Welcome to DNRC. We’re working for you in ways you’ve never imagined! From drinking water to grasslands to protection from fire, DNRC touches the lives of Montanans every day. In my first year as Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation in the Schweitzer Administration, I have come to greatly appreciate our hard-working staff and the important jobs we perform together.

Over the past year, we have concentrated on working together as an agency and working with you, the people of Montana. On the popular St. Mary project, we are partnering with local municipalities, tribes, other agencies, irrigators, and recreationists to reconstruct the 100-year-old canal system. On State School Trust Lands, we consult with communities, such as Whitefish, to find ways to gain revenue for the Trust and meet local needs for open space. For communities all across Montana, we offer grants for water, sewer, and irrigation projects. And, when it comes to wildland fire protection, DNRC provides equipment and training while working closely with local fire departments.

In the coming years, we want to be even stronger partners in providing healthy land and water for Montanans. We will communicate more effectively with you about our activities and programs. Most important, we will listen to you as we find ways to tackle the many resource challenges. DNRC is working with you for a better Montana!

– Mary

Originally from Great Falls, Montana, Mary graduated from CMR High School and has degrees from Stanford University and the University of Montana.

She taught high school in Hamilton, MT and was administrator of The Nature Conservancy's Pine Butte Swamp Preserve, west of Choteau.

She is involved with both agriculture and tourism businesses. Mary has served on boards including the Public Wildlife/Private Lands Council, BLM Resource Advisory Council, and the Teton County Commission from 1999-2004.

Mary is married with one daughter.