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Bozeman, Mnt., November 13, 2024– Last summer, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Montana went around the entire state to capture success stories between field office staff and landowners, producers, and partners. For two weeks, staff from the NRCS state office and a production crew went out to document the various successes with local field office staff, partners, and landowners. Ranging from forest thinning to wildlife habitat restoration, there are various programs and stories that were recorded.
We have articles, photos, and videos available.
- Habitat for Diverse Wildlife: For over four decades, Steve and Rita (Cossitt) Mueller have been partners in both life and their shared love for ranching. While their current chapter unfolds in Powder River County of southeastern Montana, their ranch’s history stretches back to Rita’s grandfather, “Shorty” Daly, who homesteaded the land in 1911.
- Caring for the Land, Cattle, and Community: In the quiet town of Stanford, Montana, grassy plains spread out to the surrounding mountains where Rick Caquelin has embraced full-time ranching post-retirement.
- Realizing the Dream of Bear Creek Land and Cattle: In the heart of Montana, Robert and Dede Griffin are transforming their dream ranch just outside of Roy into a haven for both wildlife and community. Thanks to water system improvements and regenerative conservation practices supported by NRCS and other agencies, waterfowl and shoreline birds have also become more common on their property.
- Preserving the Legacy with Forest Thinning: Situated in Treasure County, bordered just to the north by the Yellowstone River with beautiful rolling hills to the south, this cherished property serves as both a historical landmark and a cow/calf operation. Collaborating with NRCS, the Ickes family is working to improve their land through forest thinning and fuels reduction.
- Sustainable Ranching on Sacred Land: For over three decades, the Kipps have been safeguarding this land, collaborating with the Blackfeet Nation and NRCS.
- Protecting Rangelands in the Knowlton-Pine Hills: Staci Ketchum and Erik Peterson are just two of the landowners in Custer County working to reduce conifer encroachment into rangelands through a locally led Targeted Implementation Plan.
- Collaborative Conservation: USDA NRCS and U.S. Forest Service Joint Chiefs’ Project Preserves Forested Lands: The Joint Chief’s Landscape Restoration Partnership between NRCS and Forest Service holds great significance for the conservation and restoration of forested lands in northwest Montana.
- Restoring Montana’s Forestland: The Davaz Family’s Journey Towards Conservation: Dennis and Karen Davaz acquired property along Eldridge Creek near Livingston, Montana and are committed to restoring the land, which had been idle for over 45 years.
- Protecting Nature: Jim Watson’s Commitment to Conservation on His Forested Property: Through the Joint Chiefs’ Project, Jim and Carol Watson have been working closely with NRCS and Forest Services to help with fuel mitigation on their property in the Salish mountains.
Watch all of the success story videos on the NRCS Montana YouTube channel
Read all of the success story articles on the NRCS Montana website
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NRCS in Montana
