Yellowstone County is about 1.7 million acres in size with approximately 150,000 people in residence, making it the most populous county in Montana. Billings, the Yellowstone County Seat, is the largest city with a population of 104,514. About 9,600 acres of the Crow Reservation are located in Yellowstone County. The Yellowstone River, an excellent source of recreation as well as being the main source of irrigation water for farmers in the valley, crosses the full length of the Yellowstone County Planning Area. The majority of land in Yellowstone County is privately owned. Major land uses include rangeland, cropland/hay land and forest land. The NRCS office, located in Billings, 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 Yellowstone County Landowners
- Fly Creek Water Quality Targeted Implementation Plan (TIP)
- Rooting for Soil Health Targeted Implementation Plan (TIP)
- Conversion of Expiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to Grazing Lands in Big Horn and Yellowstone Counties TIP
- Northern Great Plains Grassland Conservation RCPP Project
- Yellowstone River and Tributaries "Corners and Boarders for Pollinators" 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. Visit or call your local USDA Service Center, for more information on these and other programs, or see State Programs and Initiatives on the NRCS Montana webpage.
Additional Information
Yellowstone County Local Working Group
The Yellowstone 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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