John Finch - District Administrator
1102 Main Avenue North
Choteau, Montana 59422
406-466-5722 ext. 13

Work done since the District was organized in 1947 consists primarily of improving irrigation systems, drainage, land leveling and livestock water developments. Irrigation reservoirs have been constructed mainly to supply supplemental livestock feed. Other conservation practices installed include improving cropping systems, ditch construction, installing water control structures, pasture and hay land planting, grazing land management, stubble mulch-tillage, strip cropping, grassed waterways, diversions, stream bank protection, irrigation pumping plants and improvement of wildlife habitat.

It has been the policy of the District to work with groups of cooperators whenever possible to make the most efficient and permanent use of the soil and water resources. Cooperative efforts of landowners, operators, other interested groups, and various agencies have contributed to the success of the District.

It is the policy of the State of Montana that its natural rivers and streams and the lands and property immediately adjacent to them within the state are to be protected and preserved to be available in their natural or existing state and to prohibit unauthorized projects and in so doing to keep soil erosion and sedimentation to a minimum, except as may be necessary and appropriate after due consideration of all factors involved.

Further, it is the policy of this state to recognize the needs of irrigation and agricultural use of the rivers and streams of the State of Montana and to protect the use of water for any useful or beneficial purpose as guaranteed by the Constitution of the State of Montana.

If you are planning any project in a perennial running stream or river in Teton County, please contact the Teton Conservation District for a 310 Permit application.

After the application is turned into the District, an appointment will be made with you to inspect the site of the project.

At the next board meeting, the Supervisors will vote on your proposed project. If approved at that time, a 310 Permit will be issued.

If you have any questions regarding the 310 Permitting process, please contact John Finch, District Administrator at 406-466-5722, ext. 103, between the hours of 8 a.m. and noon.