Blaine County, located on the Canadian border in north central Montana, has an area of 4,267 square miles and a population of 6,491. The Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in the south eastern portion of the county represents the A’aninin (Gros Ventre) and the Nakoda (Assinboine) Tribes. Other land ownership is a mix of public and private. Much of the county consists of flat prairies of glacial till, pot hole wetlands, and deposits of alluvium. Two small distinct mountain ranges are found in Blaine County: the Little Rockies and the Bear Paw Mountains. The south end of the county also contains part of the Missouri River Breaks. A section of the Missouri River forms the southern border of the county and the Milk River runs through the county from northwest to southeast.
The climate is highly variable making agriculture in the county highly susceptible to weather extremes. Rangelands represent the largest land use; cool season grasses, primarily wheat, are the predominant crops. Blaine County USDA Service Centers offer voluntary technical and financial assistance to private landowners interested in natural resource conservation based on a focused approach using long range planning with local input.
Current Financial Assistance Opportunities for Blaine County Landowners
- Big Game Habitat Improvement RCPP Project
- Migratory Bird Resurgence Initiative
- Save Our Soils Great Falls Area TIP
In addition to these local projects, producers may also apply for statewide programs such as the Conservation Stewardship Program, national Environmental Quality Incentives Program initiatives, and conservation easement programs. For more information on these and other programs, see State Programs and Initiatives on the NRCS Montana webpage.
Additional Information
Montana Local Working Groups
Every year, county Conservation Districts and the NRCS host local working group meetings where farmers, landowners, conservation partners, and other stakeholders in the community discuss the natural resource needs for the county. Based on this feedback, NRCS updates the county’s long-range plan and develops new Targeted Implementation Plans to address those resource concerns.
Montana Focused Conservation
In Montana, NRCS uses a “Focused Conservation” strategy to guide its EQIP investments. Montana Focused Conservation begins with goals identified in local-level Long Range Plans. Based on those plans, NRCS develops Targeted Implementation Plans (TIPs) to guide on-the-ground implementation.
Learn MoreWhat's Available in My Montana County?
Current local financial assistance opportunities in Montana, listed by county. In addition to the local opportunities, producers may also apply for statewide and national programs.
Learn MoreMontana Programs and Application Dates
Program applications are accepted on a continual basis, however, NRCS establishes application ranking dates for evaluation, ranking and approval of eligible applications. Applications received after the ranking date will be automatically deferred to the next funding period.
Learn More