assessment data from the CMR.

Update on CREP: The draft letter was discussed. Rick suggested removing item #2 at the bottom of page 1 ("Provide higher payments for CP22……"). Item #1 just above that ("Allow the landowner to choose to enroll in CP22 or SP29.") is the most important change to advocate for. Additionally, the Committee agreed to keep the requested tree survival rate at 35% (item #3, page 2). 

Approval of NRCS Thank you letter: Vicki explained that NRCS Chief Dave White created a new position within the NRCS specific to the Missouri River basin. The position is held by Verlon Barnes who regularly attends MRRIC meetings. Jeff noted that the position is only temporary and suggested that a sentence be added requesting that it become a permanent position. The Committee approved of the letter with Jeff’s suggested change.

State Water Plan: Jim Beck has information and has drafted a proposal for the Council to consider, but was unable to participate in this conference call so the Committee decided to include it as an agenda item at the next full council meeting.

Outreach to Headwaters Groups: Jim Beck has offered to work on meeting with some headwaters groups as a means to share information and potentially participate in the state water plan. The Committee agreed that it would be appropriate for Jim to represent the Council at meetings of the Headwaters Partnership and to explore cooperative opportunities.

Other Business: Dana noted that he had been invited to speak at the North Central Stockgrowers meeting. He asked Vicki for information and updates from the BLM, specifically regarding the pending lawsuit on the Monument RMP and the Woodhawk Grazing Allotment.

With no additional business being brought before the Committee, the call adjourned at 11:15 PM.

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Dana Darlington, Chairman

Submitted by:

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Vicki Marquis, Coordinator