The Yellowstone River Conservation Districts Council (YRCDC) is comprised of eleven member districts along the main stem of the Yellowstone River. Our purpose is to provide local leadership, assistance, and guidance for the wise use and conservation of the Yellowstone River’s natural resources. This purpose is founded on three fundamental precepts:
1) The need for scientific information on which to base management decisions.
2) The need for broad-based local, regional, and national input.
3) The need for technical and financial assistance to address sustainable use issues on the Yellowstone River.
Meeting Notice – May 28th – 10am – Miles City Sleep Inn and Suites
The Yellowstone River Conservation District Council will meet in Miles City on Thursday, May 28th in the Tongue River Conference Room at the Miles City Sleep Inn & Suites beginning at 10 AM. Meeting Details & Agenda will be posted to this site in early May and be sent to Council members and their member…
Tongue River – The State of the Watershed Discussion – Meeting February 26th, 9am-12pm in Miles City
Tongue River - The State of the Watershed Discussion Purpose - share information to create an increased understanding of the history, issues, concerns and impacts of the water quality within the Tongue River Watershed. Yellowstone River Conservation District Council was asked by the Tongue and Yellowstone River Irrigation District (T&Y ID) and the Custer County Commissioners…
Regenerative Agriculture in Action – Journey on the Yellowstone
Yellowstone River Conservation District Council Regenerative Agriculture in Action: Dan and Tami Sanders’ Journey on the Yellowstone Nestled at the foot of the Crazy Mountains in Big Timber, Montana, Dan and Tami Sanders have embarked on a mission to transform their leased 500-acre ranch into their own unique model of regenerative agriculture. Guided by the…
Woody Invasive Task Force
Montana’s rivers, rangelands, and working landscapes are increasingly threatened by woody invasive species like common buckthorn, Russian olive, and saltcedar. These aggressive plants disrupt ecosystems, reduce water availability, damage infrastructure, and limit agricultural productivity—creating real ecological and economic challenges across the state.
This statewide management plan brings together landowners, agencies, and conservation partners to tackle the issue at scale. It outlines science-based strategies for prevention, treatment, and long-term control, while emphasizing collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and sustained funding.
By aligning efforts across jurisdictions and focusing on early detection, coordinated management, and education, this work aims to restore Montana’s riparian systems and protect the productivity, resilience, and beauty of its landscapes for generations to come.
In 2024, Yellowstone River Conservation District Council helped to create a Woody Invasive Task Force with multiple conservation partners. The picture below is a link to the Woody Invasive Task Force Management plan.
Our work with woody invasives
If you’re interested in receiving updates about YRCDC’s meetings and activities, please let us know by emailing Dan at yellowrockriver@gmail.com.
About the Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River stretches over 670 miles and is the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states. Originating in Yellowstone National Park, it drains 70,000 square miles of land before it joins the Missouri River northeast of Sidney, Montana. In addition to an abundance of fish and wildlife, the Yellowstone River supports a wide variety of agricultural, domestic, industrial, and recreational uses.