Teton County is located along the eastern front of the Rocky Mountains with the Lewis and Clark National Forest and majestic mountain peaks comprising the western-most portion of the County. The forested habitat of the mountains gives way to the dramatic landscape of the great plains in the more easterly areas of the county. There are two major rivers in the county. The Teton River flows west to east roughly through the center of the county and the Sun River marks the county’s southern boundary. Teton County, 2,293 square miles in area, has a population of 6,162. The city of Choteau, the county seat, is the largest city with about 1,686 residents. Dutton and Fairfield are the only towns in the county. More than half of the residents of Teton County live on farms and ranches in the vicinity of unincorporated communities.
Teton County is about 32 percent cropland with the remaining land either rangeland or wildlands. Agricultural is the main contributor to the local economy. Major crops include winter and spring wheat, durum, malt and feed barley, forage crops, chickpeas and lentils. Most of the ranching and cattle operations are in the western part of the county. Livestock production includes cattle, chickens, sheep, goats and horses. The NRCS office, located in Choteau, offers voluntary technical and financial assistance to private landowners interested in natural resource conservation based on a focused approach using long range planning with local input.
Current Financial Assistance Opportunities for Teton County Landowners
- Spring Coulee Irrigation Efficiency Targeted Implementation Plan (TIP)
- Muddy Creek Irrigation Efficiency Targeted Implementation Plan (TIP)
- Migratory Bird Resurgence Initiative
In addition to these local projects, producers may also apply for statewide programs such as the Conservation Stewardship Program, national Environmental Quality Incentives Program initiatives, and conservation easement programs. For more information on these and other programs, see State Programs and Initiatives on the NRCS Montana webpage.
Additional Information
Teton County Local Working Group
Local working group meetings are held to gather input from local stakeholders to help prioritize natural resource concerns and guide NRCS funding opportunities.
Montana Focused Conservation
In Montana, NRCS uses a “Focused Conservation” strategy to guide its EQIP investments. Montana Focused Conservation begins with goals identified in local-level Long Range Plans. Based on those plans, NRCS develops Targeted Implementation Plans (TIPs) to guide on-the-ground implementation.
Learn MoreWhat's Available in My Montana County?
Current local financial assistance opportunities in Montana, listed by county. In addition to the local opportunities, producers may also apply for statewide and national programs.
Learn MoreMontana Programs and Application Dates
Program applications are accepted on a continual basis, however, NRCS establishes application ranking dates for evaluation, ranking and approval of eligible applications. Applications received after the ranking date will be automatically deferred to the next funding period.
Learn More