Archives West Finding Aid

"Helping to ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations" is the mission of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). First established in 1971 as a result of the Executive Reorganization Act of 1971, the DNRC provides leadership in managing the state's natural resources. It is presently responsible for promoting the stewardship of Montana's water, soil, forest, and rangeland resources; for regulating forest practices and oil and gas exploration and production.

As of 2024, the Department is made up of the following Divisions: Director’s Office, Conservation and Resource Development Division, Forestry-Trust Lands Division, and Water Resources Division. Each Division oversees a number of Bureaus, Offices, Programs, etc. The Energy Division’s responsibilities have been transferred to the Department of Environmental Quality. Additionally, nine boards and commissions are attached to the Department. Six of them—the Board of Land Commissioners, Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission, Board of Oil and Gas Conservation, Board of Water Well Contractors, Flathead Basin Commission, and Montana Grass Conservation Commission—have decision-making authority. The other three—the Resource Conservation Advisory Council, Rangeland Resources Committee, and Drought Advisory Committee—act in an advisory capacity only.

The Financial Services Office is an extension of the Director’s Office. It provides financial management for the Department and assists other users of financial data both within and outside state government. The Financial Services Office is responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of the agency's budgeting, accounting, payroll, reporting, and procurement & contracting that meet adequate internal controls, are in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and related state & federal laws, policies, and procedures.