GORDON HOLTE 

 Director, MASWCD 



It has long been said that research is the key to develop- 

 ment of any resource. It is equally true that research is 

 necessary merely to properly maintain and preserve our soil 

 and water assets. What have conservation districts been 

 doing to help research? 



A summary of research activities of northeastern Montana 

 districts would probably be typical of most districts in 

 Montana. Starting in the 40's, there was high interest 

 among districts concerning research. They helped the Soil 

 Conservation Service at that time with arranging projects, 

 with moral support, and with making good useof all new 

 research findings. In the I950's, when conservation re- 

 search was turned over to the Agriculture Research Service, 

 district participation was greatly accelerated to include 

 direct financial assistance and the furnishing of district 

 owned land. Memorandums of Understanding have been used 

 for many years between districts and research agencies. 

 Districts- have always been outspoken about research needs, 

 and they have secured the cooperators land for field 

 projects. 



It is estimated that districts in northeastern Montana have made direct financial contributions 

 of over $18,000 to aid research. These were cash outlays and includes not one cent for the 

 mileage, time,' effort, and work of district supervisors. 



Districts have done a tremendous job in promoting soil and water conservation research. A 

 continuing program nedds to emphasize: 



i. Secure funds for research . We are still losing soil and water faster than they are 

 being replaced. 



2. Give direct help to agencies . Districts have the unique position of being close to the 

 problem. They can arrange for and encourage projects on cooperators f«nms. 



3. Inform the public of the benefits of conservation research. Farmers and ranchers have 

 been quick to utilize new research findings, but does the public realize that such research is 

 for the public benefit? The taxpayer is inclined to think of research as something that will 

 increase production, rather than as an answer on how to use, improve, and conserve. 



4. Make sure the most important research needs are given priority . Despite the demand for 

 increased attention to other parts of the district program, soil and water conservation is still 

 the primary objective of districts . Our land is still losing too much soiland water. 



It seems all of this could be summed up by saying, get the money, give help, inform the public, 

 and establish priorities. 



"WE ABE AMONG THE ELECT" 



"Have you ever stopped to think how fortunate we 

 are to be District Supervisors? Most people do not 

 have such an opportunity to render worthwhile public 

 service as has been extended to us... We are among 

 the elect," 



"As a token of our appreciation for this wonderful 

 opportunity that is ours^. ..let's look at our jobs 

 with keen anticipation of the opportunities for ser- 

 vice ,they offer rather than as a dull duty that has 

 been imposed on us. " - - Sterlin Hurley ^ President, 

 Arh^nsar, Asrm. 



