Help Support all that MWCC does with a tax deductible donation:
April 8-10, Stormwater Conference, Billings
April 26- Ruby and Madison Conservation Districts' Banquet
July 25 - Draft 319 Applications Due
Oct 3-Final 319 Applications Due
ChairMark Bostrom, DEQ Vice Chair Laura Andersen, DEQ Committees
Big Sky Watershed CorpsAnn Schwend, DNRC Education and OutreachLaura Andersen, DEQ
DevelopmentMark Bostrom, DEQ
WaterRobert Ray, DEQ
At Large
Casey Hackathorn, TU Sunni Heikes-Knapton, Madison Watershed Partnership and CD Heather Mullee, Bitterroot Water Forum Mike Philbin, BLM Alan Rollo, Sun /Teton Watershed Groups
Debby Hassel, USFS
Work Groups
OutreachElena Evans, DEQ EventsKatie Kleehammer, MSU Extension Water Quality MonitoringKatie Makarowski, DEQ Amy Bamber. MT Dept. of Agriculture TrainingJennifer McBroom, Lewis and Clark Water Quality Protection District / Lake Helena Watershed Group Water ActivitiesMark Ockey, DEQ Fiscal Sponsor
Jeff Tiberi, MACD / SCDMI Fiscal Agent
Jan Fontaine, MACD / SCDMI
If you would like to submit something to the MWCC Watershed News please email a brief description to info@mtwatersheds.org with a link to a longer announcement on your website or a pdf to post to our website.
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Help MWCC foster local stewardship of healthy and productive landscapes and donate today! Your donations help support MWCC's projects like the 2013 Big Sky Watershed Corps, the Watershed News, trainings and more. Have you ever considered being a part of MWCC leadership? We are now accepting self-nominations to the Board of Directors. This is a great opportunity for individuals who would like to make a difference for watersheds throughout Montana. Below is a description of Board member roles and responsibilities, as well as the 2012 MWCC Annual Report and a self-nomination form. Nominations will be accepted through December 31, 2013
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MWCC and MACD are excited to announce our Big Sky Watershed Corp member for 2014-Taylor Fridrich! Taylor Fridrich grew up in an agricultural delta community in Northern California. From a young age she was exposed to the water politics of the area concerning urban sprawl, ag runoff, and the health of the delta ecosystem. She attended the University of California Santa Cruz to study environmental science and there she spent most of her time interning for the university's network of farm and gardens. This interest in agriculture landed her a job with a group of researchers studying chemical alternatives in coastal strawberry production. For two years Taylor was a field assistant for this group; working on strawberry farms throughout California and learning how to engage farmers in ecological methods. When Taylor isn't elbow deep in soil and strawberries, she can be found enjoying the outdoors with friends and family! She is very excited about her next step as the Big Sky Watershed Corp member with MWCC and MACD, and cannot wait to learn and serve in the beautiful watersheds of Montana.
Mark your calendars for the upcoming Stormwater Conference - April 8-10 BIllings, MT
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NEWS
December 10, 2013 KXLH.com The string of freezing temperatures have caused problems with water pipes across Montana - even at the State Capitol Complex.
December 10, 2013 BoulderiJournal A searchable, comparative law database outlining water quality regulations for Colorado and other states experiencing shale oil and gas development is now available on LawAtlas.org.
December 10, 2013 Billings Gazette Even before Red Lodge-area residents started their meeting Tuesday evening about expanded oil-and-gas development in their backyard, one permit to drill a well near Belfry was a done deal....
December 10, 2013 trib.com A flurry of confusion shrouds an Environmental Protection Agency ruling that claims Riverton as part of the Wind River Indian Reservation.
December 10, 2013 Bozeman Daily Chronicle Yellowstone National Park was created by slow changes in geothermal conditions, but now it's being reshaped by rapid changes in climate and human pressures, according to a new report.
December 10, 2013 KAJ18.com Temperatures continue to sit well below freezing which is allowing the ice to continue building up on area rivers and streams.
December 9, 2013 Billings Gazette The Yellowstone Basin Advisory Council will meet in Billings on Friday at the MSU Billings downtown campus at Third Avenue North and North Broadway....
December 10, 2013 Missoulian The Ravalli County commissioners opted Monday not to immediately embrace a resolution formally supporting the federal government’s ownership of about 70 percent of the land in the county
December 10, 2013 Bozeman Daily Chronicle For the past few days, Gallatin Gateway has been a closed gate of ice for the Gallatin River. Residents hope a slow warm-up will keep it from being a floodgate
December 5, 2013 Billings Gazette The Fort Belknap Indian reservation's tribal government must pay a $1,500 fine, bolster oversight of its utility, and follow a strict testing and monitoring regimen under a five-year plan meant to fix years of problems with its drinking water supply.
December 5, 2013 KULR8.com Attorneys have wrapped up a marathon 25-day trial in which Montana sought to hold neighboring Wyoming liable for taking too much water from the Yellowstone River basin.
December 6, 2013 Columbia Basin Bulletin Recent Forest Service studies on high-elevation climate trends in the Pacific Northwest show that streamflow declines tie directly to decreases and changes in winter winds that bring precipitation across the region.
December 8, 2013 Missoulian The town of Superior bought its own water system in 2000.Now, the city of Missoula is trying to do the same as the last major municipality in Montana that doesn’t control its own water and pipes
December 11, 2013 Vancouver Sun BC Hydro’s planned $7.9-billion Site C dam has caused a split among Treaty 8 First Nations over whether to fight the mega-project tooth and nail or participate in negotiations leading to compensation settlements.
December 6, 2013 Missoulian The Montana Snowbowl ski area has finally won approval from the Lolo National Forest to add more beginner and intermediate terrain around TV Mountain north of Missoula.
December 8, 2013 Missoulian A natural winter alchemy is at work grooming Montana’s wild ice, the season’s cold, clear temperatures freezing mountain lakes and rivers slow and smooth, their surfaces polished to a glassy, manicured sheen.
December 9, 2013 Daily InterLake The Whitefish City Council has delayed until next year a decision on a proposed wastewater program to deal with failing septic systems around Whitefish Lake. December 9, 2013 Billings Gazette The Bureau of Land Management is taking comments on a proposal to use prescribed fires across more than 3,300 acres of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument in Blaine County this spring.
New Notices
Upper Missouri Scoping Comments due at Midnight The public input opportunity for the Upper Missouri Water Issues Scoping, the first phase of the work to update the Upper Missouri Basin portion of the State Water Plan, runs through tomorrow, Thursday, December 12th, at midnight. The review document is here - http://www.dnrc.mt.gov/wrd/water_mgmt/state_water_plan/upper_missouri/phase1_issues_scoping_summary.pdf. The online input tool is here - http://uppermoinput.questionpro.com. Additional information on the Montana State Water Initiative can be found here: www.dnrc.mt.gov/mwsi. Thank you to those who have already provided comments!
2013 Applications Open for Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators The award recognizes outstanding K-12 teachers and their local education agencies nationwide for excellence in integrating environmental education into their lessons and demonstrating the connection between health and the environment for their students. Successful applicants demonstrate creativity, innovation, community engagement and leadership as students learn more about civic responsibility and environmental stewardship.Applicants have until February 28, 2014 to apply for the award under updated criteria released in November.
Ongoing Notices
Free Environmental Outreach Webinars
New Funding Opportunities
The Community Forest Program (CFP) protects forests that are important for people and the places they call home. Different than the traditional use of “Community Forests” terminology used in urban forestry, community forests provide many benefits such as places to recreate and enjoy nature; they protect habitat, water quality and other environmental benefits, and they can provide economic benefits through timber resources. Community Forests have also long been sites for environmental and cultural education. Montana fared well last year receiving funding for all three (3) project proposals. Wanted to make sure you were aware of this and that you and your local cooperators knew as well. You can find more info on the upcoming grant cycle at: http://www.fs.fed.us/spf/coop/programs/loa/cfp.shtml. Deadline for submittal to the state forester’s office is January 15, 2014
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is opening the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) for new enrollments for 2014. Producers interested in participating in the program must submit applications to NRCS by Jan. 17, 2014. The CSP is a Farm Bill conservation program that helps established conservation stewards with taking their level of natural resource management to the next level to improve both their agricultural production and provide valuable conservation benefits such as cleaner and more abundant water, as well as healthier soils and better wildlife habitat. CSP is now in its fifth year and so far, NRCS has partnered with producers to enroll more than 59 million acres across the nation. The program emphasizes conservation performance — producers earn higher payments for higher performance. In CSP, producers install conservation enhancements to make positive changes in soil quality, soil erosion, water quality, water quantity, air quality, plant resources, animal resources and energy. Eligible landowners and operators in all states and territories can enroll in CSP through January 17 to be eligible for 2014 funding. While local NRCS offices accept CSP applications year round, NRCS evaluates applications during announced ranking periods. To be eligible for this year’s enrollment, producers must have their applications submitted to NRCS by the closing date. A CSP self-screening checklist is available to help producers determine if the program is suitable for their operation. The checklist highlights basic information about CSP eligibility requirements, stewardship threshold requirements and payment types
Environmental Education Model Grants EPA is seeking grant applications from eligible applicants to support environmental education projects that promote environmental stewardship and help develop knowledgeable and responsible students, teachers, and citizens. This grant program provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate, and/or disseminate environmental education practices, methods, or techniques, as described in this notice, and that will serve as models that can be replicated in a variety of settings. Under this solicitation EPA expects to award environmental education grants from the 10 EPA Regional offices and from Headquarters.
Ongoing Funding Opportunities
Reclamation and Development Grants Program 2014 The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Reclamation and Development Grants Program (RDGP) announces the release of grant applications for the 2014 grant cycle. Applications are due on May 15, 2014. Up to $500,000 are available or by contacting Alicia Stickney at 406-444-0547. Application deadline: Applications must be delivered or postmarked by Thursday, May 15, 2014. RDGP Planning Grants The RDGP program is also offering planning grants to help communities prepare RDGP applications or to fund planning and assessment for natural resource projects eligible under the larger RDGP. Up to $50,000 are available
THE COCA-COLA FOUNDATION here to review guidelines and application procedures.
WELLS FARGO AND THE NATIONAL FISH & WILDLIFE FOUNDATIONS Deadline: 12/16/2013. Visit the website by clicking here.
THE NOTAH BEGAY III FOUNDATION The application deadline is: 12/16/2013. Click here to visit the Foundation’s website for guidelines
THE DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Deadline for both programs: 12/23/2013. Click hereto read the NOFA for economic development grants. Click here to read the NOFA for the Native America CDFI Assistance Program.
THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION Deadline: 1/13/2014. Click here to learn more about this program and to apply.
BLACKSTONE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION is accepting proposals from nonprofits serving veterans and active servicemen and women transitioning to civilian life. Deadline: 1/14/2014. Click here to visit the Foundation’s website.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) is offering grants to nonprofit and public agencies for both assessment and cleanup work at a specific Brownfield site. Deadline: 1/22/2014. Click here for more information about these grants.
THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR is offering WaterSMART: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants to states, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, or other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in the western United States. Deadline: 1/23/2014. For more information, clickhere.
THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR is offering grants to nonprofits, LEAs and others to provide high school students with education and training that combines rigorous academic and technical curricula focused on specific in-demand occupations and industries. Deadline: 1/27/2014. Click here for guidelines and an application.
WILLIAM G. AND MARIE SELBY FOUNDATION is accepting applications from nonprofits for capital grants for the construction, acquisition and/or renovation of facilities, as well as the purchase of equipment or software. Projects focusing on education, human services, arts and community projects including history, science, and/or the environment will be given top priority. Deadline: 2/1/2014. Click here to visit the website for guidelines and an application.
LOWES CHARITABLE AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION is accepting applications for the 2014 Toolbox for Education Grant Program. Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded in support of facility improvement projects that have a permanent impact on a K-12 school community. Deadline: 2/14/2014. Click hereto visit the website and review program guidelines.
THE KAZANJIAN FOUNDATION is offering grants to nonprofits for projects with national impact that address issues of economic education. The average grant is approximately $22,000, however grants as small as $3,500 and as large as $150,000 have been made. Occasionally, multi-year grants are made for larger projects.Deadline: 2/15/2014. Click here to go to the Foundation’s website for guidelines and an application.
THE OPEN MEADOWS FOUNDATION supports projects that are designed and implemented by women and girls; reflect the diversity of the community served by the project; promote building community power; and encourage racial, social, economic, and environmental justice. The Foundation provides grants of up to $2,000 to cover start-up expenses or to support ongoing projects and also administers a number of special funds that are targeted to specific groups or activities.The next application deadline is: 2/15/2014. Funding guidelines and application instructions are available on the Foundation’s website here.
USDA has announced the availability of nearly $10.5 million in grants through the Value-Added Producer Grant program. Grants are available to help agricultural producers create new products, expand marketing opportunities, support further processing of existing products or goods, or to develop specialty and niche products. The maximum working capital grant is $200,000; the maximum planning grant is $75,000. Deadline: 2/24/2014. Click here to read the NOFA for more information.
Grants Available for Stormwater Management, Habitat Restoration Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grants:
Deadline February 5, 2014 The National Association of Counties, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Wildlife Habitat Council, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, USDA Forest Service, Southern Company, FedEx and PG&E, are seeking applications for the Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program. Approximately $1.8 million will be available in 2014, and grants will range from $20,000 to $50,000. Projects should engage diverse partners for wetland, forest, riparian and coastal habitat restoration, stormwater management, outreach and stewardship with a particular focus on water quality, watersheds and habitats. Communities must provide a 1:1 match. Contact Sustainable Strategies DC for help in preparing your proposal. For more information, http://www.nfwf.org/fivestar/Pages/home.aspx Funding Available for Western Water and Energy Efficiency Projects BuRec's WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants:
Deadline January 23, 2014 http://www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/..
Temper of the Times Grants The Temper of the Times Foundation is offering grants from $5-10,000 to non-profit 501(c)3 organizations. The grants will provide funding for projects that lead to measurable outcomes for wildland ecosystem conservation and restoration in the U.S. Grants may be used to fund the production of print, radio or television ads; to pay for advertising space or airtime; or to produce or distribute pamphlets, books, videos, or press packets. Applications are due by December 15. For more information on this funding opportunity, click here.
The deadline for proposals for the Urban Waters Small Grants RFP is December 16th, 2013 . There is a webinar about the Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant program for potential applicants on Thursday, December 5 (2-3:30 pm EDT). The webinar will review the RFP and provide an overview of the program. Registration information can be found on the website at http://www.nfwf.org/fivestar. Small grant awards under this competition will range in the amount of approximately $40,000 to $60,000 in federal funding, and EPA expects to award up to $1.6 million in total funding.
Reclamation and Development Grants Program Planning Grants Now Available The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Reclamation and Development Grants Program (RDGP) is accepting grant applications to fund planning and assessment for natural resource projects. Proposed projects. Applications are due Wednesday, January 15, 2014. http://www.dnrc.mt.gov/cardd/ResourceDevelopment/rdg/ProjectPlanningGrants.asp or by contacting Alicia Stickney at 406-444-0547.
If your watershed contains BLM managed public lands and you have ideas for a partnership please contact Mike Philbin (406-896-5041), or your local BLM office, for more information.
New Job Announcements
Ongoing Job Announcements
Compensation will depend upon experience. You can view a full position description on our webpage www.montanawatershed.org. Please direct any questions about the position to the board president, Deana DeWire at birdondewire@gmail.com.
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