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​

• Avon Stockwater Targeted Implementation Plan (TIP)
• Forest Resiliency around the Dalton Mountain Road Community Targeted Implementation Plan (TIP)
• Forest Resiliency In The Wolf Creek Community Phase Two Targeted Implementation Plan Phase Two (TIP)
• Forest Resiliency in the Wolf Creek Community Project Phase Three (TIP)
• Forest Resiliency in the Wolf Creek Community - Phase 4 TIP
• Grizzly Bear Mitigation TIP
• Hilger Valley Conifer Encroachment TIP
• Landers Fork Targeted Implementation Plan (TIP)
• Sheep Mountain TIP
• York Area Plant Health and Wildfire Resiliency TIP
• Montana Grassland Restoration 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.