Welcome to the Ruby Valley Conservation District - protecting the land and preserving our heritage since 1939.
Conservation districts (CDs) work locally to fulfill the state's policy to conserve soil, water, and other natural resources of the state. A map of all Montana Conservation District regions is available online. The RVCD recieves funding from a county mill levy, and is guided by a board of directors with a shared concern for the health of the land and the region’s resources.
Conservation districts grew from public concern for the condition of our natural resources in the 1930s. In 1935, the US Congress declared soil and water conservation to be national policy, with the passage of Public Law 46. At the state level, Montana Conservation District Law (Section 75-7-101 through 75-7-124 MCA) was enacted to allow land users to form soil and water conservation districts.
| Programs and Activities - Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act: (75-7-101 et seq. MCA)- (310 Permitting Process) Any private individual or corporation that proposes to work in or near perennial streams must first apply for a permit from a conservation district.
- Water Quality: RVCD is responsible for nonpoint source (NPS) pollution control at the local level. Conservation districts work with federal and state agencies to identify and prioritize areas affected by NPS pollution. They also work to conduct projects that demonstrate NPS pollution control practices.
- 5 Year Watershed Restoration Plan: CDs coordinate and/or participate in local efforts to increase the effectiveness of resource management and planning activities on private, county, state and federal land. The RVCD, through the Ruby Watershed Council, is in the process of writing a 5-Year Watershed Restoration Plan.
- Education and Outreach: RVCD engages in educational activities through the Ruby Watershed Council with people of all ages to help them understand the value of conservation and how best to accomplish it.
- Urban/Suburban Activities: CDs provide soil surveys, water inventories, assistance with waste disposal, and other services to planning boards commissioners, municipal officials, schools, builders, hospitals, industries, and owners of subdivided acreages.
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