Granite County in west central Montana includes a diversity of landforms and ecosystems. The Anaconda Range forms the southern boundary of Granite County. The county contains portions of the Sapphire Range as the western boundary, Flint Creek Range as the eastern boundary, and the John Long Range in the middle of the county traversing north/south. The main watercourses in the county include the Clark Fork River traversing east/west, Flint Creek and Rock Creek both traversing south/north and discharging into the Clark Fork River. The largest city in the county is Philipsburg which also serves as the county seat with a population of 920.
Most of the land in Granite County is publicly owned, with most of the public land managed by the US Forest Service. Private land ownership is located along the valley floor of Flint Creek and Rock Creek and scattered upland timber locations. Crops include irrigated barley, oats and hay. Over 19,000 acres of agricultural lands are in winter forage production for the 18,800 cattle and 400 sheep in the county. The NRCS office, located in Philipsburg, offers 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 Granite County Landowners
- North Granite County Forest Stand Improvement Targeted Implementation Plan (TIP)
- Granite Fuel Break Targeted Implementation Plan (TIP)
- Helmville Valley Conifer Encroachment Targeted Implementation Plan (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
Granite County Local Working Group
Local working group meetings are held to gather input from local stakeholders to help prioritize natural resource concerns and guide NRCS funding opportunities.
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.
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