STATE SOIL CONSERVATION COMMITTEE MEETS 



The State Soil Conservation Committee met January 11 in Helena, and reorganized 

 with the same officers as previous being re-elected: Fred Sanborn is chairman, 

 John Schroeder, Vice Chairman; O. M. Ueland, Executive Secretary; other members 

 members are Bill D'Ewart, Carl Hunter, Torlief Aasheim, Joe Asleson, Lowell 

 Purdy, Herschel Hurd. 



Dick Setterstrom, Chairman of Advisory Committee to the State Planning Board was 

 a guest and told of the history of the planning board and its goals in promoting industrial 

 development in the state. Manufacturing is restricted in Montana because of markets, 

 however the processing of Montana resources has many good possibilities. The committee 

 expressed its desire to give recognition to pl ann ing in Conservation related activities, 

 which is primarily agricultural in nature, and told of the greater. possibilities agriculture 

 has for development than any other industry in Montana. 



The need for setting aside the 160 acre limitation on water developments above Canyon 

 Ferry reservoir was reviewed and noted that Beaverhead SWCD is proceeding with 

 this. There is need for greater clarification and understanding. Some people just 

 can't see why an acre of irrigated land one place is not the same productionwise as 

 another . 



Frank Thompson, MASWCD president met with the committee and reviewed legislative 

 concerns of the Association, particularly the need of some districts for finances. Ar- 

 rangements were made to assist the association before the legislature in this matter. 



Fred Buck, state engineer, explained the Columbia River Compact as concerns 

 reservation of upstate power and some downstream, and reservation of water supply 

 to year 2010. Result of hearing for change of boundary for that part of Missoula 

 County land now in the Bitterroot district was approved for transfer to the Missoula 

 SWCD. This conforms to county lines. 



The hearing conducted at Custer as requested by the Victory Irrigation district to 

 transfer certain lands of Yellowstone County to the Big Horn SWCD, resulted in the 

 state committee disapproving. The main reason of the irrigation district people 

 not being able to get as good a service from Yellowstone district was not adequately 

 substantiated. Suggestion were made for improving the service however. It is 

 the policy of the state committee to keep districts on county lines if at all possible. 



A referendum was approved to be held to bring certain lands of Custer County into the 

 North Custer SWCD. 



The question whether good Conservation practices are being carried out as regards 

 the Green Mountain district's contract to supply timber to a local mill was discussed. 

 In some cases selective cutting is not being practiced on cooper ators lands. Execu- 

 tive Secretary was instructed to seek improvement of the success of this venture, 

 to encourage the Green Moimtain District people. 



A letter from Henry Evans, Chairman of Fergus County SWCD, was read asking the 

 committee to look into the possibility of state committee holding funds until grass 

 seeding was completed on missile cable lines. Secretary was instructed to follow 

 up on this. 



Senator Gordon McGowan Chouteau County, and former SCD supervisor and director 

 of NASCD from Montana visited with the committee. Senator McGowan told the 

 coniraittee SWCDs have got to move to take on new responsibilities, such as spon- 

 soring of water code, water conservation, give attention to recreation, etc. The 

 senator said it was necessary that districts inform the public of improvements in 

 the economy as a result of Soil and Water Conservation programs. 



The Fish and Game Commission will be invited to the next state committee meeting 



which is scheduled for April 4 & 5 at the Water Conservation Board meeting room 



in Helena. Districts having items they wish considered are asked to present them. „ 



