Background & History of Montana Conservation Districts

Montana’s conservation districts were formed in response to the devastating impacts of the Dust Bowl and severe soil erosion of the 1930s. Across the country, unsustainable land practices combined with prolonged drought led to widespread soil loss, agricultural collapse, and economic hardship. In response, Congress passed the Soil Conservation Act in 1935, establishing what is now the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to provide technical assistance for soil and water conservation.

Following this federal action, the Montana Legislature passed the Montana Conservation Districts Law in 1939, allowing local landowners to form conservation districts through a public petition and vote. This structure ensured that conservation would be locally led and locally governed.

Today, Montana has 58 conservation districts—one in each county—serving as subdivisions of state government. Districts are governed by locally elected supervisors who understand the unique natural resource concerns of their communities.

Mission & Role

Montana conservation districts work to:

• Conserve soil, water, and other natural resources

• Provide education and outreach to the public

• Offer technical assistance to landowners and producers

• Review land use proposals under the Montana Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act (310 Law)

• Partner with local, state, and federal agencies on resource management

While districts collaborate closely with agencies such as NRCS and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), they remain locally controlled, ensuring decisions reflect community values and on-the-ground realities.

A Locally Driven Legacy

For more than 80 years, Montana conservation districts have served as a bridge between landowners, government programs, and natural resource stewardship—protecting working lands, waterways, and wildlife habitat while supporting the people who depend on them.