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STATE DOCUMENTS 



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0. M. Ueland. Editor, Mitchell Building, Helena, Montana 



O F F » C I A L N E^ S B U L L E T I N 



Jan-Feb., 1974 

 Vol. XXVI, No. 1 



MONTANA STATE LIBRARY 

 930 East Lyndala Avenu:- 

 '^elena, Montana 5960 



PREZ SEZ - Charles E. Lane, Jr. - Time really has a way 

 of rolling around faster all the time. It is later than 

 we think in more ways than one. Time for our annual 

 trip to Washington, D. C. To me, this is one of the best 

 activities for Districts that we are doing. It lets 

 Washington know that in Montana districts are sincere in 

 their efforts for conservation and we get to brag a little 

 and to complain a little while we are there. Also, we 

 bring back some new ideas for districts to better serve 

 conservation. 



New trends are in store for districts in the very 

 near future which will be expanded on in the next and 

 subsequent issues of Treasure Acres. 



I was privileged to attend two of the districts 

 Conservation Days in the last month. I was really im- 

 pressed by the talent that is available at the local 

 level, it is fantastic and I'm sure it is the same all 

 over the state. Districts are just going to have to brag a little bit more 

 about what they have done in the past and let the public know they are around 

 and doing one hell of a job. 



COMMITTEE REPORTS 



Education - Vi Swank - If you don't have the Speech Contest materials in 

 the proper hands yet, please do so right away. You should have your districts 

 order their Soil Stewardship material for Soil Stewardship Week. There is a 

 better selection of materials this year. Regular church bulletins or bulletin 

 inserts and pastor packs are available for use in the churches. There is also 

 some colorful postors for public display and short tapes and films to be used 

 for TV and radio stations. These would be a ideal way to reach the public 

 with little expense. If you don't want to use the prepared tapes — a personal 

 interview on TV or radio would be appropriate. 



Public Relations - Bill Sibra - All Districts will be receiving public 

 relations resolutions that were passed at the last State Convention. I urge 

 that all districts take prompt action on these resolutions to promote our 

 pviblic image. Good conservation does not cost, it pays. 



Budget & Finance - Gladys Hippe - Iiany thanks are due a number of 

 districts who hdve paid 100% of their dues for 1974. Associate member dues are 

 lagging. Any individual who cares to financially help support the conservation 

 district cause may do so for a $5.00 associate membership. 



Research - Tom Wharram - It looks as though there is strong support in 

 the present legislature for funding for saline seep and alkali control research. 

 This is a growing problem which many districts are tackling but need some 

 extra help on. In addition there is support for a state study and development 

 of a state plan for saline seep-alkali control. HB 755 and SB 707 are two bills 

 under consideration for a state plan. Additionally a special appropriation bill 

 will be introduced. 



Program and Outlook - Harold Jensen - A new cost-sharing program is again 

 a reality after a lapse of a year. The new program is greatly reduced for the 

 present year in amount of funds available. It is designed to apply to erosion 

 control problems. Eventually long term 3-10 year contracts will be featured 

 similar to the Great Plains Program. Conservation Districts will be involved to 

 a degree that these contracts will require a CD approved conservation plan. 



Public Lands - Art Christensen - Jim McCann of Harlem represented the 

 Montana Association of Conservation Districts at the recent National Public 

 Lands meeting at Phoenix, Arizona. 



Legislative - John Vanisko - SJR 52 has been substituted for SB 401 and 

 is under consideration in the legislature. This provides for a further study of 

 various laws dealing with sedimentation and the drawing up of needed additional 

 legislation to be submitted to the 197 5 session so as to comply with federal 

 water quality laws. Several other bills of interest to CDs are beinq watched. 



