Missoula County Conservation District

The meeting covered several administrative and operational matters, including the Treasurer's Report which detailed current bank account balances. Key discussions involved reports from various entities, such as the NRCS, County Attorney regarding a proposed gravel pit outside the CD's jurisdiction, and DNRC updates on invasive species and conservation strategies. A significant portion of the meeting focused on collaboration with the Missoula County Department of Ecology and Extension concerning invasive woody species like Russian Olive and Common Buckthorn, and the need for public outreach. The Board discussed updates on zoning code changes and riparian regulations from the County Planning Board. New business included addressing DARLOA's request for assistance with designing and installing dry sump fire hydrants, the planning of a pilot environmental competition to replace the canceled Big Sky RISE Challenge, and granting staff permission for overnight travel to a Floodplain Managers Conference to co-present on the Miller Creek Diversion Removal Project. In committee updates, the Board needed to appoint new members to the personnel committee. Furthermore, the Board approved awards for Conservation Training Mini Grants and postponed a decision on an Operations Mini Grant pending more information. In Old Business, the Board unanimously approved applying for five business credit cards from First Security Bank with specific provisions regarding limits and authorized signatories. Under 310 Permit Applications, the Board approved two applications (MS-44-25 and MS-45-25) with modifications or as proposed, waiving the 30-day waiting period for both. A complaint (CM-14-25) regarding unpermitted vegetation removal and boat ramp installation was deemed a 310 Law violation, requiring remediation. Several existing violations and pending follow-up inspections were noted to be revisited in the spring.

The meeting agenda included the Treasurer's Report detailing bank account balances. Staff and agency reports covered updates from NRCS regarding a new State Conservationist and program stability, and MACD updates concerning 310 penalty work groups and the Gilly online permitting platform. Significant discussion occurred regarding local zoning and the proposed Unified Development Code (UDC), focusing on riparian area regulations and the need for jurisdictional consistency between county and city oversight. New business involved supporting the 2026 AIS Short Course sponsorship and approving the 2025 NACD membership contribution. The Board moved to sponsor the Grass Valley French Ditch Company for a DEQ feasibility study related to hydropower generation. Several existing 310 complaints were addressed, resulting in determinations of violation for CM-10-25 (unpermitted vegetation removal and structure placement), CM-11-25 (unpermitted culvert installation), and CM-12-25 (unpermitted vegetation removal). Complaint CM-13-25 regarding fill placement was dismissed, though a letter regarding vegetation removal near the buffer zone was approved for two adjacent landowners. The fiscal year 2026 budget was accepted, and the Board approved increasing the petty checking account ceiling and implementing a new online fund transfer process.

The meeting included a report from the County Attorney regarding the creation of the Missoula County Consolidated Land Use Board following the passage of the Land Use Planning Act (SB 382 2023), which impacts planning boards statewide. Montana FWP reported on willow trimming near Lolo Creek and updates on the Thompson Falls Dam licensing agreement. The DNRC reported on efforts to clarify 310 rules regarding 'Project' and 'Immediate Banks' definitions. Discussions on watershed groups included updates on successful stream restoration projects on Lolo Creek and Grant Creek. The Board also discussed the Wye Infrastructure Plan, noting concerns about the required water volume based on a 2010 aquifer study. New business involved reviewing pending resolutions for the MACD Convention, planning for two conservation scholarships, reviewing and approving several Conservation Implementation Grants and Education Cost Share Grants, noting an adjustment to a previously approved grant amount for the Missoula Horse Park Tree Donation project. In Old Business, the Board discussed the FY26 budget timeline. Permitting activities included approving a 310 Permit Application (MS-19-25) with modifications and waiving the waiting period, withdrawing application MS-35-25 upon applicant request, and approving MS-43-25 for debris removal in Rock Creek, also waiving the waiting period. Several existing violations were reviewed, with three violations (CM-10-25, CM-01-24, and CM-05-24) receiving instructions for follow-up action, and three others (CM-10-23, CM-05-24, and CM-01-25) being considered resolved based on site verification or compliance.

The meeting addressed various topics, including the treasurer's report, public comments, and reports from NRCS, the County Attorney, Montana FWP, and DNRC Conservation District Bureau. Updates were provided on MACD, Bitter Root RC&D, County Departments, and Watershed Groups. The Planning Board and Water Quality District also gave updates. Committee reports were heard, and employee reports were reviewed. New business included correspondence, upcoming events, site inspection scheduling, the MACD Convention, Future Fisheries, and banking matters. The board discussed and approved taking funds from Missoula CD's County mill levy account on a quarterly basis to pay bills directly each month from the CD's checking account. Programs such as the MCD Grants, RDG Planning Grant, Soil Health/Equipment Program, and Pollinator Program/MTNSN were discussed. Old business included the FY26 Budget, the Area 5 Meeting, and a tree donation initiative. The board addressed 310 emergency notices, existing 310 permits, APO applications, 310 permit applications, and 310 complaints. Existing violations needing action and pending follow-up inspection were reviewed, along with 310 inquiries and issues. Finally, the payment of bills and claims was approved.

The meeting included reports from NRCS, County Attorney, Montana FWP, and DNRC Conservation District Bureau. MACD dues and a donation to the Bridger Plant Materials Center were discussed. There was an update on the Planning Board regarding an area off River Road. The Water Quality District discussed potential impacts of reduced EPA funding. The board also discussed leveraging AI for conservation and legislative updates. The board approved the submission of the DNRC Nonpoint Source Grant application for the Miller Creek Obsolete Diversion Removal project and the DNRC CDA grant application for reimbursement of 310 Permit expenses and MACD membership dues. Soil Health/Equipment Program and Pollinator Program were also reviewed. The Montana Biocontrol Project Funding Request was approved. The board discussed a resolution to present to the annual Area 5 meeting. The board addressed 310 permit applications, 310 complaints, and existing violations. The board also discussed 310 inquiries and issues.