The Montana Grass Conservation Commission (MGCC) is a governor-appointed board whose mission is to conserve, protect, restore, and facilitate the proper utilization of grass, forage, and range resources in the state of Montana. The MGCC does this by organizing and administering the state grazing districts and promoting cooperation between agencies and the state grazing districts.
Commission Members
The MGCC is composed of five members which include: two officers or directors of state grazing districts, two active holders of grazing preferences to a state grazing district and an ex officio member appointed by the MGCC.
Craig French, Chairman
406-390-4864 (cell)
ccfrench@mtintouch.net
Travis Brown
406-557-6151
locattlecompany@gmail.com
Kevin Elias
406-357-8055 (cell)
eliaskevin@hotmail.com
Audra Ortega
406-263-5222
ortegaone@outlook.com
Sigrid Pugrud
406-429-7801
sigpugrud@gmail.com
Sandra Brown, Executive Secretary
406-635-5868 (work)
406-853-3379 (cell)
sandra.brown@mt.gov
Meeting Information
Upcoming Meeting:
No meeting scheduled at this time.
Previous Meeting Materials:
March 27, 2025
December 10, 2024
State Grazing Districts
Grazing districts are the result of the 1934 Taylor Grazing Act. Before this act was passed, land that was valued for grazing purposes was unappropriated and unreserved from the public domain. These lands were used, but during the controversy of sustainable grazing practices during the 1930’s Dust Bowl, the rights to use this land led the government to act on grazing issues. The Taylor Grazing Act enabled locals to petition the Secretary of the Interior to create a local grazing district. Upon acceptance, a board would be formed to manage permits for grazing preferences, finances to maintain leases and range improvements, and to generally maintain order of the grazing of the public lands within their grazing district.
Montana’s leading industry is agriculture. Many people in production agriculture rely on public lands for grazing. Many of these lands are within the boundaries of the state’s 27 grazing districts. The grazing districts have maintained strong partnerships with many federal and state agencies and non-government organizations to promote stewardship and administration of public lands. The maintenance of Montana’s public lands is vital to the members of the state grazing districts whose livelihood depends on a healthy relationship between the land and livestock and also the economic success of Montana.
Montana’s leading industry is agriculture. Many people in production agriculture rely on public lands for grazing. Many of these lands are within the boundaries of the state’s 27 grazing districts. The grazing districts have maintained strong partnerships with many federal and state agencies and non-government organizations to promote stewardship and administration of public lands. The maintenance of Montana’s public lands is vital to the members of the state grazing districts whose livelihood depends on a healthy relationship between the land and livestock and also the economic success of Montana.
Resources
- Montana Cooperative State Grazing District Directory
- Grazing Districts in MT
- Montana Law Title 76-16 Grazing Districts
- Check out the MGCC's videos!
- Ranching in Montana
- Grazing Handbook
MGCC Partners
- Montana Association of State Grazing Districts
- Bureau of Land Management
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Montana Stockgrowers
- Public Lands Council
- Department of Natural Resources & Conservation