Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC)

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) mission is this to serve the people of Montana by providing State Trust Land Management, Wildfire Protection, Water Resources Management, Conservation District Support and Resource Development, Forest Practices Regulation, and Promotion of water, soil, forest, and rangeland stewardship in a professional, open, and fiscally responsible manner. To accomplish this, the DNRC has been organized into seven divisions. The divisions described below have responsibilities associated with private forestland management.

Forestry and Fire Division

Within the Forestry and Fire Division the Service Forestry Program provides services to landowners to help them comply with state forestry laws and achieve their own forestry related objectives.  Services include administering state laws for control of timber slash on private lands (Hazard Reduction Agreements); control of forest practices within Streamside Management Zones (SMZs) on federal, state, and private lands; providing information on Best Management Practices (BMPs); and giving technical advice for private forest management, urban tree management and insect and disease control. The Montana Conservation Seedling Nursery produces tree and shrub seedlings for conservation plantings and reforestation on state and private lands.  Contact the nursery for information on ordering plant materials. The Montana Directory of Consultant Foresters is available from area offices.  Information on wildfire protection is available from Forestry Division Land Offices.

Technical Assistance

Provided through DNRC Service Foresters who provide one-on-one assistance to landowners interested in learning more about their properties.

Forestry Division

Urban & Community Forestry Programs

Urban forestry is the care and management of trees in urban settings (i.e., our streets and backyards). Services include:

  • Technical assistance and training for communities and tree care professionals
  • Financial assistance to municipalities and non-profit organizations
  • Public education in support of planting and caring for trees in urban environments
  • Volunteer coordination assistance to encourage participation at the local level

Montana Conservation Seedling Nursery

The Montana Conservation Seedling Nursery (MCSN).  The MCSN produces and distribute tree and shrub seedlings to private landowners, state, federal and tribal landowners and other conservation organization at a nominal cost; quality seedlings for non-ornamental conservation plantings in rural Montana. 

Montana Conservation Seedling Nursery
2705 Spurgin Rd.
Missoula, MT  59804
(406) 542-4244

Email:  mtnursery@mt.gov

Conservation and Resource Development Division

The Conservation and Resource Development Division is responsible for the administration of the Conservation District Act, State Grazing District Act, Montana Agricultural Heritage Program and administration of numerous loans and grant programs. The division supports 58 soil and water conservation districts and 28 state grazing districts.

Water Resources Division

Water Resource Division regional offices provide direct service to the public. Regional offices administer establishment, recording, confirmation, and enforcement of water rights for the Water Rights Bureau.  Assistance is available for landowners who wish to obtain a permit to acquire new or additional water rights or change an existing water right.  The Water Operation Bureau assists with projects and permits associated with dam safety and floodplain management activities.

Updated 10/13/2025