DNRC

General information

The Montana Dept. of Natural Resources and Conservation:

Manages more than 5.2 million acres of School Trust Lands. Activities such as timber harvesting, grazing and agricultural leasing, recreation, and oil and natural gas production on these lands generate millions of dollars for public education.

Administers laws governing the appropriation and use of Montana’s groundwater and surface water.

Manages 24 state-owned dams and 250 miles of irrigation canals. Provides technical assistance to 110 county floodplain management programs, and regulates construction, operation and maintenance of Montana’s dams.

Provides leadership and coordination for Montana’s wildfire services, including wildfire training, prevention and preparedness, and safe, aggressive suppression activities.

Supports urban and community forestry programs; enforces Montana’s forest practices laws and rules; provides financial aid to projects that promote sustainable management of forests.

Operates a nursery to produce and distribute seedlings for conservation plantings to private landowners, state, federal and tribal landowners, and other conservation organizations.

Provides financial and technical support to Montana’s 58 Conservation Districts.

Awards grants and loans for projects that improve, protect or reclaim natural resources.

Provides financial management of Montana’s Water Pollution Control State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan programs.