Lewis and Clark County is in West Central Montana. Spanning from the Rocky Mountain Front in the north to the state capital of Helena in the south and encompassing both sides of the Continental Divide. Lewis and Clark County contains a wide diversity of landscapes.
The total amount of land in farms has declined in recent years while the county’s population has increased to around 67,773. Despite losing land to development, or perhaps because of it, the total number of separate farming operations has increased steadily. The top crop produced is hay, followed by wheat, and barley. Cattle are the primary livestock produced. A few small-scale vegetable and meat producers have farms in the county.
The NRCS office, located in Helena, 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 Lewis and Clark County Landowners
- Forest Resiliency In The Wolf Creek Community Phase Two Targeted Implementation Plan Phase Two (TIP)
- Forest Resiliency around the Dalton Mountain Road Community Targeted Implementation Plan (TIP)
- Forest Resiliency in the Wolf Creek Community Targeted Implementation Plan Phase One (TIP)
- Elkhorn Cooperative Management Area Joint Chiefs' Project
- Hilger Valley Conifer Encroachment TIP
- Forest Resiliency in the Wolf Creek Community Project Phase Three (TIP)
- York Area Plant Health and Wildfire Resiliency 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
Lewis & Clark County Local Working Group
The Lewis & Clark County Conservation District is hosting a meeting 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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