Annual Work Plan

GMCD Mission: To protect and enhance the natural resources of the district and to educate the public about natural resource concerns

I. Management of 310 Permitting

• District Administrator will attend 310 site visits to better document site visits and become more knowledgeable in the 310application process.
• Post 310 information on website.
• Review 310 applications, conduct applications, and issue permits.
• Conduct site visits with landowners to educate about the intent of 310 law, assess potential 310 projects/permit applications and to conduct final inspections.
• Consider 310 projects throughout the year that could be posted on the website as model projects with regard to the enhancement or protection of natural resources.

II. Education

• Supervisors, Associate Supervisors, and Staff
  • Continue to increase familiarity and understanding of all supervisors and staff regarding 310 law, permitting process, violation procedures, subdivision process, as well as floodplain, waste water and water quality issues.
  • Participate in Supervisor trainings offered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNRC), Montana Association of Conservation Districts (MACD), and develop and/or support supervisor training or education opportunities whenever possible.
  • Continue to participate in Administrator trainings offered by DNRC, MACD, and/or SWCDM.
  • Look for opportunities to work with Sanders County Commissioners, County Planner, Sanitarian, and Surveyors focusing on how we can be more effective in implementing buffer and setback covenants in subdivisions.
• Public Education (Adult)
  • Continue to educate the general public on the use of the No-Till Drill.
  • Collaborate in the Sanders County Pollinator Initiative: Educate the public, support efforts for and distribute seed for the creation of pollinator habitat in Sanders County in partnership with the Eastern Sanders County Conservation District. Efforts in 2025 will include the maintenance of three demonstration plots of pollinator habitat across Sanders County; five seed-hand out days where the public gets the opportunity to get their own wildflower seed mix to put on their property, offer support to those who participate in the seed-handouts and complete surveys in the fall to monitor success rates. 
  • Create quarterly newsletters aimed at educating the citizens of Sanders County about pertinent natural resource issues, ways to get involved and other opportunities with GMCD.
• Public Education (Youth)
  • Conduct Water Festival for local youth to learn more about the natural resources of Sanders County.
  • Present about pollinator identification and importance at Ag Days hosted by MSU Extension office where our local youth learn about the different elements of agriculture.  
  • Continue efforts to support natural resource education in schools, including outreach to local schools & teachers about opportunities available through DNRC education grants and statewide programs.

III. District Operations

• Review, revise, and approve Annual Work Plan.
• Review contact list.
• Conduct annual evaluations of GMCD employees.
• Conduct annual district financial review.
• Conduct annual review of GMCD policies and procedures.
• Continue sponsorship of grants and funding contracts associated with the enhancement and protection of fish, wildlife, and streams.
• Continue representation on the Aquatic Invasive Plants Task Force
• Continue involvement with the local natural resource working group for Sanders County (Natural Resource Conservation Service, Eastern Sanders County Conservation District, Sanders County Extension, Farm Service Administration, Aquatic Invasive Plants Task Force) emphasizing the priorities of: Water, Stream bank preservation, Land use / Subdivision, and Small timber stands. Note: Weed, wildlife, and fisheries issues will be incorporated into each of the above listed priorities.
• Explore funding for local water district representatives and local infrastructure development.