Conservation Districts are local government entities across Montana run by local elected supervisors. Districts perform an array of functions, all geared toward in some way toward conserving soil and water. Over the last decade, almost $10 million in state tax money from the general fund went to the 58 districts along with $17.4 million in taxes on coal production. Local taxes also go to conservation districts.

The Montana Legislature is studying funding options for conservation districts as coal tax revenue is expected to decline. The Environmental Quality Council takes up the issue at its meeting January 24 in Helena.

The state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation allocates money for administrative and other expenses to the districts. Over the last decade, about $31.5 million passed from the DNRC to conservation districts. In addition to stream permitting reimbursements and administrative grants, conservation districts get grants through the DNRC for many types of programs, including reclamation, hazardous fuels reduction, education, and pollinator programs.

This link shows detailed information about local taxes raised by districts as well details on each grant and where it was used.

This video explains more about the work conservation district perform.