IN THIS ISSUE

Message from

President

1

Conservationist is

Applauded!

2

NRCS Regional Soil

Health Specialist on

Hi-line.

3

Little Beaver

Conservation

District Award

4

SWCS Meeting

Minutes

5

Soil Painting in

Kalispell

6

Award Nomination

Form

7

Soil Painting Kit

Order Form

8

Organic Matters! 9/10

Summer Meeting 11

Oehlke Award 12

Chapter Officers

Tidbits

13

Stacy Denny-Eneboe, President

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year MT SWCS.

Time goes by rather quickly it seems. Believe it or not this will be my last newsletter article as your MT SWCS president. On February 1, 2017, Mark Henning will take over as your chapter president. I am confident that Mark will do a great job. Please do not hesitate to contact him or one of the board members with your concerns and question. I will remain on the board as your past president for another two years, so chances are you will hear from me again.

I am working on the ballot for the MT SWCS elections for 2017. My plan is to have the ballots out by January 1, 2017. The open positions on the board are, President Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, North Director, and Northwestern Director. There are room for more names on the ballot, so don’t be shy, if you are interested in running for a position on the board, please let me know no later than December 22nd.

The board has once again partnered with Montana Association of Conservation Districts (MSCA) and the Soil & Water Conservation Districts of Montana (SWCDM) to sponsor the soil health workshops that are taking place around the state. Please read through the newsletter for the January events. The board will try to have the MTSWCS Display on site at as many events as possible. Please consider helping transport and set-up the display at an event near you. This will help the board members and is much appreciated.

The board is actively working on plans for a soil health tour in 2017. The tour will

be held in Pondera County June 13-14. Please save the date, it’s always easier to

fill your schedule than it is to add days. Invited speakers are Marlon Winger and

Dr. Ray Ward. I am hopeful that MT NRCS will again support NRCS employee

attendance for training purposes. If you are an NRCS employee, please remember

to add this opportunity to your Individual Development Plan (IDP) in Aglearn.

Your IDP can be updated at any time as long as your supervisor concurs.

I hope that you and your families have a fantastic Christmas and a very Happy

New Year.

-Stacy Denny Eneboe

SWCS-MONTANA CHAPTER

MONTANA SWCS NEWS

FALL 2016

Page 2

Angel Rosario, Northwester Director and NRCS DC in Kalispell, sent me the following article of interest. He added

that in 2015 John got an EQIP contract to do further work such as weed control, more mistletoe removal, tree thin-

ning, tree planting and re-seeding of disturbed areas.

Thanks Angel! This is the kind of Montanans that help keep our state so awesome! John has been an active District supervisor in Cascade County for years.

CONSERVATION DISTRICT NEWS

More Soil Health comes to Montana Hi-Line

On October 12 and 13th the Montana Hi-Line was treated to interactive presen-

tations by Montana/Wyoming/Idaho Soil Health Specialist Marlon Winger.

A morning meeting in the Harlem city hall on Tuesday; set up by Shaun Holcomb

and Blake Stiffarm of the Fort Belknap NRCS field office, had attendance from

Blaine and Phillips counties. Eight producers and seven NRCS employees had the

opportunity to learn the five principles of soil health and about soil biology.

On Thursday, Eric Watson DC in Cutbank assisted in roping 90+ producers from

Glacier, Pondera, Toole and Liberty counties along with 14 NRCS employees and

a class of ag science students into 5 hours of soil health. Marlon kept everyone

entertained and eager to learn. He started with the slake test and the infiltration

test using low and high disturbance soils. From there he moved on to how to im-

prove your soils using the five principles of soil health. His interactive presenta-

tion kept everyone’s attention.

At both locations Marlon spent time answering producers questions and reiterat-

ing that each circumstance is different but we can all move our soils toward bet-

ter health by using the principles of soil health: reducing disturbance, keep soil

covered, feed the soil biology, increase diversity, and incorporate livestock graz-

ing. Marlon had many examples and stories to share with the audiences to help

us understand how soil health works with all soils and climates.

It was a good week for soil health across the hi-line. By Joyce Trevithick

Page 3

“I ain't no wise man

But I'm no fool

I believe that Mother Nature

Has taken us to school

Maybe we just took too much

Or put too little back

It isn't knowledge

It's humility we lack”

I'm prayin' for rain

By, Don Henley

Did you know that

you can sign up for

payroll deduction of

your membership?

This spreads the

cost over 26

paychecks if you are

paid bi-weekly! The

form is on the

national SWCS

http://www.swcs.org/

SWCS presented the Little Beaver Conservation

District with the MT SWCS Achievement

Award. A portion of the MT SWCS presenta-

tion to LBCD is shown below:

MT-SWCS (Soil and Water Conservation Society)

The Professional Award is given annually to a deserving individual or group working as a government employee, as an educator, as a media representative or in any other professional capacity. Below is the basis for LBCD being granted this award this year:

The Little Beaver Conservation District (LBCD) has focused extensive-ly on education and outreach for the acknowledgement and under-standing of our natural resources. Their involvement and support has resulted in vast improvements in knowledge and implementation of practices benefiting soil health in and out of Fallon County.

They have invested in equipment, programs and education to achieve their success. The following equipment was purchased to facilitate the adoption of best management practices in the county:

No-Till Drill (purchased and rented out since 2006)

Rainfall Simulator with trailer (to demonstrate management effects on land uses)

Tree planter, fabric layer, cooler and building (to encourage tree planting and ensure success)

Water quality testing equipment (to complete stream assessments-in cooperation with DEQ)

LBCD has provided:

cost-share for cover crop plantings to encourage adoption of the practice

scholarships for young producers to attend the Young Ag Couples Conference in Montana

scholarships for youth to attend Range Camp

The Educational outreach is phenomenal:

K-6 grade educational program focusing in on specific topics for each grade from pollinators to wheat production. 6th grade is a full day of different stations ending with the presentation of t-shirts.

Assisting with District FFA contests-both Agronomy and Range

Partnered with Fallon/Carter County MSU Extension to hold a “Soil to Skillet” workshop that includes topics like soil health, no-till gardening, pollinators, growing nutritional food, projects and culminating into a meal prepared by a chef from meat and produce that was locally sourced.

Hosts soil health tours for other counties

Has hosted 2 soil health tours from other countries (France organized, but farmers from several other countries were represented).

Range and Agronomy workshops with many renowned speakers including topics from economics to low-stress livestock handling.

Co-sponsored two 4-day Holistic Management courses with Bowman/Slope SCD in North Dakota.

Every board member has been actively involved in this endeavor including, but not limited to, assisting with the youth educa-tion, speaking at and hosting tours and workshops in and out of Fallon County, being on call for drill questions and maintenance issues and fully supporting education for the improvement of our natural resources. They have also had the good fortune to have several good District Administrators who have been very actively engaged and worked hard for all of the above. But, credit to them for encouraging and allowing that growth. They are a very progressive conservation district board that has gone above and beyond for the good of the community.

Ann Fischer

District Conservationist, NRCS

The Midwest Cover

Crops Council has

published a very nice

pocket guide on cover

crops. The booklet has

excellent pictures of the

main cover crop species,

their many

characteristics, and soil

health benefits. It can be

ordered online at

ag.purdue.edu/agry/dtc

or it is available from

SWCS; contact a board

member and get your

copy for $10.

Page 4

Urban Supervisor- Wayne Mangold, District Adminis-

trator-Sarafina Claeys, Supervisor-Quentin Burdick,

Supervisor- Keith Rustad

Marni Thompson sharing SOIL

Health principles with produc-

ers in the field.

November 17, 2016

MT SWCS Teleconference

Members present: Stacy Eneboe, Angel Rosario, Mark Henning, Marni Thompson,

Eric Watson, Chris Mahony, Joyce Trevithick

Meeting called to order by President Stacy Eneboe 8:35 a.m.

Minutes: Motion made by Marni Thompson to approve October minutes as sent out,

Angel Rosario seconded. Motion passed to approve October meeting minutes.

Holzer sent the treasurer’s report early since she is at MACD in Sidney.

.Old Business:

-Election of Officers: Eneboe hasn’t been able to work on it yet. The election

information should go out in the December Newsletters. Rosario thinks Travis

Lemke may be interested. Rosario will talk to Lemke. Will need a president

elect. Send Eneboe an email for anyone interested or any ideas.

-2016 Technical meeting- Eneboe will be meeting with the conservation district

on December 5th to finalize an agenda for the tour in mid - June. Eneb-

oe is working with 4 conservation districts on this meeting. Looking at

possibly a 1 ½ day tour. Eneboe is trying to mesh a Blackfeet Tribal

Soil Health workshop along with the tour using the same speakers after

technical tour.

-71st International Annual Conference- No discussion.

New Business

Chris Mahony reported that they are doing some small landownership

workshops starting in the spring.

Committee Reports-

Soil Painting Kits: No report. Nothing new since last month. 5 –

10 kits made up and ready to go.

Earthwise Bracelets: Jane reported last month that there are close to 100

on hand.

Awards: Thompson needs to get an email out to everyone. Working towards an

announcement at the June tour.

Newsletter: Joyce said the deadline to get things to her is Nov. 23rd.

Scholarships: no report

Membership: no report

Next meeting scheduled for: December 15th, 2016 @ 8:30 AM

Page 5

Colors we can use for

the Soil Painting Kits. We

need dark brown, yellow,

green, orange, reddish,

etc.

Stacy has 6 kits ready to

sell but we are in need of

more soils. If you have

the opportunity to grab a

gallon of unique soils,

please do so and we will

help you get it to Con-

rad.

SMELL!

“The greatest roadblock in solving problems is the human mind” - Gabe and Paul Brown

SOIL PAINTING ON ARBOR DAY

l 3rd graders

in Kalispell

PAGE 6

ROOTS AND FUNGI!

PAGE 7

HEAR YE, HEAR YE! Ms Sally Farmer has been awarded the STABLE SOIL AWARD!

TOOT SOMEONE’S HORN!

To advance the science and art of good land and water use worldwide

Send to: Montana Chapter SWCS c/o Jane Holzer MT Chapter Treasurer

P.O. Box 909 Conrad, MT 59425 Email: msca@3rivers.net

Ordered by: _________________________________________________________________________

Name: _______________________________________________________ Date:_______________

School or Organization: ______________________________________________________________

Shipping Address: ___________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code: _________________________________________________________________

Shipping Method: □ Priority Mail □ Pick Up Date Needed by: ______________________

Payment method: □ Check or □ Money Order

Payment must accompany order form.

Please make checks payable to “Montana Chapter SWCS”

Please note: Kit soils have been

processed to remove inert matter.

Native soil may still contain ac-

tive

microorganisms and therefore

should not be ingested. Please use

caution when handling and use

standard sanitary practices when

working with soil and soil prod-

ucts.

Thank you for your support! Proceeds from our soil painting kit sales are used in part to further the

conservation education goals of the Montana Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society.

Scholarships are provided to deserving college students and educational projects for Montana youths

and adults. It is due to your generous support that these projects are possible.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Quanti-ty Each Item Description

Unit Price Total

Soil Painting Kit w/ Acrylic Gesso

Five bags of soil with different textures and colors from across Montana. Quantity suit-able for a 25-student classroom lesson. In-cludes mixing sticks, cups/lids and direc-tions.

$10.00

Acrylic Gesso Only

5 oz bottle of clear Acrylic Gesso. (Use approx. 1oz per bag of soil to make soil paint) $5.00

Subtotal

Shipping and Handling ($5/kit)

Total Enclosed

PAGE 8

Organic matter is defined as matter that has come from a once-living organism; is capable of

decay, or the product of decay; or is composed of organic compounds. For simplicity, organ-

ic matter can be divided into two major categories: stabilized organic matter which is highly

decomposed and stable, and the active fraction which is being actively used and transformed

by living plants, animals and microbes. Basic structures created from organic matter include

cellulose, tannin, cutin, and lignin, along with other various proteins, lipids, and sugars. Vari-

ous organisms, including bacteria, fungi and other soil organisms break down these basic

structures further, providing essential ingredients necessary for plant life. Bacteria and fungi

feed on plant residues, breaking them down and holding nutrients in their bodies, glued and

bound to soil particles. Plant roots often supply the simple carbon substrates that bacteria re-

quire, such as simple sugars, proteins, and carbohydrates. Bacteria need N, P, K, and other

nutrients as well, and obtain these from organic matter and from inorganic sources. Fungi

typically require more complex carbon substrates than bacteria, as well as N, P, K, and gain

these from sloughed root cells, dead plant tissue, such as cellulose, cutins, and lignins and in

the case of mycorrhizal fungi, live plant tissue.

The nutrients bound in the bacteria and fungi are not available to plants until protozoa, nema-

todes, small micro-arthropods, or earthworms consume individuals and release nutrients in

plant available forms.

The contributions of plants, via quality of plant litter, root exudates and quantity of litter are

vital for soil processes. Different types of plants will contribute various amounts of organic

matter to the soil biosphere. Organic matter helps build soil structure (Norland, 1993), stabi-

lizes and holds soil particles together thus reducing the hazard of erosion, increases the water

holding capacity and retains nutrients, provides a carbon and energy source for soil microbes,

aids the growth of crops by improving the soil’s ability to store and transmit air and water,

stores and supplies such nutrients as nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur, makes soil more friable,

less sticky, and easier to work, retains carbon from the atmosphere and other sources, reduces

the negative environmental effects of pesticides, heavy metals, and many other pollutants.

Plant litter quality has direct effects on nutrient availability in the soil system, and as a result

indirectly affects the soil organisms that are present in a given area (Wardle, 2002). Many

different factors regulate soil micro-organisms. These organisms can indirectly affect plant

communities through decomposition of organic material and corresponding release of nutri-

ents in the soil. Microbes are stimulated by increased concentrations of various chemicals

produced by sloughing off of root cap cells, exudation of compounds from intact cells and

production of slime by the root cap (Fitter & Hay, 1981).

Organic matter also plays an important role in the development of soil structure. Soil parti-

cles are bound together by organic and inorganic polymers into larger soil aggregates (Kabata

-Pendias, 2001). Soils that exhibit limited aggregation will impede water infiltration. Granu-

lar soils have a balanced number of micro-pore spaces and macro-pore spaces (Munshower,

1994), which increase gas exchange sites and provide habitat for root development while

providing enough water and nutrients to the plant.

Soil organic matter can be lost through erosion. This process selectively detaches and trans-

ports particles on the soil surface that have the highest content of organic matter. Soil organic

matter is also utilized by soil microorganisms as energy and nutrients to support their own life

processes. Some of the material is incorporated into the microbes, but most is released as car-

bon dioxide and water. Some nitrogen is released in gaseous form, but some is retained, along

with most of the phosphorus and sulfur. When soils are tilled, organic matter is decomposed

faster because of changes in water, aeration, and temperature conditions. Continued………………….

Organic Matter Basics: by Chris Mahoney

PAGE 9

COMPOSTING SIMPLE

Organic matter basics: continued...

The amount of organic matter lost after clearing a wooded area or tilling native grassland varies

according to the kind of soil, but most organic matter is lost within the first 10 years. Rates of

decomposition are very low at temperatures below 38 F, but rise steadily with increasing tempera-

tures. Available nitrogen also promotes organic matter decomposition.

What does this mean for farmers and ranchers:

Fertilization can be reduced or eliminated entirely if sufficient organic material is present and the

soil can become self sustaining through microbial processes and humus production.

Practices that decrease soil organic matter include replacing perennial vegetation with annual veg-

etation, increased use of fallow, burning, grazing, harvesting crops and crop residue, tillage and

fertilization.

Practices that increase soil organic matter include fertilization to increase plant biomass produc-

tion, use of cover crops, improved vegetative stands, introduction of plants that produce more bio-

mass, using forage by grazing rather than by harvesting, applying animal manure or other carbon-

rich wastes, reducing or eliminating tillage and keeping the soil cool with vegetative cover.

Organic matter can be compared to a bank account with monthly interest payments and annual

dividends. Increasing organic matter increases the water holding capacity of the soil, Hudson

(1994) showed that for each 1-percent increase in soil organic matter, the available water holding

capacity in the soil increased by 3.7 percent. Increased organic matter also increases the total

amount of nutrients in a system. Most of these nutrients are not immediately available for plant

use (plant available). However as microbes decompose this organic matter nutrients are released

into the system that are available for plant utilization. The proper diversity of soil microorgan-

isms plays an important role in cycling organic matter and nutrients through a system. Achieving

increased diversity of soil microorganisms can be accomplished with crop rotations, no-till, cover

crops and other practices that create a diversity of plant residues and management activities that

mimic natural systems.

When a producer soil tests, the recommended fertilizer rate for a stated yield goal does not take

into account the amount of nutrients that are tied up in organic matter but will be available for

plant utilization later in the growing season. Some fraction of the total organic matter will de-

compose as the soil warms, providing plant available nutrients.

So in farming and ranching situations, producer’s dependence on inorganic forms of nutrients

added as amendments, could be reduced or even eliminated if an equilibrium can be reached be-

tween litter/residue inputs, organic matter decomposition and nutrient loss or utilization. Increas-

ing soil organic matter can be managed.

If a producer can manage residue, reduce tillage and increase plant diversity this will go a long

way to reducing expensive annual inputs.

45-58% of stable soil organic matter is carbon, while nitrogen makes up 5-6%

PAGE 10

Shifting To Soil Biology by Stacy Eneboe and Jane Holzer

The MT Chapter of SWCS was a co-sponsor for the Shifting to Soil Biology, a range and agronomy tour held in Baker,

MT August 30th-31st. There were over 100 attendees from a broad area, including a couple from New Zealand, during

the two-day event hosted by the Little Beaver Conservation District. Participants heard from Dr. Will Brinton, Founder

of Woods End Soil Labs (Maine) and Jay Fuhrer, NRCS Soil Health Specialist (North Dakota) as the featured speakers

but there were other experts on-hand. Participants received a Mason jar with a Solvita soil health test strip and in-

structions.

The first day was spent at the Burdick Ranch in the southeast corner of Montana where the Burdick Family has

cropland, rangeland, and cattle. Quinton Burdick is a Little Beaver CD Supervisor. The group looked at 3-4 ft tall cover

crop species grown in conjunction with a no-till corn-grain rotation. They utilize cover crops in their rotation for late

summer-early fall grazing. While at the Burdick Ranch, the group heard from Randy Pierce, NRCS engineer on soil

moisture monitoring, an ongoing project on the property. Dr. Will Brinton, demonstrated the specific procedure to

collect soil samples for the purpose of running a Solvita test. Dr. Brinton discussed the Solvita test and how carbon

dioxide (CO2) is important to plant health and productivity. Hayes Goosey, MSU Entomologist talked about insect pop-

ulations, in particular dung beetles and how these insects respond to management of an integrated livestock-cropping

system.

After returning to the Fallon County Fairgrounds, the MT Chapter presented awards. The Professional of the Year

award went to the Little Beaver Conservation District and the Conservationist of the Year award went to Herb Oehlke

of Oehlke Farms in Pondera County. Both the CD and Oehlke focus on soil health practices, including cover crop cock-

tails. Participants who just couldn’t get enough, stayed for a social and silent auction to raise funds for the Chapter

Scholarship Fund. Afterwards, the group listened to Dr. Brinton and Jay Fuhrer speak about composting, compost

teas, and other means to jump start soil health.

Day Two was spent at the Hayden Ranch, located south of Baker. The Hayden family explained how they changed

their operation from cows, sheep, and a heavy dependence on hay production to a short-term intensive grazing sys-

tem with cattle. Their need for supplemental hay has been drastically reduced, mainly during storm events when ani-

mals cannot reach the standing forage. Hayden designed a portable stock-water system that is a unique system

moved with a round bale apparatus on a flatbed truck. Temporary electric fencing allows for grazing management

with minimal new inputs. The process to move fence and cattle was demonstrated. Cattle do not return to the same

area for up to 18 months, allowing for regrowth. There was residue covering the soil between the range plants that

reduced soil moisture loss and fed the soil biology. The range was in good condition even though the area was in a

severe rainfall deficit.

While at the Hayden site, Elin Kittlemann, Fallon/Carter County Extension Agent related ‘Managing for Soil Health’ is like managing for Rumen Health, except the critters are smaller! Dr. Will Brinton talked about soil health on rangeland and key indicators of a healthy soil, as well as testing results. Heather Nenniger, Range and Wildlife Conservationist working for NRCS and Soil & Water Conservation Districts of Montana (SWCDM) on the Sage Grouse Initiative talked about prairie birds in general and the type of ecosystem needed to be successful. Hayes Goosey was also on site to discuss the mutual benefits of healthy rangeland and insect populations.

PAGE 11

Herb Oehlke started converting a conventional tillage farm in Pondera County to a no-till crop fallow

system in the early 1990’s. In 2005, Herb began working with the local Conrad NRCS field office

staff through the Conservation Security Program (CSP) and has since participated in several other

NRCS programs to improve his operation with the goal of being a good steward of the land.

Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) in 2006, Herb began the process of

changing his fertilizer application from a one-time uniform application of fertilizer to precision tech-

niques. In 2007, Herb used satellite infrared technology to develop zone maps. Soil testing by zone

showed a bank of nitrogen in the soil just waiting to be utilized. Herb instantly saw a fertilizer cost

saving opportunity so in 2008 he purchased a “Green Seeker” field monitor and began an in-season

fertilizer application on a field zone basis. Herb added a yield monitor in 2009 to his combine to track

grain yields related to ‘as applied’ precision fertilizer maps and built correlated yield maps. This pre-

cision fertilizer application process has been a cost-savings feature.

Herb recognized a need to improve wildlife habitat on his farm. In 2012, through the Wildlife Habitat

Incentive Program (WHIP), Oehlke planted 1,227 trees and shrubs to develop a 5-row wildlife plant-

ing for food and cover. To further enhance the area, Herb planted 27 acres to a perennial forage mix-

ture to provide dense nesting cover adjacent to the tree and shrub planting. This project is progressing

very well and it is a good example to follow for anyone interested in wildlife habitat.

Oehlke agreed to experiment with cover crops for the local NRCS office and MSCA to monitor for

soil health improvement and yield benefits. In 2010 Herb planted 145 acres to two different cover

crop cocktails with a fallow control, followed by wheat the next year whereby his yield monitor

proved a yield benefit from the cocktails. He planted another large field (155 acres) in 2011 to a cov-

er crop mixture and has subsequently incorporated cover crop cocktails with his rotations to improve

his grain production and reduce soil compaction.

Herb’s willingness to work and partner with people has led to cooperating with Drs. Perry Miller,

Clain Jones and Cathy Zabinski with MSU Extension. A long-term study is in place on his farm to

document soil health changes and yield impacts from a cover crop cocktail/grain rotation. The first

three years were funded through Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)

and now by MSU. A field tour was held in 2014 to showcase the individual cover crop species, cock-

tails and soil benefits with a large crowd of conventional and organic producers attending.

PAGE 12 CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR AWARD

We are on the WEB!

http://www.swcs.org/

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

Address Line 3

Address Line 4

HEALTHY LAND

CLEAN WATER

FOR LIFE!

TIDBITS

“Soil is our most important natural resource.” To improve understanding of soil and soil management practices, SDSU Ext. Soil Field Specialist Anthony Bly encourages growers to get involved in the Merit or Myth project www.meritormyth.com

The USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

(SARE) program defines a cover crop as "a plant that is used

primarily to slow erosion, improve soil health, enhance water

availability, smother weeds, help control pests and diseases,

increase biodiversity and bring a host of other benefits to your

farm." - See more at: https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/

2016 MT CHAPTER SWCS OFFICERS

EXECUTIVE BOARD

President: Stacy Eneboe, stacy.eneboe@mt.usda.gov

President Elect: Mark Henning, mark.henning@mt.usda.gov

Past President: Erik Suffridge, erik.suffridge@mt.usda.gov

Secretary: Marni Thompson, marni.thompson@mt.usda.gov

Treasurer: Jane Holzer, msca@3rivers.net

Newsletter Editor: Joyce Trevithick, joyce.trevithick@mt.usda.gov

WebMaster: Tera Ryan, 406.278.3071

Eastern Director: Ann Fischer, ann.fischer@mt.usda.gov

Northern Director: Eric Watson, eric.watson@mt.usda.gov

North Western Director: Angel Rosario, angel.rosario@mt.usda.gov

Southern Director: Roger Hybner, wyarnoed@tctwest.net

South Western Director: Chris Mahoney, chris.mahoney@mt.usda.gov

CHAPTER COMMITTEES

Membership: Shalaine Watson, shalaine.watson@mt.usda.gov

Tommy Bass, tmbass@montana.edu

Scholarships: Tommy Bass, Roger Hybner, Corey Swenson

Awards: Dick Scheetz, richard.scheetz@mt.usda.gov, Mark Henning, Marni Thompson

Soil Painting Kit:: Stacy Eneboe, Jane Holzer

Earth Bracelets: Heidi Brewer

MSU Student Chapter Exploratory Committee: Tony Hartshorn, soildoc@gmail.com;

Tony is a professor and soil scientist highly engaged with MSU students through mentor-

ship and undergrad research initiatives. Tommy Bass, tmbass@montana.edu; Tommy

serves on multiple SWCS endeavors and seeks to invigorate a renewed student chapter.

Please direct all submissions, comments and suggestions to: NEWSLETTER EDITOR:

Joyce Trevithick,

Great Falls - 406-727-7580 ext.128; joyce.trevithick@mt.usda.gov

The mission of the Soil and Water Conservation Society is to foster the science and art of soil, water, and related natural resource management through advocacy, professional de-velopment, and educational activities to achieve sustainability. The Montana members stand for a stewardship ethic that recognizes the interdependence of people and the envi-ronment.

Page 13

WANTED MEMBERS!!!!

The Montana chapter

of SWCS