| Madison Conservation District | Madison Watershed Partnership | 310 Stream Permits |
 | The Madison Watershed Partnership is a working collaboration of local groups with a history of addressing conservation and resource issues in the Madison Valley. Made up of ... more | Montana ’s Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act, also known as the 310 Law, is a state law which requires that any person planning to work in or near a perennial stream or river on private or public land must first obtain a 310 Permit from the local conservation district. |
Madison Conservation District
Purpose
Conservation districts (CDs) work locally to fulfill the state's policy to conserve soil, water, and other natural resources of the state. The Madison Conservation District (MCD) covers all areas within voting precincts 15 and 20. A map of all Montana Conservation District regions is available online. The MCD recieves funding from a county mill levy, and is guided by a board of directors with a shared concern for the health of the land and the region’s resources.
History
Conservation districts grew from public concern for the condition of our natural resources in the 1930s. In 1935, the US Congress declared soil and water conservation to be national policy, with the passage of Public Law 46. At the state level, Montana Conservation District Law (Section 75-7-101 through 75-7-124 MCA) was enacted to allow land users to form soil and water conservation districts. In 1946, the Madison Conservation District was formed. Today, Montana's 58 CDs provide local citizens with an opportunity to shape resource planning in their areas. The Monana Association of Conservation Districts plays a helpful role in contributing to the success of CDs throughout the state.
Where are we?
The address is: 222 Main Street, Ennis, MT 59729. Click on Office Location to see where the new office is located, or call us for directions, (406) 682-7289. Mailing address is: PO Box 606, Ennis, MT 59729.
Activities
Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act: (75-7-101 et seq. MCA)- Any private individual or corporation that proposes to work in or near perennial streams must first apply for a permit from a conservation district.
Water Quality: MCD is responsible for nonpoint source (NPS) pollution control at the local level. Conservation districts work with federal and state agencies to identify and prioritize areas affected by NPS pollution. They also work to conduct projects that demonstrate NPS pollution control practices.
Coordinated Resource Management and Planning/Watershed Planning: CDs coordinate and/or participate in local efforts to increase the effectiveness of resource management and planning activities on private, county, state and federal land.
Education: MCD engages in educational activities with people of all ages to help them understand the value of conservation and how best to accomplish it.
Riparian Management: CDs sponsor and conduct landowner workshops, produce and distribute informational materials, and conduct demonstration projects and tours of riparian management techniques.
Urban/Suburban Activities: CDs provide soil surveys, water inventories, assistance with waste disposal, and other services to planning boards commissioners, municipal officials, schools, builders, hospitals, industries, and owners of subdivided acreages.
