PRAIRIE COUNTY, MONTANA
GROWTH POLICY
ADOPTED SEPTEMBER 29, 2006
Prepared by:
Westwind Enterprises, LLC
P.O. BOX 370
TERRY, MT 59349
(406)855-1696
-1PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Prairie County
2006
Growth Policy
Contributors
Citizens of Prairie County
Prairie County Commissioners
Todd Devlin
Ann Marie Davis
Bill Leach
Developed by the
Prairie County Land Planning Board
Quinn Haughian
Lon Reukauf
Dennis Teske
Rick Harding
Lorin Larsen
Prepared by
Westwind Enterprises, LLC
-2PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Table of Contents
Prairie County…………………….……….. 4
History, Custom & Culture……………… 5
Statement of Purpose……………………… 7
Jurisdiction………………………………… 7
Public Process……………………………… 8
Growth Policy Update process………………8
Interagency Coordination……………………8
Prairie County Policies………………………9
Infrastructure Strategy………………………12
Subdivision Review process…………………14
INVENTORY OF EXISTING CHARACTERISTICS
A. Population………………………. 15
a. Goals & Objectives…….. 20
B. Housing…………………………. 21
a. Goals & Objectives…….. 28
C. Economics……………………
30
a. Goals & Objectives………. 46
D. Local Services & Public Facilities.. 48
a. Goals & Objectives………. 57
E. Land Use…………………………. 59
a. Goals & Objectives……… 65
F. Natural Resources……………….. 68
a. Goals & Objectives………. 75
Summary of Key Findings……………………….. 77
List of Tables, Figures …..………………………. 79
APPENDIX I: Growth Policy Requirements (MCA)……82
Map I: Average Annual Precipitation……………83
Map II: Montana Rail System…………………….84
Map III: Prairie County Ownership……………..85
Map IV: Prairie County Wind Speed……………86
-3PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
PRAIRIE COUNTY
Prairie County ranked 39th in the State of Montana (in 2000) in total land area,
covering over a million acres of land in the east-central plains of Montana. The terrain is
primarily benchlands, valleys, and coulees with some very rugged badland areas.
Elevations in Prairie County vary from 2,100 feet to 3,260 feet. Prairie County is
bordered by six different counties including: Dawson and McCone Counties on the north,
Garfield County on the northwest, Custer and Fallon Counties on the South, and Wibaux
County on the East. The Town of Terry is the county seat and is situated between Miles
City and Glendive on Interstate 94.
Major waterways include the Yellowstone River and the Powder River and their
tributaries. The Yellowstone River spans approximately 671 miles and is the principal
tributary of the upper Missouri River. The Yellowstone River runs the width of the
county from southwest to northeast and is a vital source of both ground and surface water
for the residents of Prairie County. The river provides irrigation for crops and water for
livestock as well as recreation for residents and tourists. The Powder River spans
approximately 375 miles from northeast Wyoming to southeast Montana, where it flows
into the Yellowstone River. There are many creeks and streams in Prairie County, which
are considered invaluable to this fairly dry region.
Prairie County is primarily an agricultural-based community. Prairie County’s
top commodities include dry edible beans, sugarbeets, sheep, cattle, barley, and wheat.
The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad runs through Prairie County and the Town of
Terry and provides seasonal commodity shipments of dry edible beans.
The largest employers in Prairie County include the Hospital, the County, Buffalo
Rapids Irrigation District and School District #5. The public school system is a priority
in Prairie County. Our County’s support of both curricular and extra curricular activities
offers proof that education is important to us. Organizations such as 4-H clubs, rodeo
associations, the Prairie County Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion, churches,
and their activities, various lodges, roping and riding clubs, and others have been a very
important part of the way of life of our County. These organizations not only serve as
social groups but as learning and teaching experiences for everyone in the county.
-4PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
The climate in the area is considered “Continental,” with cold and dry winters, a
cool and damp spring and fall and hot and dry summers. There are exceptions to this
classification. The “Chinook” interrupts the cold winter weather for days causing warm
periods and snow dissipation. This weather change aids ranchers because it opens the
ranges for winter feeding. Another exception is the Arctic cold invasion, which brings
extremely cold weather, snow, and northerly winds. Temperatures during this period,
which may last several days, will reach lows of -20 to -40 degrees. The average daily
temperatures from 1937 to 1996 are displayed below.
(1937-1996)
January
July
Average Daily Temperatures
High: 26 degrees F
Low: 6 degrees F
High: 89 degrees F
Low: 61 degrees F
Source: Lon Reukauf
Prairie County’s climate is erratic and variable, but mostly mild and dry. The
average length of the growing season is about 110 days in the hills and about 130 days in
the Yellowstone Valley. The frost-free period ranges from 105 to 125 days. The average
annual precipitation in Prairie County ranges from 10 to 14 inches. The majority of
precipitation falls from April 1st - September 30th, with May and June being the wettest
months. See appendix Map I: NRCS Average Annual Precipitation (1961-1990).
Tourist attractions in Prairie County include the Yellowstone River, which is
known for its high quality of agates and fishing opportunities, and the badlands, which
display a spectacular scenic view of the area. Attractions in the Town of Terry include
the Lady Cameron Gallery which displays the photographic work of Lady Evelyn
Cameron, a pioneer woman who moved to the Prairie County area at the turn of the
nineteenth century and photographed startling images of wildlife and cowboys. The
Prairie County Museum exhibits seven buildings, including a Caboose, Depot,
Homestead, Outhouse, two previous State Bank buildings and the Lady Cameron Gallery.
The area attracts tourists to the area for hiking in the badlands, fishing, hunting,
photographic opportunities, and birdwatching. Several local retail stores are located in
the Town of Terry, providing tourists with the option to go shopping and enjoy a cup of
coffee while they visit.
HISTORY, CUSTOM & CULTURE
In the early 1800s, before the expedition of Lewis and Clark, trappers and
mountain men were penetrating Montana to hunt and to trade with the Indians. Prior to
white settlement, Prairie County was Crow country from the Black Hills, north to the
Missouri and west to Billings. The Crow Indians were pushed into this area by white
men. In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson acquired the Louisiana Territory (Louisiana
Purchase) from France. This expanse of land extended west from the Mississippi River
and included most of present-day Montana. To find out more about the region, Jefferson
appointed Meriwether Lewis and William Clark as leaders of an expedition to travel to
the Pacific Ocean. Lewis and Clark made the first systematic exploration of Montana
and passed through the Prairie County area in July 1806, after exploring the Louisiana
-5PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Purchase. Upon Lewis and Clark’s return to St. Louis, and amid their glowing reports,
many trading companies were formed.
The American Fur Company established the Fort Union trading post on
Montana’s present eastern border in 1828 and then continued up the Missouri River to
establish Fort Benton. Established in 1847, Fort Benton was an important trade and
navigation center and is Montana’s oldest permanent white settlement.
In the mid-to-late 1800s, the United States Army established cavalry posts at Fort
Keogh in Miles City and Fort Custer in Hardin. During the 1860s and 1870s, the Indian
wars began. Riverboats hauled supplies from St. Louis using the Missouri and
Yellowstone Rivers. Captain Marsh hauled military supplies for the military men: Alfred
H. Terry, George A. Custer, Nelson A. Miles, and Myles W. Keogh.
The Northern Pacific Railroad began surveying and constructing a route to the
West during the 1870s. The railroad through Montana was completed in 1883, making it
suitable for permanent settlement by homesteaders and families. The Milwaukee
Railroad operated between 1847-1985 and was completed through Prairie County in
1908.
The Homestead Era began during the early 1900s, bringing numerous settlers to
the area. The open range became fenced, large herds of wildlife gave way to wheatfields
and individual farms and ranches were formed. These homesteaders were a tough lot, but
maintained a simple lifestyle by living off the land, helping each other in time of
emergency, and providing their own entertainment. Rodeos, brandings, roping contests
and neighborhood dances continue to be popular in Prairie County.
The area now known as Prairie County has fallen under many jurisdictions.
Originally part of the Louisiana Territory when President Thomas Jefferson purchased it
from France in 1803, it was later part of the Territories of Nebraska, Dakota, Idaho, and
later Montana, which became a territory in 1864. When the Territory of Montana was
formed, it was necessary to divide it into counties. The First Territorial Legislature
established the original nine counties and seven more were added before the territory
became a state. After several years of appealing to Congress for statehood, Montana
joined the union as the forty-first state on November 8, 1889. Prairie County was formed
in 1915 from parts of Dawson and Custer Counties.
There are currently three towns in Prairie County, including Terry, Fallon, and
Mildred. The town of Fallon is considered one of the oldest towns along the Yellowstone
River. Fallon was considered one of the largest stock shipping points in the world during
the 1890s. Fallon’s current population, including the surrounding area is listed at about
200 residents.
Mildred is a town created and developed by the Milwaukee Railroad. When the
locomotives no longer needed Mildred’s water and coal and with the development of
highways, the town’s population declined dramatically. Currently less than 20 people
live in the area.
-6PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Although the drought years of the 1930s drove many from the county, sons and
daughters of some remained to farm and ranch. People take great pride in their land and
heritage. Through leasing and purchases, private properties are larger now; thereby, the
owners have gained strength to withstand the forces of nature, which are always present
in some form or other.
Western culture is still evident in many ways. Love of the land and maintaining it
as efficiently as possible for themselves and future generations, love of horses, wearing
of western clothing, and neighborliness also continue to be a part of the culture. Hunting,
fishing, and agate hunting are very important to the County’s residents. This way of life
has survived the drought years and the coldest winters, and will continue for the intrepid
and resourceful people of Prairie County. The character of this land and its people is
indeed unique.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Prairie County is a vast area of land with abundant wildlife, productive farm and
ranch land, a variety of natural resources and minerals and impressive scenic beauty. At
the turn of this century, Prairie County is faced with issues that will shape the future for
younger generations as well as older generations who will guide the development of this
area. “Eastern Montana is a region occupied by people who are being called upon to
exercise greater imagination, increasingly creative economics, greater trust and reliance
upon political entities and decisions and an enhanced understanding of global
interdependence.”
This Growth Policy is being prepared to guide decisions about development and
land use in Prairie County. Under state law, “The planning board shall prepare and
propose a growth policy.” State law defines “Growth Policy” as synonymous with
comprehensive or master plans.
The County Land Planning Board and the Board of County Commissioners have
chosen to take a proactive approach in addressing issues of Prairie County residents that
might not otherwise be addressed. Planning allows the community to envision its future
and proactively work to achieve it instead of just reacting and moving from one shortrange, quick-fix solution to another as events occur.
JURISDICTION
By State law, the Growth Policy must address the entire jurisdictional area of the
Planning Board. This jurisdictional area excludes the one incorporated town of Terry.
This separate jurisdiction is sanctioned under state law to develop its own Growth Policy.
Unincorporated towns in Prairie County include Mildred and Fallon and they are
included in the jurisdiction of this Growth Policy.
-7PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
PUBLIC PROCESS
This growth policy acknowledges and supports the philosophy that all Prairie
County individuals, groups, and entities have the right to provide input into the creation,
implementation and amendment of this policy. This document is a vision for the County
as whole rather than one individual, group or special interest. A growth policy vision
simply cannot exist without active public participation by all interested parties helping to
define that vision. Therefore it was the intent of the County Commissioners, the Planning
Board, the facilitator, and all parties involved to provide a methodology to encourage and
foster public input and participation.
GROWTH POLICY UPDATE PROCESS
The Prairie County Land Planning Board initiated preparation of this planning
document pursuant to Montana statute. The legally mandated role of the Planning Board
is to “(1) assure the promotion of public health, safety, morals, convenience, order or the
general welfare and for the sake of efficiency and economy in the process of community
development, the Planning Board shall prepare a Growth Policy and shall serve in an
advisory capacity to the local governing bodies establishing the Planning Board.”
Prairie County has had a Planning Board for approximately fourteen years. The
most recent county plan was the 1993 County Comprehensive Plan. The County
Commissioners charged the Land Planning Board with the responsibility of preparing a
Growth Policy. This document, prepared by the Board, is in response to that charge.
Prairie County, like most other rural counties in Montana, has limited staff and
financial resources. Therefore, the Prairie County Growth Policy will be implemented as
resources are available. The PCLPB will review the Growth Policy at least once every
five years and revise if necessary. Residents requesting review of the Growth Policy may
contact the PCLPB and/or County Commissioners or submit in writing a request for
review.
INTERAGENCY COORDINATION
A primary purpose of this Growth Policy is to foster cooperation and coordination
between federal and state management agencies, other counties and Prairie County.
These interests include but are not limited to grazing, farming, mining, recreation,
wildlife, transportation and all other activities related to, and reliant upon, the availability
of natural resources on federal, state managed and private lands within their respective
jurisdictions. Prairie County encourages coordination and cooperation between agencies
in respect to, but not limited to, responding to emergencies, such as fire and wildfire
suppression ; noxious weed control; and maintenance of county, state and federal road
systems.
Federal and state laws require federal and state agencies to coordinate with the
local government and consider the local land use plans in the process of planning and
-8PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
managing federal and state lands within the geographic boundaries of Prairie County,
Montana. Federal and state agencies proposing actions that will impact the County, its
citizens, and resources therein should prepare and submit in writing, in a timely manner,
report(s) on the purposes, objectives and estimated impacts of such actions to the Prairie
County Commissioners, Box 125, Terry, MT 59349. The County Commissioners will
then determine the appropriate action to be taken by the County, and provide input,
information and comment on proposed actions or activities. The County Commissioners
will also notify other government agencies of actions that are proposed by the County
Commissioners affecting various resources and amenities in Prairie County and solicit
other agency input and comment. The purpose of this exchange of information and input
is to minimize impact upon and maximize benefit to the residents of Prairie County as
well as other members of the public.
Prairie County is a collaborating agency with the Bureau of Land Management on
the Big Dry RMP. Prairie County cooperates with Federal and State agencies responsible
for the recovery and protection of all threatened and endangered species within its
boundaries.
Prairie County encourages all current and future collaborating agencies involved
in work in Prairie County to respect Prairie County’s goals, objectives and policies.
PRAIRIE COUNTY POLICIES
Policy 1: In compliance with federal and state laws, all federal and state agencies shall
comply with the Prairie County Growth Policy Plan and coordinate with the County
Commissioners for the purpose of planning and managing federal and state lands within
the geographic boundaries of Prairie County, Montana.
Policy 2: Federal and state agencies proposing actions that will impact Prairie County
shall prepare and submit in writing, and in a timely manner, reports on the purposes,
objectives and estimated impacts of such actions, including economic, to the Prairie
County Commissioners. These reports shall be provided to the Prairie County
Commissioners for review and coordination prior to federal or state initiation of action.
Policy 3: Prairie County believes that there should be a “no net gain” on public lands
sales or exchanges, thus protecting the county’s tax base.
Policy 4: Recognizing that land is essential to local industry and residences, it is the
policy of Prairie County that the design and development of all federal and state land
disposal, including land adjustments and exchanges, be carried out for the benefit of the
citizens of Prairie County.
Policy 5: Federal and state governments should not obstruct agricultural opportunities on
their administration of respective lands, along with the appropriate multiple uses.
Policy 6: Opportunities for grazing livestock on federal and state lands should be
continued at levels consistent with custom and culture and the protection of equitable
property rights, while maintaining proper stewardship of all lands.
-9PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Policy 7: The general public, the State of Montana, and local communities shall be
notified of, consulted and otherwise involved in all federal and state land adjustments in
Prairie County. County concurrence shall be required prior to any such land adjustments.
Furthermore, Prairie County shall be involved in the planning of federal and state land
adjustments occurring within the county’s political boundaries.
Policy 8: The Montana Department of State Lands office shall assist Prairie County in
coordinating land exchanges, so as to maximize patented fee-simple lands.
Policy 9: The County and its citizens support the continued multiple use of federal and
state lands in Prairie County.
Policy 10: Prairie County will protect private property ownership.
Policy 11: Federal land agencies shall not acquire any private lands, or rights in private
lands, within Prairie County without first ensuring that:
1. A minimum parity in land ownership status is maintained.
2. Private property interests are protected and enhanced.
Policy 12: Prairie County believes all land use decisions should take into account the
effect on the economy with recognition of the fact that agricultural production is the
largest segment of its economy and the affects of other area businesses, the County’s tax
base and its citizens.
Policy 13: Incentives for improving grazing lands and promoting good land stewardship
on Federal and State lands shall be developed through:
1. Encouraging permittee ownership of range improvements;
2. Fee schedules will adhere to current fee formula schedule.
3. Allowing subleasing of equitable property rights;
3. Maximum allotment management plan flexibility during natural disasters and
normal grazing management;
4. Increasing grazing capacity or allowing other economic benefits to accrue to
permittee making investments in range betterment.
Policy 14: Federal and State agencies shall develop and coordinate with Prairie County
Commissioners an effective Section 8 process pursuant to the Public Rangeland
Improvement Act of 1978 and shall implement procedures and guidelines to account for
the allocation and expenditure of range improvement funds.
Policy 15: Prairie County supports no net loss of livestock grazing for any permittee
without consultation and coordination with the Prairie County Grazing District and the
Prairie County Commissioners.
Policy 16: Federal and state agencies need to coordinate their management practices
with- Prairie County with the Prairie County Commissioners, appropriate county board,
and affected party with regard to grazing.
- 10 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Policy 17: Prairie County will endorse the compliance of mining interests in all
applicable laws and regulations, terms and conditions of operating permits, and sound
reclamation practices.
Policy 18: The Prairie County Commissioners and Prairie County Conservation District
shall be notified of all state, interstate, and federal actions that have any impact on the
water of the county prior to such actions being initiated that affect water allocations of
over 50 acre feet. Official notification must be acknowledged in writing by the
Commissioners before it is considered valid. In addition, such proposed actions,
including federally proposed Wild and Scenic River designations, shall be coordinated
with the Prairie County Commissioners and County Water and Land Use Plans prior to
adoption and implementation. It is the intent of the county to assist federal and state
agencies in the planning and management of the county’s natural, cultural and economic
resources.
Policy 19: Local and county government will have input and say on emissions and
burning that occur in Prairie County.
Policy 20: Prairie Dogs and other animals, including predators, wild horses and burros
should not be allowed to be a detriment to the private landowner.
Policy 21: Federal/State agencies involved in the protection and recovery of threatened
and/or endangered species within Prairie County shall coordinate these specific plans
with the Prairie County Commissioners and appropriate county board.
Policy 22: Federal, and state land, wildlife management and enforcement agencies shall
coordinate with the Prairie County Commissioners and the appropriate board on all
matters regarding wildlife.
Policy 23: Federal/State agencies need to coordinate their management practices within
Prairie County with the Prairie County Commission, appropriate county board and
affected party with regard to promotion of vegetative growth, grazing and management of
wildlife.
Policy 24: Federal/State agencies should allow for sufficient recreational hunting of
game animals as a management tool for population control. Otherwise, just
compensation must be provided to the private landowner for the economic damage that
was done to his/her operation.
Policy 25: Federal/State agencies responsible for monitoring the condition of wetlands,
waterways and riparian areas in Prairie County shall coordinate these effects with the
Prairie County Commission.
Policy 26: Federal/State agencies managing waterways, wetlands and riparian areas
containing such threatened or endangered species shall coordinate their management
activities and plans with the Prairie County Commission and/or the Prairie County Land
Planning Board.
- 11 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Policy 27: Any wilderness areas or Areas of Critical Environmental Concern shall be
designated in Prairie County only with expressed written acknowledgement of the Prairie
County Commissioners or upon recommendation of the Prairie County Planning Board.
Policy 28: Any Wild and Scenic River Designations shall be designated in Prairie
County only with expressed written acknowledgement of the Prairie County
Commissioners upon recommendation of the Prairie County Planning Board and shall
comply with all county water use plans along with current and future federal/state water
use plans.
Policy 29: Prairie County shall review all plans for the protection of all aquatic,
threatened and endangered species within its boundaries. Acknowledgement from the
County Commissioners must be received before any plans for protection of aquatic
threatened or endangered species is recognized in Prairie County.
INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY
Infrastructure is a significant means of managing or guiding growth.
Development is more likely to occur where infrastructure, such as roads, water, and
sewer facilities are already in place.
WATER SYSTEMS
Prairie County has several county-owned buildings located in Terry, including the
County Courthouse and Senior Center. All County buildings have well water. The
County buildings located in the Town of Terry are governed by the Town’s plans for
providing services. The Prairie County Fairgrounds operate on a private water well.
Water in Prairie County is obtained from individually owned and operated
groundwater wells, ranging from shallow dug wells along the creek valleys to deep
drilled wells in the upland areas. The deep wells are highly mineralized.
Ground water in the County is in a variety of aquifers that are located in alluvial
deposits or terrace deposits of sand and gravel, or it is in bedrock formation of sandstone,
coal, fissile sandy shale, or baked clinker beds. The most significant ground water
resources in Prairie County are alluvial deposits and terrace deposits along river valleys
and in the inner valleys of most streams. The coarse deposits are the most permeable
zones in the area.
Information regarding ground water wells is available on the Internet for all
counties in Montana. Specific data from well records generated from the Groundwater
Information System shows data on well location and depth, as well as water quality
information at selected sites.
No new public systems, managed or administered by the County, are being
proposed in this document.
- 12 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
SOLID WASTE FACILITIES
There are currently no solid waste facilities in Prairie County besides a cityowned class three landfill located approximately two miles west of Terry that only
accepts compost and tree branches.
The Town of Terry is permitted with the Public Service Commission to pick up
rural residents’ garbage. Areas for garbage pickups in Prairie County include all points
within five miles of Interstate 94 from Custer County through Prairie County to
Interchange 198 (Crackerbox Route), southwest of Glendive. Solid waste is hauled to the
City of Glendive Landfill.
The Town of Fallon set up a solid waste district in the early 1980s. Current
contracts include weekly pickup in Fallon and pickups include areas approximately five
miles outside of Fallon. This service is assessed on residents’ taxes, funded through a
Solid Waste District.
State regulations dictate disposal of garbage for rural residents outside of garbage
pickup areas. Current guidelines state that if a landowner owns more than five acres, he
or she can maintain a solid waste unit on their property as long as it doesn’t’ pollute the
water, constitute a nuisance or pose a public health hazard. According to State law, it is
illegal to burn garbage. More information on state regulations can be obtained from the
County Sanitarian, located in Glendive.
WASTE WATER SYSTEMS
Wastewater treatment in Prairie County is by individual septic tanks and drain
fields. The only public wastewater treatment systems in the county are those used by the
City of Terry, which is outside of the jurisdiction of the County Planning Board and the
Fallon Sewer District.
The Montana Sanitation in Subdivision Act requires review of proposed sewer
and water systems prior to county approval for all new parcels less than 160 acres. The
new systems must meet or exceed minimum standards of the State Department of
Environmental Quality (DEQ). DEQ is the administrator of the Sanitation in
Subdivisions Act (MSIS), which governs sewer and water system requirements. The
long-term trend for use of individual sewer and water systems will most likely remain as
the predominant method of meeting sanitation system requirements in subdivisions.
The County Fairgrounds operates on a septic system designed and installed
according to the Department of Environmental Qualities Circular 4.
The Town of Terry owns a sewage lagoon, located approximately one mile north
of town.
FIRE PROTECTION FACILITIES
- 13 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Fire protection in Prairie County is provided by volunteers. More information is
located in the Local Services and Public Facilities section of this document.
ROADS & BRIDGES
The County Commissioners cooperate with all entities involved in the
construction of roads and bridges in Prairie County.
The construction of bridges is encouraged to not impair streamflow, causing
downstream sedimentation.
OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE
Currently, there is no other infrastructure planned in Prairie County.
SUBDIVISION REVIEW
EVALUATION CRITERIA & PROCESS FOR REVIEW OF PROPOSED SUBDIVISIONS
Potential developers will be given a subdivision application, which is required to be
completed. This application will be compared to the subdivision regulations to ensure
that the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act and Sanitation Subdivision Act. The
application will be forwarded to the Planning Board for a recommendation to the County
Commission. The County Commission will review the recommendation and may add
conditions of approval to the Preliminary Plat approval. Once the Preliminary Plat
approval has been given by the County Commission, conditions of approval will have to
be met in order for the County Commission to approve the Final Plat. Final Plats can
then be filed with the Clerk and Recorder. Prairie County will adhere to all Montana
laws on major and minor subdivision reviews. Subdivisions must be in compliance with
the Floodplain Encroachment Act and all Sanitation laws.
- 14 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
INVENTORY OF EXISTING CHARACTERISTICS
AND GOALS & OBJECTIVES
A. POPULATION
INTRODUCTION
Counties in Montana experiencing the largest increase in population between
2003 and 2004 included Gallatin County (Bozeman), Flathead County (Kalispell) and
Yellowstone County (Billings). The population in Prairie County has declined
approximately 38% over the previous decade, while the State of Montana’s population
has grown by 13% during the same time period. In 2000, Prairie County ranked 52nd in
county population when compared to the other 56 counties in the state.
Montana continues to see growth in its older population. People aged 55 to 59 are
the fastest growing group in the state. The second fastest growing group of individuals in
Montana is 60 to 64 year olds. The fastest declining age group is those ages 35 to 39.
POPULATION TRENDS
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the current population in Prairie County is
1,199 residents. This is the lowest count since the County was formed in 1915. There
were 1,400 registered voters in 1915.
Population in Prairie County has been steadily declining since the drought of the
1930s. While the population peaked in 1930, one decade later, the County had lost over
1,500 residents. Between 1970 and 1980, the County population increased by 84
residents, only to lose 453 residents the following decade. Figure A.1 shows the
population trends in Prairie County between 1920 and 2000.
Figure A.1
Prairie County Population
Trends: 1920-2000
Population
5000
4000
3000
3684
2000
1000
1199
19
20
19
30
19
40
19
50
19
60
19
70
19
80
19
90
20
00
0
YEARS
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census.
- 15 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Population trends in the six surrounding counties are displayed in the following
tables:
Table A.1 Surrounding Counties 2000 Population and Rank in State
County
2000 Population Rank in State
Custer
11,696
16th
Dawson
9,059
25th
Fallon
2,837
41st
Garfield
1,279
51st
McCone
1,977
47th
Prairie County
1,199
52nd
Wibaux
1,068
53rd
Source: www.ceic.commerce.state.mt.us
Table A.2 Surrounding Counties Population Trends 1980-2000
County:
Percent Change
Percent Change
between 1980 & 1990 between 1990 & 2000
Custer
-10.8%
-1%
Dawson
-19.5%
-4.69%
Fallon
-17.5%
-8.57%
Garfield
-4.0%
-19.51%
McCone
-15.8%
-13.14%
Prairie County
-24.7%
-13.3%
Wibaux
-19.3%
-10.33%
Source: Basic Demographic Trend Report. U.S. Census Bureau.
Figure A.2 shows population trends in Montana from 1920 to 2000. The
population in Montana has been steadily increasing since 1930. The state saw a
population decline between 1920 and 1930 of approximately 11,000 residents. The
largest increase in population was between 1990 and 2000, with the state seeing an
increase of 120,935 people move to Montana.
Figure A.2
Montana Population Trends: 1920-2000
1,000,000
Population
800,000
600,000
400,000
200,000
0
1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census
- 16 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
POPULATION BY AGE
The following table shows the population by various age categories for the past
three censuses. Between 1990 and 2000, Prairie County’s population declined by 184
residents. There was a decrease in children ages 5-17, and adults 18-24 and 25-44 and an
increase in residents ages 45-64. The number of residents ages 65-74 decreased by 64
residents, while the population for residents over the age of 76 increased by 3 people.
The median age for residents in Prairie County increased by 5 ½ years between 1990 and
2000, and increased 9 years between 1980 and 1990. The median age for the State of
Montana in 2000 was 37.5. Table A.3 displays Census information on the population by
age in Prairie County for 1980-2000.
1980
Census
Percent
1990
Census
Percent
2000
Census
Percent
Table A.3
Total Ages
0-4
1,836 135
Population by Age Group: 1980-2000
Ages Ages Ages Ages Ages
5-17 18-24 25-44 45-64 65-74
389 159
435
390
328
100.0 7%
1,383 69
21%
258
9%
64
24%
336
21%
306
100.0 5%
1,199 50
19%
174
5%
52
24%
240
100.0 4%
15%
4%
20%
Ages
75+
Median
Age
34.4
18%
192
158
43.4
22%
394
14%
128
11%
161
48.9
33%
11%
13%
Source: U.S. Census of Population and Housing, 1990; Census 2000, Summary File 1.
Median age is defined as a measure that divides the age distribution into two
equal parts: one-half of the cases falling below the median value and one-half above the
value. Median age is computed on the basis of a single year of age distribution.
POPULATION BY EDUCATION AND SEX
In 2000, 76% of the population of Prairie County responded to the education
question on the U.S. Census. According to these numbers, approximately 32% of the
population in Prairie County completed high school, 9% completed an Associates
Degree, 12% have a Bachelors Degree, and 2% of the population completed a Masters
Degree. Table A.4 displays the education of the population of individuals in Prairie
County for persons over 25, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Table A.4 Population Education
Prairie
County
Persons (over 25 and
older)
Less than ninth grade
Some high school, no
Percent
Male
Percent
Female
Total Percentage
of population
913
50%
50%
100%
129
65
8%
4.4%
6%
2.6%
14%
7%
- 17 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
diploma
High School diploma
Some college, no degree
College, Associate Degree
College, Bachelor Degree
College, Master Degree
Professional Degree
295
210
79
112
17
6
17%
12%
2%
5%
1.6%
0.5%
15%
11%
7%
7%
0.4%
0.5%
32%
23%
9%
12%
2%
1%
Source: Census 2000, Summary File 3
Over the previous three decades, the education of the population of Prairie County
has remained relatively the same, with an increase of approximately 5% of the population
obtaining a 4-year college degree between 1980 and 1990.
Table A.5 Historical Population Education
1980
%
Education, Population 25+ 1,153 100.0%
High School Diploma
363
31.5%
College Degree (4+ yrs)
92
8.0%
1990
994
331
131
%
100.0%
33.3%
13.2%
2000
913
295
112
%
100%
32%
12%
Source: 1980 and 1990 summary tape files 3, U.S. Bureau of the Census
POPULATION BY RACE
According to 2000 Census data, the current racial composition of the Prairie
County population is 98 percent Caucasian and 2 percent other.
LOCATION OF POPULATION
In 2000, over half of the population in Prairie County lived in Terry. Table A.6
compares the location of the population for the previous three decades.
Table A.6 Location of Population
Place
2000 Census
Terry
611
Prairie County
588
Total
1,199
1990 Census
659
724
1,383
1980 Census
929
907
1,836
Source: Montana Department of Commerce
According to Census information, in 2000, 119 residents of Prairie County lived
in a different state in 1995 (10.4%). The total residents of Montana that lived in a
different state in 1995 was 111,530 (13.2%).
BIRTHS, DEATHS AND NET MIGRATION
The U.S. Bureau of the Census Population Division estimates population changes
according to births and deaths based on historical population data. Changes in total
population are said by demographers to result from the combination of two
types of change: natural and net migration. Components of natural change are gains from
births and losses from death. Components of net migration are gains from people moving
- 18 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
in and losses from people moving out. The following table is an estimate of components
of population change from April 3, 2000, to July 1, 2004, comparing births and deaths in
Prairie County.
Table A.7 Estimates of Average Annual Rates of Components of Population
Change
Total Population
Total Natural
Births Deaths
Total Net
Change
Increase/Decrease
Migration
-10.4
-8.0
5.8
13.8
-2.2
Source: Population Division, U.S. Census Bureau. Release Date: April 14, 2005.
POPULATION PROJECTIONS
Out of 56 total counties in the State of Montana, Prairie County ranks 52nd in total
population. Neighboring counties with slower growth patterns include Wibaux County,
which ranks 53rd and Treasure County (Hysham), which ranks 55th.
The Montana Department of Commerce Housing Division provides population
projections based on historical trends. Projections for 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020, and 2025
are shown in the following table, based on data from past census information. These
projections indicate that the total population in Prairie County will continue to decrease.
Table A.8 Population Projections 2005-2025
2000
2005
2010
2015
Population
Projected
Projected
Projected
Population
Population
Population
Estimate
1,199
1,149
1,110
1,137
2020
Projected
Population
2025
Projected
Population
1,108
1,111
Source: NPA Data Services, Inc., 2004.
CONCLUSIONS AND PROJECTED TRENDS
Population in Prairie County has been declining since the drought of the 1930s.
Although population projections based on historical population trends indicate that the
population in Prairie County will continue to decline, there is optimism in the County that
people and industry will relocate to the area. Prairie County is following the national
trend of an aging population with a rising median age of residents. Prairie County has an
outstanding school system that is facing a loss of school age children, as noted in the loss
of 96 children between 1990 and 2000. At this time, the population in Montana, notably
in the western region of the state, is seeing an increase in population, while the eastern
region is seeing a decline.
- 19 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
ISSUES, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: POPULATION
The PCLPB has identified the following issues, goals and objectives on population in
Prairie County:
Issue: Prairie County’s population is aging and declining, leaving a sparse work force
and questionable future for the community.
1.) Goal: Stabilization of population size and age in Prairie County.
Objectives:
1a.) Prairie County should keep paperwork permits and other bureaucratic
processes and fees to a minimum for people wanting to locate in Prairie
County for retirement or to work outside the County and commute.
1b.) Prairie County should encourage some non-governmental groups to
compile a list of properties that local landowners would consider selling for
subdivision or homesites. This list would be voluntary and should include
real estate agents and their listings along with private parties and their own
personal parcels.
Issue: Government programs such as CRP and other payments to not produce and idle
land shrink the local economy by reducing the need for agriculture supply industries and
limits options for young or beginning producers.
2.) Goal: Encourage all state, local and federal politicians to not put forth government
programs that shrink the local economy.
Objectives:
2a.) Prairie County residents who share this view should band together and
notify policymakers at every local level of government about this problem.
This notification should be done at least every other month.
- 20 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
B.0 HOUSING
INTRODUCTION
Housing data is invaluable in considering programs for present and future
community improvements. The information is important because it allows us to form a
detailed picture of the physical aspects of the existing community, and to determine
housing needs, trends and infrastructure demands for the future. Although it is true that
personal living environments change periodically in response to dynamic social and
economic forces, it is a fact that the basic need of man is for protection from the
environment. Changes in housing needs and demands, which may occur with respect to
housing type, cost and geographic distribution, should be analyzed on a periodic basis.
Housing programs and public utility services, which cater to existing and future demand,
can then be designed and effectively administered.
The following section includes a description of housing characteristics and trends
in Prairie County, six surrounding counties and Montana. Observations are made
concerning the type, distribution, cost and quantity of housing units.
NUMBER OF HOUSING UNITS AND OCCUPANCY CHARACTERISTICS
According to census data, there were 718 total housing units in Prairie County
counted in the 2000 Census. Approximately 75 percent of the housing units in Prairie
County were owner occupied. Almost 17 percent were renter-occupied and 25 percent
were vacant. It is interesting to note the increase in seasonal, recreational and occasional
use of housing units in Prairie County in the last decade.
Table B.1 Occupancy Characteristics of Housing Units, Prairie County, 2000
TOTAL
Occupied
Owner Occupied
Renter Occupied
Vacant
For rent
For sale only
Rented or sold, not
occupied
Seasonal,
recreational,
occasional use
For migrant worker
Other
2000
718
537
416
121
181
22
24
7
Percent
100.0%
74.8%
57.9%
16.9%
25.2%
3.1%
3.3%
1.0%
1990
749
568
448
120
181
Percent
100.0%
76%
60%
16%
24%
37
5.2%
14
1.9%
1
90
0.1%
12.5%
1980
773
667
523
114
Percent
100.0%
86%
68%
15%
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census,1980, 1990, 2000 Summary File Tapes 1&3
Of the 181 homes that were counted as vacant by the 2000 census, 22 were for
rent; 24 were for sale; 37 were seasonal, recreational or occasional use; 1 was for migrant
workers; and 90 were listed as “other” vacant. The total number of rental units not
occupied and vacant was seven.
- 21 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Between 1980 and 2000, the total number of housing units decreased by 55.
Renter-occupied housing units increased by seven units since 1980, while owneroccupied housing units decreased by 107 units for the same time period.
Table: B.2 Homeowner and Rental Vacancy Rate, Prairie County 1990-2000
2000
1990
Homeowner Vacancy Rate
5.5%
2.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
15.4%
24.5%
Source: Montana Census and Economic Information Center
Table B.3 compares housing statistics from Prairie County and the State of
Montana.
Table B.3 Occupancy Characteristics for Prairie County and Montana, 2000
Prairie County
Montana
% of Total Housing Units
% of Total Housing Units
Occupied
74.8%
86.9%
Owner Occupied
57.9%
69.1%
Renter Occupied
16.9%
30.9%
Vacant
25.2%
13.1%
For Rent
3.1%
17.0%
For Sale only
3.3%
10.3%
Rented or Sold but not
1.0%
4.7%
occupied
For seasonal, recreational or
5.2%
44.9%
occasional use
For migrant workers
0.1%
0.5%
Other vacant
12.5%
22.6%
Household Size
Household Size
All occupied units:
2.21
2.45
Average Household Size
Source: Census 2000 summary file 1.
The overall percentage of owner occupied housing units is slightly less in Prairie
County than in the state of Montana. The percentage of units that were occupied by
renters was less in Prairie County than in the state overall The percentage of total vacant
housing units in Prairie County is significantly higher than the statewide percentage. The
number of seasonal, recreational or occasional use housing has increased approximately
three percent over the previous decade.
The average household size in Prairie County in 2000 was 2.21, slightly lower
than the statewide average of 2.45.
Table B.4 compares homeownership rates in Prairie County, six surrounding
counties, and Montana.
- 22 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Table B.4 Homeownership Rates in Eastern Montana
Prairie Dawson McCone Fallon Garfield Custer Wibaux MT
County County County County County County County
Homeownership 77.5%
74.0%
78.0%
77.4% 73.7% 70.2% 73.4% 69.1%
Rate (percent)
Source: Montana Census and Economic Information Center
TYPE OF HOUSING AND HOUSING CONDITION
Table B.5 displays information on housing stock by numbers of rooms. Slightly
more than 20% of houses in Prairie County have five rooms and 18% have four rooms.
Table B.5 Residential Units by Number of Rooms
Rooms
1 room
2 rooms
3 rooms
4 rooms
5 rooms
6 rooms
7 rooms
8 rooms
9 or more rooms
Median (rooms)
Total
Number
11
40
17
129
161
113
65
96
86
5.5
718
Percent
1.5%
5.6%
2.4%
18.0%
22.4%
15.7%
9.1%
13.4%
12.0%
(X)
100.0%
Source: U.S. Bureau of Census 2000 Profile of General Demographic Characteristics
Table B.6 provides information on residential units by date of construction. Over
half of all the houses reported in Prairie County to the U.S. Census in 2000 were built
before 1960. The largest percentage of housing units reported to the census in 2000 had
five bedrooms (Table B.5), and were built in 1939 or earlier (Table B.6). The earliest
data from the Montana Census Bureau on average household size in Prairie County is
1970. The average household size in 1970 was 2.48 persons. Approximately 42 housing
units have been built in Prairie County since 1990, according to Census data.
Table B.6 Prairie County 2000, Housing Units by Date of Construction
Number
Percent
Total housing units
718
100.0
1939 or earlier
325
45%
1940-1959
164
23%
1960-1969
52
7%
1970-1979
99
14%
1980-1989
36
5%
1990-1999
27
4%
1999 to March 2000
15
2%
Source: U.S. Bureau of Census 2000 Profile of General Demographic Characteristics
- 23 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Approximately 75% of the total housing units reported to the U.S. Bureau of the
Census in 2000 reported the type of fuel used to heat their house. Based on this
information, the majority of houses in Prairie County use utility gas to heat their home.
Table B.7 provides details from this report.
Table B.7 House Heating Fuel
Number
Utility gas
265
Bottled, tank, or LP gas
178
Electricity
31
Fuel oil, kerosene, etc.
31
Coal or coke
7
Wood
25
Solar energy
-Other fuel
-No fuel used
-Total reporting houses
537
Percent
49.3%
33.1%
5.8%
5.8%
1.3%
4.7%
---100.0%
Source: U.S. Bureau of Census 2000 Profile of General Demographic Characteristics
Selected characteristics reported on housing units in Prairie County in 2000
included houses lacking complete plumbing facilities, houses lacking complete kitchen
facilities and houses that did not have telephone service. Fifteen households reported this
information. Approximately 1.5% of houses in Prairie County lack complete plumbing
facilities, 2.0% lack complete kitchen facilities; and 1.1% had no telephone service.
HOUSING DEMAND AND SUPPLY
The 2000 census counted 537 households and 718 housing units in Prairie
County. A “household” consists of all the people who occupy a housing unit including
the related family members and all the unrelated people, if any, such as lodgers, foster
children, wards, or employees who share the housing unit. The average number of
persons per household in Prairie County in 2000 was 2.19, lower than the state average of
2.45. The average number of persons per household is derived by dividing the total
number of persons in households (1,175) by the number of occupied housing units (537).
The number of people with a mortgage in Prairie County in 2000 was 512 and the
number of people without a mortgage was 226.
FACTORS RELATED TO DEMAND FOR SPECIFIC TYPES OF HOUSING
Table B.8 displays information on the age of head of household for all occupied
housing units in Prairie County. Approximately 42% of Prairie County residents live in a
two-person household, 31% in a one-person household, and 12% in a three-person
household. According to Census information on households, almost 20% of residents in
Prairie County are 55 and older. Statewide, people aged 65 and older head 22 percent of
all households.
- 24 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Table B.8 Housing Units by Householder’s Age: Prairie County, 2000
Owner
Renter
Total
% of Total
15-24
5
10
15
3%
25-34
24
18
42
8%
35-44
48
25
73
13.5%
45-54
105
21
126
23%
55-64
79
16
95
18%
65-74
68
10
78
14.5%
75-84
64
13
77
14%
85 and older
23
8
31
6%
Totals
416
121
537
100.0%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Summary File 1
There were a total of 369 households in Prairie County with two or more persons
in 2000. According to Census data, approximately 66% of reported households in Prairie
County are families. The average family size in Prairie County in 2000 was 2.74.
Table B.9 Housing Units by Householder’s Size: Prairie County, 2000
Household Size
Number of Households
Percent
1-Person
168
31%
2-Person
223
42%
3-Person
65
12%
4-Person
52
10%
5-Person
22
4%
6-Persons or more
5
0.9%
Source: 2000 Census, Summary File 1
AFFORDABILITY OF HOUSING
The ability to afford housing depends on household income. Housing
affordability is gauged by the percentage of income paid by a household for rent and
utilities, or house payment plus taxes and insurance. The amount available for housing is
typically calculated at between 28 and 30 percent of gross household income. Table B.10
displays median household income, the amount that would be available monthly for
housing based on a maximum of thirty percent of gross income, and the average cost of
housing in Prairie County and Montana.
Table B.10 Comparison of Median Household Income and Monthly Costs of
Housing
Prairie County
Montana
Median Household Annual Income
25,451
34,375
Median Household Monthly Income
2,121
2,865
Amount Available for Monthly Housing Costs
636
860
Monthly Housing Cost
283
860
Source: 2000 U.S. Census, Housing and Household Economic Statistics Division.
- 25 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
The median household annual income for residents in Prairie County in 2000 was
$25,451. Table B.10 indicates that the amount available for monthly housing costs in
Prairie County is $636. (Median income indicates that half of the households have
income less than the median amount and half have income greater than the median
amount.) The monthly housing cost in Prairie County in 2000 was $283.
According to the Census, the average monthly (median) gross rent was $283 in
2000. Approximately 6.6% of renters in Prairie County have meals included in rent. (U.S.
Census Bureau, 2000 Summary File 3)
The average value of a home in Prairie County in 2000, according to Census
figures, was $36,500. Montana’s average value of a home was $99,500 in 2000. The
Billings Gazette reports that the average home price in Billings in 2005 was $149,000.
HOUSING ASSISTANCE
Prairie County has subsidized elderly and low-income housing available in the
Town of Fallon. Four units are available (2 one bedroom, 2 two bedroom).
Housing assistance is available to persons who meet income guidelines and to
seniors and persons with disabilities.
Agencies providing assistance in Prairie County include:




Action for Eastern Montana, Glendive--various programs including HUD
rental assistance programs, utility assistance, and weatherization programs
and assistance providing low-income housing.
Montana Department of Commerce, Helena--various programs under the
Housing Division, including CDBG and HOME programs--available to
local governments and nonprofits.
USDA Rural Development, Billings
Eastern Plains RC&D
Rental Assistance
Persons meeting income and/or age requirements are eligible for rental assistance
from HUD, Section 8 Rental Voucher Program and from U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) Rural Development through subsidized housing.
The Section 8 voucher program for Prairie County is administered by Action for
Eastern Montana in Glendive. The voucher program allows the tenant to choose a house
or apartment as long as it meets program standards. Rent is paid with a combination of
tenant payments and Section 8 voucher assistance. Tenants must use at least 30 percent
of their adjusted gross income as payment toward rent but can use up to 40 percent if the
rental unit exceeds Section 8 Rental Standards. The amount of voucher assistance is
determined by tenant’s income and family size. The Section 8 voucher program can also
provide utility assistance to the tenant if utilities are not included in the rental costs.
- 26 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Table B.11 Section 8 Monthly Rent Standards for Units including Rent and Utilities
for Prairie County and six surrounding counties.
Custer
Dawson
Fallon
Garfield
McCone
Prairie County
Wibaux
1-Bedroom Unit
$410
$382
$382
$382
$382
$327
$382
2-Bedroom Unit
$453
$458
$453
$453
$457
$388
$450
3-Bedroom Unit
$659
$610
$611
$611
$610
$567
$610
4-Bedroom Unit
$682
$649
$649
$649
$649
$568
$648
Source: Action for Eastern Montana
Action for Eastern Montana had a waiting list of 602 households for Section 8 assistance
as of September 2005 for 17 counties in eastern Montana. As of September 2005, there
were two households receiving Section 8 housing assistance in Prairie County and one
household on the waiting list.
Action for Eastern Montana in Glendive administers the Low Income Energy Assistance
Program (LEAP) for Prairie County residents needing help paying utility bills.
Assistance is provided to persons of any age, based on their income, number of persons
in the household, number of rooms in the housing unit, type of heating, and other factors.
Assistance is provided by LEAP from October 1 through April 30 of every year.
USDA Rural Development assists homebuyers with loan assistance (502 program) or
loan guarantees. USDA Rural Development provides single-family housing assistance in
Prairie County through the Billings office. The 502 Program provides financing options
for low and very low-income families with little or no down payment and reduced
interest rates. The guaranteed loans are used to assist low-to-moderate income families
who cannot obtain conventional financing without assistance. Under this program, Rural
Development provides 100% direct financing and payment is subsidized based on income
and household size. This eliminates down payment costs and insurance premium costs.
Rural Development has not provided any housing assistance in Prairie County using the
502 Program.
USDA Rural Development provides home improvement loans and grants under its 504
program. Applicants must have annual income that does not exceed the low-income
limit. Only persons 62 years and older are eligible for grants. Rural Development has
not provided any housing assistance in Prairie County using the 504 Program.
Eastern Plains RC&D provides homeowner assistance and loans to qualifying first time
homebuyers.
GROUP QUARTERS
Defined as quarters that house persons not living in households. Typical types of
group quarters include nursing care facilities, group homes, detention centers and
dormitories. According to Census information, there were 24 people living in group
quarters in Prairie County in 2000.
- 27 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
CONCLUSIONS & PROJECTED TRENDS
Over the previous decade, Prairie County has encountered an increase in seasonal,
recreational and occasional use housing units. This trend is expected to continue. Prairie
County has also experienced a slight increase in vacant housing units, which may be
attributed to absentee homeowners or the lack of population needed to occupy available
houses.
Almost half of the houses inventoried by the Bureau of the Census in the year
2000 were built in 1939 or earlier. Therefore, some of the houses in Prairie County may
be in need of improvements.
ISSUES, GOALS & OBJECTIVES: HOUSING
The PCLPB has identified the following issues, goals and objectives for housing in
Prairie County:
Issue: Lack of adequate/suitable housing in Prairie County.
3.) Goal: Secure assistance through grants and other programs to remove vacant and or
nuisance housing.
4,) Goal: Secure assistance through grants and other programs to improve and/or build
housing.
5.) Goal: Work with the USDA Rural Development and other housing organizations on
housing options and opportunities.
Issue: Lack of housing for sale or rent.
6.) Goal: Promote opportunities for homeowners to sell or rent vacant houses.
Objectives:
7a.) Encourage retirees to relocate in Prairie County and build or renovate
structures as retirees often have more personal savings to invest.
7b.) Establish a community rental directory and a community property for
sale directory that landowners and house owners can voluntarily list their
names and properties for prospective clients to easily access. These
directories could be located at a certain well-known local spot that newcomers
could easily locate.
7.) Goal: Improve housing options in Prairie County, encouraging homebuilders and
developers to contact the appropriate agency for guidance on subdividing land and
building.
- 28 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Objectives:
8a.) Renovate existing housing through government assistance and/or
temporary county tax incentives.
7b.) Identify government grants and assistance for renovating aging housing
and make them more widely known.
7c.) Support the work of existing housing organizations, Community
Development Block Grant programs, USDA Rural Development and others to
identify housing needs, planning options and funding sources.
8.) Goal: Encourage and support an increase in the variety of housing options for
seniors.
Objectives:
8a.) Support the work of existing housing organizations, Community
Development Block Grant programs, USDA Rural Development and others to
identify housing needs, planning options and funding sources.
8b.) Encourage development of assisted living units.
9.) Goal: Keep Prairie County subdivision laws to a minimum, while meeting state and
federal criteria.
Objectives:
9a.) Encourage construction of new housing.
9b.) Assist people who want to build new housing with an easy, brief
overview of actions they have to take to comply with Prairie County
Subdivision laws including Sanitation, utilities and access.
10.) Goal: Stress that developers use soil sample information for proper layout of
subdivision and floodplain consideration where appropriate.
11.) Goal: Encourage placement of future industry to minimize undesirable effects.
12.) Goal: Encourage compatible commercial and residential development.
13.) Goal: Promote housing opportunities on the Internet.
Objectives:
13a.) Keep citizens informed.
13b.) Provide easy access to information.
13c.) Centralized source of information for County residents.
- 29 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
C.0 ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
INTRODUCTION
Prairie County is primarily an agriculture-based, rural community. Agriculture
and government are the main sources of employment. In 2003, agriculture in Prairie
County brought in total cash receipts (from the sale of principal products) of
approximately $23 million in crops, ranking 37th in the State of Montana.
Water is vital to Prairie County’s economy. The Yellowstone and Powder Rivers
bring much needed water to the area for irrigation, livestock and domestic uses. There is
a reserved water right held by the Prairie County Conservation District that has the
potential to increase irrigated crops in the area, thereby improving the local economy.
More information on water is available in the Natural Resources section.
Public lands are economically important to Prairie County, specifically for
grazing, recreation, hunting and tax revenue (PILT). For these reasons, the economy in
Prairie County is heavily tied to the multiple use management of public lands in the
County. BLM is responsible for managing over 40% of total land in the County.
According to a USDA Agricultural Outlook report, the Prairie County economy is
heavily dependent on livestock production. The value of agricultural products are
equivalent to 96% of personal income and 69% of the value of agricultural products
coming from livestock sales. Prairie County gets 10-30% of forage for livestock from
public lands. In 2003, total cash receipts from the sale of livestock and livestock
products equaled approximately $18 million, ranking Prairie County 28th in the State of
Montana in livestock production.
There is evidence of the growing demand for recreational use of public lands.
Recent statistics show that for lands managed by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land
Management, visitor days for recreation increased from 225 million in 1983 to over 400
million in 1997. (Economic Research Service, USDA, 2002) This increase indicates a
growing recreational demand on public lands. Prairie County has approximately 43,000
acres of land designated as a Wilderness Study Area. Livestock grazing is permitted on
these lands through an agreement with the Bureau of Land Management and private
individuals. According to the latest information available, there are six operators with
grazing permits in the Wilderness Study Area. These operators have 5,267 animal unit
months (the amount of feed or forage required by one, mature 1,000 pound cow or
equivalent). There are currently 119,847 AUM’s available in Prairie County and
approximately 105,000 AUM’s are being used in a given year. The average animal
cow/calf fee for the state of Montana is $17.40 per AUM. The Bureau of Land
Management has control over roughly 200 acres of land in Prairie County that is
considered Special Recreation Management Areas. These areas have been identified for
future development for recreation and include Calypso Bridge and the Powder River
Depot. In addition, the Lewis and Clark Trail runs through Prairie County along the
Yellowstone River and is considered a “special land use area” due to its historical value.
Prairie County has numerous historical sites and Native American digs. Big Sheep
Mountain is the highest point in Prairie County and offers recreational and sportsman
opportunties.
- 30 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
The Yellowstone River attracts locals and tourists alike for the ample fishing
opportunities and the chance at stumbling upon a treasured Yellowstone Agate. Agates
have provided a source of income for some residents, who make beautiful jewelry and
sell it in local stores. Agate hunting provides a source of entertainment and enjoyment
for Prairie County residents and is considered valuable to our local heritage and culture.
Hunting is a very popular in Prairie County for residents and out-of-staters alike.
This region produces a significant number of deer, antelope and upland game birds.
Every hunting season, hunters come to the area, supporting our local economy by buying
gas, groceries, lodging and shopping at our local stores. The financial contribution of
these activities to our economy is significant. Hunting is important for our agriculturebased operations as well, as wildlife numbers are high in the area, and local farmers and
ranchers are inadvertently feeding the deer, antelope and bird populations.
In 2005, there were approximately 30 landowner cooperators in Prairie County
who participated in the Block Management Program administered by the Fish, Wildlife
and Parks. This program assists landowners in managing hunting activities on lands
under their control and provides hunters with public hunting access to private and
isolated public land free of charge. Landowner participation in block management is
voluntary and contracts are negotiated annually. Block management in Prairie County in
2005 covered 334,136 acres of land.
Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) are payments to local governments to offset
losses in property taxes due to nontaxable Federal lands within their boundaries. Prairie
County has 429,469 acres of land that is eligible for PILT. Calculation of PILT payments
is based on population numbers in the county. The law sets up a sliding scale of
maximum PILT payments that may be made to each county based on population. In
2004, Prairie County received $75,566 as payment in lieu of taxes on 429,469 acres of
land. This calculates to approximately 18 cents per acre. In comparison, private, dryland
grazing land pays 40-60 cents per acre in taxes. Some more populous counties receive
over $645,000 on approximately one million acres (Lewis and Clark County PILT
Entitlement). There should be efforts made to ensure a more equitable distribution of
funds.
Several businesses have closed their doors in Terry in the past ten years.
Recently, the farm implement dealer in Terry closed it doors. Falkenstern Implement
provided farm machinery, equipment and repairs to farmers in the area until 2003. This
has proved to be a considerable hindrance for farmers in the area, as now they must travel
at least 40 miles for parts. This can be especially difficult during harvest times, when the
need for repairs slows down harvest and increases expenses.
The Yellowstone Bean Company expanded their business in Terry during the past
decade. The company receives dry edible beans from area farmers and uses the railroad
as a means of transportation of the commodity out of the county. In 2004, Prairie County
farmers ranked third in the state for dry edible bean production. This is an area that
should be concentrated on for added value.
- 31 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Prairie County was the home of Lady Evelyn Cameron, a pioneer woman who
took pictures of the Prairie County area at the turn of the 19th century. Cameron’s
photographs are displayed at the Cameron Gallery and in several businesses in the Town
of Terry. This should be capitalized on.
The Prairie County Economic Development Council has been active in promoting
the area for economic development. Their vision statement is: A coordinated Prairie
County effort, which improves the quality of life and produces a sustainable population
through a viable and diversified economy.
Economic conditions affect the county population, land use, growth or decline in
the area and personal income. All of these circumstances affect the county’s ability to
fund services and infrastructure. The following information provides a glance into the
previous three decades, looking at employment trends, trends in income and poverty
levels, farm economics and revenue sources in Prairie County.
EMPLOYMENT TRENDS
Table C.1 displays information about employment by industry in Prairie County
for 1970 through 2000. The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates employment
according to the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) categories. Employment is
measured as the average annual number of jobs and each job that a person holds is
counted at full-weight regardless of whether it is full-time or part-time. The estimates are
organized by type--wage and salary employment and self-employment (proprietors)--and
by industry. Prairie County’s civilian labor force in 2000 was 663 people.
Table C.1 Prairie County Employment by Type and Industry 1970 - 2000
Employment by place of work
2000
1995
1990
1985
1980
1970
(number
of jobs)
Change
(20001970)
663
658
655
778
930
841
-178
By Type
Wage and Salary employment
382
393
392
450
602
463
-81
Proprietors employment
Total full-time and part-time
employment
281
265
263
328
328
378
-97
Farm proprietors employment
162
163
161
168
168
248
-86
Nonfarm proprietors employment
119
102
102
160
160
130
-11
By Industry
Farm employment
233
225
216
226
267
335
-102
Nonfarm employment
430
433
439
552
663
506
-76
Private employment
252
237
253
327
486
317
-65
Agricultural services, forestry,
fishing and other
(D)
(D)
11
21
(D)
(D)
-10
Mining
0
0
(L)
0
(D)
(D)
0
Construction
(D)
(L)
(L)
30
110
26
4
Manufacturing
(D)
14
(D)
14
(D)
(D)
0
- 32 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Transportation and public utilities
(D)
33
(D)
(D)
(D)
(D)
0
Wholesale trade
(D)
11
20
(D)
35
13
-2
Retail Trade
78
64
62
90
127
115
-37
Finance, insurance and real estate
23
(D)
(D)
(D)
28
43
-20
Services
81
82
95
106
91
82
-1
Government and government
enterprises
178
196
186
225
177
189
-11
Federal, civilian
19
13
14
12
15
13
6
Military
(L)
(L)
11
12
11
13
-2
State and local
153
161
201
151
163
-10
State government
(L)
(L)
(L)
(L)
17
(N)
0
Local government
147
167
154
193
134
(N)
13
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Economic Information System. County Table CA25 (CD-ROM)
(D) Not shown to avoid disclosure of confidential information, but the estimates for this item are included in the totals.
(L) Less than 10 jobs, but the estimates for this item are included in the totals.
(N) Data not available for this year.
Between 1980 and 1985, the total number of full-time and part-time employment
in Prairie County declined by 162 jobs. This appears to be the largest drop in
employment over the previous three decades.
Farm employment workers have decreased by 102 people since 1970.
The most recent disclosed information on jobs in construction was in 1985.
Between 1970 and 1985, there was an increase of 4 construction jobs in Prairie County.
Federal, civilian jobs in Prairie County increased by six jobs since 1970 and local
government jobs increased by 13 for the same period of time. All of the other industries
in Prairie County have experienced a decline in the number of jobs available.
EMPLOYMENT BY TYPE: WAGE/SALARY AND PROPRIETORS
Figure C.1 compares wage and salary employment, farm proprietors’ employment
and nonfarm proprietors’ employment for the previous three decades. Since 1970, wage
and salary employment in Prairie County has declined by 81 jobs, farm proprietors’
employment has declined by 86 jobs, and nonfarm proprietors’ employment has declined
by 11 jobs.
Local ag producers must rely on technology to replace the scarcity of a labor
force. This has a negative effect on economic development.
- 33 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
600
550
500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
616
463
456
423
374
378
162
130
Wage and Salary
Employment
Farm Proprietors'
Employment
Nonfarm Proprietors'
Employment
107
19
70
19
74
19
78
19
82
19
86
19
90
19
94
19
98
Number of Jobs
Figure C.1 Employment by Type: Wage/Salary
and Proprietors
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Regional Economic Information System. Table CA25.
EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY
Figure C.2 displays farm employment and nonfarm employment for the years
1970 through 2000. Farm industry employment has declined by 102 and nonfarm
industry employment by 76 since 1970.
Number of Jobs
Figure C.2 Farm Employment versus Nonfarm
Employment 1970-2000
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Farm Employment
Nonfarm Employment
1970 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000
Years
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Regional Economic Information System. Table CA25.
Farm employment in Prairie County peaked in 1970, while nonfarm employment
reached its highest point in 1980. Farm and nonfarm employment have steadily declined
since then. In 2002, 40 percent of principal farm operators worked off the farm at least
some days and almost 20% worked off the farm 200 days or more.
- 34 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
UNEMPLOYMENT RATES IN PRAIRIE COUNTY & MONTANA 1990-2000
The unemployment rate in Prairie County started to rise in 1996 and peaked in
1998, making a significant decline in 1999 and rising again in 2000. The unemployment
rate in Prairie County in 2004 was 4.8% and in Montana was 4.4%.
Figure C.3 Annual Average Unemployment Rates
1990-2000
Unemployment Rate
7
6
5
4
Montana
3
Prairie County
2
1
20
00
19
98
19
96
19
94
19
92
19
90
0
*Not Seasonally adjusted
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS IN PRAIRIE COUNTY BY SIZE
The most recent data available on business establishments in Prairie County
shows the number of establishments with employees and those without employees. In
2000, there were 31 total establishments with employees and 76 with no employees.
Business establishments in Prairie County rely upon the economic support of the
residents for their continuation. Businesses are affected by a small, aging population.
Table C.2 Business Establishments in Prairie County: 2000
Utilities
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Retail Trade
Transportation and
warehousing
Information
Finance and insurance
Professional, scientific and
technical services
Health care and social
assistance
Other services (except pubic
administration)
# of Establishments with
employees
1
3
1
3
6
1
# of Establishments with no
employees
(D)
(D)
(D)
(D)
13
(D)
2
5
2
(D)
(D)
(D)
1
(D)
3
18
- 35 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Total establishments
31
76
Payroll (for Businesses with
Payroll = $2,674,000
Receipts *= 1,402,000
Employees) Receipts for
Business without Employees
(D) Withheld to avoid disclosure.
Sources:
Business with Employees: U.S. Bureau of the Census. County Business Patterns, 2000 data
Business without Employees: U.S. Bureau of the Census. Nonemployer statistics, 2000 data
*Total receipts for businesses without employees does not include information withheld
to avoid disclosure.
TRENDS IN PERSONAL INCOME
Table C.3 displays total personal income from all labor and non-labor sources in
the county. Personal income is measured as the sum of:

Labor income (including wages and salaries, other labor income, and
proprietors’ income),
 Non-Labor income, comprised of
o Dividends, interest and rent; and
o Transfer payments.
Table C.3 Personal Income from Labor and Non-Labor Sources by Major
Category 1970-2000
(in thousands of 2000 dollars)
1970
Total Personal Income
Earnings by place of work
less: Personal contrb. for social insurance
plus: Adjustment for residence 4/
Equals: Net earnings by place of
residence
plus: Dividends, interest and rent 5/
plus: Transfer payments
Total Personal Income
Proprietors’ Income 6/
Nonfarm proprietors’ income
Farm proprietors income
Earnings by Place of Work
Farm earnings
Non-farm Private earnings
Non-farm government and government
enterprises
Total earnings by place of work
Private Non-Farm earnings
Ag services, forestry, fishing & other /7
Mining
1980
1990
2000
24,360 31,626
26,318
25,249
15,787
760
547
15,573
18,238
2,013
1,591
17,816
12,291
1,212
1,498
12,577
11,914
1,197
1,137
11,854
-3,719
5,258 8,846
3,529 4,965
24,360 31,626
12,577
5,499
26,318
7,732
5,663
25,249
2,474
2,134
889
1,640
5,316
1,549
-653
1,694
2,920
1,570
2,208
1,084
632
7,315
5,009
3,462
1,966
12,664
3,608
3,964
4,688
3,639
3,699
4,265
3,950
-3,616
-744
488
15,787 18,238
12,291
11,914
-3,873
(D)
(D)
0
(D)
(D)
- 36 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Change
1970-2000
889
Construction
Manufacturing
Transportation and public utilities
Wholesale trade
Retail Trade
Finance, insurance and real estate
Services
Total Private Non-Farm Earnings
729
0
(D)
342
1,796
347
818
4,031
6,067
0
(D)
994
1,754
463
706
9,983
133
0
(D)
506
831
(D)
809
2,279
(D)
0
(D)
(D)
506
621
650
1,777
-596
164
-1,290
274
-168
-2,254
(D)Not shown to avoid disclosure of confidential information, but the estimates for this item are included in
the totals.
/4--The adjustment for residence is the net inflow of the earnings of interarea commuters. For the United
States, it consists of adjustments for border workers: Wage and salary disbursements to U.S. residents
commuting to Canada less wage and salary disbursements to Canadian and Mexican residents commuting
into the United States.
/5--Rental income of persons includes the capital consumption adjustment.
/6--Proprietors’ income includes the inventory valuation adjustment and capital consumption adjustment.
/7--“Other” consists of wage and salary disbursements to U.S. residents employed by international
organizations and foreign embassies and consulates in the United States.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Economic Information System. Table CA5.
Between 1970 and 2000, total personal income in Prairie County slightly
increased, seeing a sharp increase in personal income in the 1980’s with income steadily
declining since then. Total personal income between 1970 and 2000, adjusted for
inflation, increased by $889. The only types of income that did not decline over this time
period were dividends, interest and rent; transfer payments; non-farm government
earnings; wholesale trade; and finance, insurance and real estate. The categories
“Dividends, Interest and Rent” includes several types. Dividends are payments to
stockholders. Interest is money earned from mutual funds, municipal bonds, private
pension funds and other earnings from deposits in financial institutions. Rent is income
from the rental of property, imputed rent of owners/occupants of farm dwellings and
royalties from patents, copyrights and the rights to natural resources.
Personal income from other non-work related sources (primarily dividends,
interest, rent and transfer receipts such as retirement, disability and Medicare and
Medicaid payments) is a growing component of total personal income in Prairie County.
Transfer payments are primarily retirement related (pensions and Medicare), but also
include disability insurance, income maintenance programs (i.e. welfare) and payments to
nonprofit institutions. Table C.4 displays transfer payments distributed in Prairie County
since 1970.
Table C.4 Prairie County Transfer Payments, 1970-2000
(In thousands of 2000 dollars)
1970
1980
1990
Total transfer payments
Government payments to
individuals
Retirement & disability insurance
benefit payments
Medical payments
Income maintenance benefit
2000
3,529
3,342
4,965
4,689
5,499
5,256
5,663
5,382
1,844
2,937
3,422
2,934
902
(L)
1,088
215
1,377
203
1,969
241
- 37 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
payments
Unemployment insurance benefit
payments
Veterans benefit payments
Fed ed. & train assist. payments
(excludes vets)
Other payments to individuals
Payments to nonprofit
institutions
Business payments to
individuals 12/
(L)
127
92
121
338
(L)
296
(L)
144
(L)
102
(L)
0
(L)
0
169
(L)
117
(L)
147
(L)
106
126
134
(L) Less than $50,000 actual dollars not adjusted for inflation.
12/Consists largely of personal injury payments to individuals other than employees and other
business transfer payments.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Regional Economic Information System. Table CA 35.
TOTAL PERSONAL INCOME
Total personal income includes net earnings by place of residence; dividends,
interest and rent; and personal current transfer receipts received by the residents of Prairie
County. It is the income received by all persons from all sources.
Figure C.4 compares total personal income from labor and income from
dividends, interest, rent and transfer payments from 1970 to 2000. During the 1970’s,
income from labor sources was significantly more profitable in Prairie County than
income derived from dividends, interest, rent and transfer payments. During the 1980’s
the opposite was true. During the previous decade, the major income components of
labor, interest, rent plus transfer payments has leveled off and is relatively close in
received income payments.
35,000
30,000
Labor Income
25,000
20,000
Dividends, Interest &
Rent Plus Transfer
Payments
15,000
10,000
5,000
94
90
98
19
19
19
86
19
78
74
82
19
19
19
70
0
19
In Thousands of 2000 Dollars
Figure C.4 Total Personal Income by Major Income
Components, 1970-2000
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Regional Economic Information System. Table CA05.
- 38 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Personal income is defined as income received by residents, but labor income is
mainly reported by place of work, rather than residence of employee. The Bureau of
Economic Analysis calculates how much money is earned in the county by people
residing outside the county and it calculates how much money is brought into the county
by residents who work outside of the county. Subtracting one from the other gives the
net residence adjustment. Figure C.5 displays net flows of earned income for the years
1970-2000. Adjusted for inflation, net flows have steadily decreased over time, clearly
peaking in the early 1970s when approximately $27.5 million was earned outside of the
county. Today, approximately $3.7 million less money has been earned from sources
outside of the county than in 1970.
35,000
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
19
98
19
94
19
90
19
86
19
82
19
78
19
74
0
19
70
In Thousands of 2000 Dollars
Figure C.5 Net Flows of Earned Income Entering
Prairie County
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Regional Economic Information System. Table CA05.
PER CAPITA PERSONAL INCOME
In 2003, Prairie County had a per capita personal income of $22,284. Prairie
County ranked 28th in the state in per capita personal income in 2003. In 1993, Prairie
County ranked 24th in the State for per capita personal income, indicating a decline in the
past decade in per capita personal income compared to other counties in the state.
Table C.6 A Comparison of Per Capita Personal Income in Eastern Montana
2003
Per Capita
personal
income
Rank (in
state)
Custer
County
$23,428
Dawson
County
$22,590
Fallon
County
$23,523
Garfield
County
$23,094
McCone
County
$20,469
Prairie
County
$22,284
Wibaux
County
$20,760
19th
26th
18th
20th
39th
28th
36th
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis
- 39 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Table C.7 Per Capita Personal Income
Prairie County
2003
1993
Per capita personal $22,284 $17,657
income
Average annual 2.4%
--------growth rate
(1993-2003)
Rank (in state)
28th
24th
Montana
2003
$25,406
U.S.
2003
$31,472
3.6%
4.0%
------------
------------
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Figure C.6 compares per capita income for Prairie County and Montana between
1970 and 2000. Per capita income is total personal income divided by total population.
During the early 1970’s, per capita income in Prairie County exceeded per capita
income in the state by approximately $1,400 per year. During the early to mid-1980’s,
per capita income in Prairie County lagged behind statewide per capita income by almost
$2,000 per year. Per capita income in Prairie County was about $1,000 lower than the
statewide per capita income until 1992 when Prairie County had a per capita income $259
higher than the statewide per capita income. During the remainder of the 1990’s, Prairie
County made an average of $750 less a year than the rest of the state. In 2000, per capita
income in Prairie County was $21,253 and in Montana was $22,929. Montana’s per
capita personal income was 18.5% below the United States average in 2004.
Figure C.6 Per Capita Income--Prairie County,
State of Montana
In 2000 Dollars
25,000
22,423
21,253
20,000
15,000
22,929
13,831
Prairie County
Montana
10,000
5,000
19
70
19
74
19
78
19
82
19
86
19
90
19
94
19
98
0
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Regional Economic Information System. Table CA30.
Average earnings from labor have been lower in Prairie County than the State of
Montana since the mid-1970’s. Average earnings per job peaked in 1974 at $31,367
(adjusted for inflation). In 2000, average earnings per job in Prairie County were
$17,970 and average earnings per job in Montana was $25,616.
- 40 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Figure C.7 Average Earnings Per Job: Prairie
County, State of Montana, 1970-2000
In 2000 Dollars
35,000
32,626
30,000
25,616
25,000
20,000
15,000
17,970
18,773
10,000
5,000
Prairie County
Montana
19
70
19
74
19
78
19
82
19
86
19
90
19
94
19
98
0
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Regional Economic Information System. Table CA30.
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD AND FAMILY INCOME
The median household income in Prairie County in 2000 was $25,451, compared
to a median household income in Montana of $33,024.
Table C.8 Median Income, Prairie County and Montana, 1980-2000
(In 2000 Dollars)
Prairie County
Montana
Prairie Co.
**Prairie
2000
2000
1990
Co.
1980
$25,451
$33,024
$21,995
$33,697
Median
Household
Income
$32,292
$40,487
$26,500
$38,240
Median Family
Income
$22,284
$26,857
$11,195
$15,290
Per Capita
Income
Sources: 1980 and 1990 summary tape files 3, U.S. Census 2000; Summary File 3, Table P53.
**NOTES:
1. Income figures for “1980” are actually for 1979 and have been converted to 1989
dollars using CPI inflation factor of 1.708.
Table C.9 Prairie County Household Income 2000
Prairie County
537
Total:
Less thank $10,000
64
$10,000 to $14,999
78
$15,000 to $19,999
58
$20,000 to $24,999
62
$25,000 to $29,999
49
$30,000 to $34,999
42
$35,000 to $39,999
45
$40,000 to 44,999
31
- 41 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
$45,000 to $49,999
$50,000 to $59,999
$60,000 to $74,999
$75,000 to $99,999
$100,000 to $124,999
$125,000 to 149,999
$150,000 to $199,999
$200,000 or more
15
28
28
27
8
0
2
0
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000
Table C.10 Median Household Income by Age of Householder, 2000
Householder under 25 years
$26,528
Householder 25 to 34 years
$29,375
Householder 35 to 44 years
$35,417
Householder 45-54 years
$31,250
Householder 55 to 64 years
$25,250
Householder 65 to 74 years
$19,545
Householder 75 years and older
$15,972
Source: U.S. Census Bureau SF3
COMMUTER DATA
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, ninety-three (93) people reported Prairie
County as their residence and worked in another state or county. The following table lists
the details of this report. Figures are based on 569 workers.
Table C.11 Commuter Data
Residence State-County
Workplace State-County
Name
Name
Prairie County
Palo Alto, CA. IA
Prairie County
Custer County. MT
Prairie County
Dawson County. MT
Prairie County
Fergus County. MT
Prairie County
McCone County. MT
Prairie County
Prairie County. MT
Prairie County
Richland County. MT
Prairie County
Yellowstone County. MT
Prairie County
Grand Forks County. ND
Prairie County
King County. WA
Total
# of Workers 16 years and
over in the commuter flow
2
52
21
2
6
476
1
2
2
5
569
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division, Journey-to-Work & Migration Statistics Branch.
Internet Released date, March 6, 2003.
In 2004, approximately 15 percent of the Prairie County population traveled to a
different county for work. Montana Counties traveled to include: Custer, Dawson,
Fergus, McCone, Richland and Yellowstone. Information about workers traveling to
Prairie County for work from other counties is displayed in Table C.12.
- 42 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Table C.12 Commuters to Prairie County, 2004
Residence County/State
Workplace County/State
Custer County, MT
Prairie County
Dawson County, MT
Prairie County
McCone County, MT
Prairie County
Prairie County, MT
Prairie County
Wibaux County, MT
Prairie County
Morton County, ND
Prairie County
Count
54
15
1
476
2
8
Source: http://www.census.gov/population/cen2000/commuting/2KWRKCO_MT.xls
Approximately eighty (80) people travel to Prairie County for employment (7%).
Table C.13 displays commuter data from 1970-2000.
Table C.13 Commuter Data 1970-2000
Total Number of Commuters
Live and work in Prairie County
Live in Prairie County and work in a different county.
1970
730
683
47
1980
710
639
71
1990
603
529
74
2000
567
479
88
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Regional Economic Information System. Journey To Work.
POVERTY LEVEL
Census 2000 data indicates that approximately 17% of the population in Prairie
County is living below the poverty level. Poverty is measured by using 48 income
thresholds that vary by family size and number of children within the family and age of
the householder. To determine whether a person is poor, one compares the total income
of that person’s family with the threshold appropriate for that family. If the total family
income is less than the threshold, then the person is considered poor, together with every
member of his or her family.
Table C.14 Poverty levels, 1980-2000
2000
Percent
202
17.16%
Persons below
poverty
1990
208
Percent
15.3%
1980
569
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
- 43 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Percent
31.4%
Farm Economics
MARKET VALUE OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS SOLD
Figure C.8 Prairie County Market Value & % of Farms
PRAIRIE COUNTY:
Percent of Farms and Market Value of Agriculture
Products Sold: 1997
Value of Sales
$500,000 or
more
29.7
2.5
$100,000 to
$499,999
52.7
34.2
$50,000 to
$99,999
Market Value
12.5
22.8
$10,000 to
$49,999
Farms
4.7
20.9
Less than
$10,000
0.5
19.6
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Percent
In 1997, almost 20% of farms in Prairie County received half a percent of the
market value of the agriculture products sold and 2.5 % of farms received almost 30% of
the market value.
Figure C.9 Montana Market Value & % of Farms
MONTANA:
- 44 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
TOTAL AGRICULTURE GOVERNMENT PAYMENTS TO INDIVIDUALS AND
CORPORATE FARMS
According to the Montana Department of Agriculture and Economic Research
Service, the total agricultural government payments made to individuals and corporate
farms in Prairie County in 2003 was $4,499,000. This is based on information gathered
on major and minor cash receipts. In 2003, Montana farmers received payments under
the Acreage Grazing Payment Program, Conservation Reserve Program, Crop Disaster
Assistance Program, Direct and County-cyclical Program payments, Emergency
Conservation Program, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Hard White Winter
Wheat Program, Interest Payments, Lamb Meat Adjustment Assistance Program,
Livestock Compensation Program, Livestock Emergency Assistance Program, Loan
Deficiency Payment Program, Marketing Loan Gains, Milk Income Loss Contract
Program, noninsured Assistance Program, Quality Losses Program, Soil/Water
Conservation Assistance Program, Sugar Beet Disaster Program, Wool and Mohair
Livestock Assistance Program, Wetlands Reserve Program, Great Plains Program,
Forestry Incentive Program, Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program and Farmland Protection
Program. Table C.15 displays government payments in Prairie County for the previous
nine years. This is the most recent information available.
Table C.15 Total Government Payments in Prairie County, 1995-2003
(in
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
millions)
4.499 2.992 5.579 3.987 4.974 4.002 2.087 .273
Prairie
County
1995
1.613
Source: MT Dept of Agriculture
Conclusions & Projected Trends
Prairie County’s history is rooted in livestock production and agriculture
production. Business owners and agriculture producers struggle to find an available labor
force and must rely more heavily on technology for assistance. High energy costs, high
shipping costs and an aging population are all issues facing business owners and
agriculture producers. As the number of farmed acres in the county drops, farm suppliers
also go out of business.
On the positive side, tourism, recreation and hunting offer opportunities for
expansion in Prairie County.
- 45 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
ISSUES, GOALS & OBJECTIVES: ECONOMICS
The following issues, goals and objectives have been identified by the PCLPB:
Issue: The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has idled 25% of Prairie County’s
farmland. This creates a significant void in the counties economic business and
especially farming and ranching opportunities for young people getting started in
agriculture.
16.) Goal: To have more economic activity on lands currently in CRP.
Objectives:
16a.) Encourage all government agencies to allow as much agricultural
activity as possible on lands that are now enrolled in the CRP.
16b.) Limit number of acres in CRP, ensuring the current cap of 25% of
farmland enrolled is not exceeded.
16c.) Reduce competition within the private sector between irrigated hay
production and hay produced from CRP acres.
Issue: Water rights currently in use and water reserved for future use by agriculture and
business are extremely important to Prairie County’s future growth.
17.) Goal: Keep as much water available for Prairie County users as possible.
Objectives:
17a.) Prairie County will zealously guard the current water rights and
reservations especially the Conservation District’s water reservations.
18.) Goal: Ensure safe, clean water for the residents of Prairie County.
18b.) Prairie County recognizes the importance of safe, clean water for
residents, livestock and agriculture producers. PCLPB encourages the County
Commissioners to stay abreast on water quality issues to ensure water quality
remains safe for Prairie County residents.
Issue: Currently some U.S. Government and State of Montana agencies who oversee the
use of State and Federal lands make decisions about land use in Prairie County that are
very detrimental to sustain and even grow our local economy and provide jobs and
incomes for Prairie County’s residents.
19.) Goal: Strongly encourage State and Federal Governments to carefully consider the
impact of their decisions on local economies.
- 46 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Objectives:
19a.) Prairie County recognizes that the BLM owns approximately 55% of
the minerals in Prairie County. Prairie County encourages them to be
cooperative with groups planning to develop these minerals.
19b.) Prairie County recognizes that the BLM owns approximately 41% of
surface land in Prairie County. Prairie County strongly encourages BLM to
acknowledge and try to prevent the loss of grazing privileges. During natural
disasters, such as fire and drought, BLM should be as flexible as possible on
grazing plans during and after natural disasters. BLM’s current policy of
waiting two full years after a fire to graze land is unnecessary and unnatural.
BLM should manage grazing allotments on a case by case basis and not a
blanket inflexible policy that does not take into account differing individual
allotment, geography, history and grazing histories.
Issue: More intensive animal agriculture can generate many jobs and much investment.
20.) Goal: Help feedlots and other value-added agricultural enterprises remain here or
establish in Prairie County.
Objectives:
20a.) Prairie County needs to put as few roadblocks as possible so as not to
hinder the development of more intensive, value-added agriculture in Prairie
County.
21.) Goal: Encourage wise placement of feedlots and other value-added agricultural
enterprises.
Objectives:
21a.) Maintain adequate environmental and sanitary concerns.
22.) Goal: Promote the continuation of a sustainable industrial/business climate by
providing economic opportunity.
Objectives:
22a.) Attract new businesses to County
22b.) Support expansion of current businesses
Issue: Availability and cost of labor/hired help.
23.) Goal: Encourage a mix of employment opportunities that will lessen the impact of
high unemployment because of the seasonal nature of agricultural and recreation
industries.
24.) Goal: Prairie County shall promote recreational and cultural opportunities
compatible with local customs and cultures with the constraints of private property rights
and local self-determination.
- 47 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
25.) Goal: Strengthen Prairie County’s economy by supporting industries/initiatives that
increase residents’ personal income and employment opportunities.
Objectives:
25a.) Support agriculture. Focus on new opportunities in the agricultural
sector.
25b.) Support an expanded, more vital tourism and recreation industry and
promote the development of tourism and recreation opportunities to broaden
Prairie County’s economic base.
25c.) Review all incentives to attract business and encourage as necessary.
25d.) Coordinate business recruitment and expansion efforts with the State of
Montana and other entities working actively in economic development.
25e.) To make the most effective use of limited finances available to recruit
and help existing businesses expand, coordinate closely with Chambers of
Commerce in Prairie County and other entities working in economic
development to promote Prairie County as a place to do business.
25f.) Support economic development activities throughout southeastern
Montana in recognition of Prairie County’s interdependency with surrounding
employment centers and needs of citizens for goods, services and other
amenities available in surrounding communities.
25g.) Promote the economic self-sufficiency of Prairie County citizens by
furthering the development of locally owned and operated business
enterprises.
D.0 LOCAL SERVICES & PUBLIC FACILITIES
INTRODUCTION
Prairie County was developed in a rural area, primarily along the railroad and
Yellowstone River. The distribution of population clusters center mainly in the
incorporated Town of Terry and unincorporated areas of Fallon. Local services include
operations in the County such as Law Enforcement, Disaster and Emergency Services,
Fire protection, Ambulance services, and health care. The following information
provides an overview of existing public facilities and local services in Prairie County.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Prairie County has a commission form of government with general powers, seated
in Terry. County government consists of a three-member commission. Each
commissioner represents one of three districts in the county, serves a six-year term, and is
elected by the electors in the county. Terms are staggered. The commission elects a
chair from its members. In addition to the commission, there are seven other county
officials: Attorney; Clerk and Recorder/Clerk of District Court, Coroner, Justice of the
Peace, Public Administrator, Sheriff/Assessor, and Treasurer/School Superintendent of
Schools.
- 48 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Figure D.1--Revenue by Source--Government activities
Revenue by Source - Governmental Activities
fy 2005
Investment
Earnings
2%
Fed/State
Shared
20%
Licenses &
Permits
0%
Misc
3%
Property
Taxes
41%
Charges for
Services
10%
Operating
Grants
24%
Capital
Grants
0%
Source: Prairie County Clerk and Recorder
Prairie County relies primarily on property taxes to fund County operations.
For the fiscal year ending June 2005, Prairie County received $266,195 from the
Federal Government and $409,989 from the State of Montana in entitlements, grants, and
general revenues.
Figure D.2--Expense by Source--Government activities
Expense by Source-Governmental Activities
FY2005
Social &
Economic
13%
Culture &
Recreation
5%
Public Health
7%
Public Works
33%
General
Government
28%
Public Safety
14%
Source: Prairie County Clerk and Recorder
Prairie County’s largest expenses include Public Works (road, bridge, weed
operations) and funding General Government (commissioners, attorney, clerk and
recorder, treasurer, justice of the peace, building maintenance, etc.)
- 49 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Table D.1 compares programs revenue and expenses for fiscal year 2005.
Table D.1 Prairie County Program Revenue and Expenses, 2005
Program Revenue
Expenses
$59,898
$398,488
General Government (includes
elected officials; building
operations/repairs)
Public Safety (includes fire, law
enforcement and emergency services)
Public Works (includes road, bridge,
weed control)
Public Health (includes Public Health
Nurse; Hospital, Clinic and nursing
home)
$88,376
$204,373
$233,388
$472,654
$34,624
$95,060
Social and Economic Services
$105,630
$181,603
$16,311
$69,785
0
$5,497
(includes services to the aging and
extension services)
Culture and Recreation (includes
library, museum, fair)
Other
Source: Prairie County Clerk and Recorder
The net cost to Prairie County taxpayers to fund general government in fiscal year
2005 was $338,590; public safety $115,997; and Public Works $239,045.
Figure D.3 Expenses and Program Revenues, 2005
Expenses and Program Revenues - Govermental
Activities - FY2005
Other
Culture &
Recreation
Social &
Economic
Public Health
Public Works
Public
Safety
Expenses
General
Government
400000
300000
200000
100000
0
Program
Revenue
The County Commissioners set the direction of the County and the allocation of
resources through an annual budget. The annual budget assures the efficient, effective,
and economic uses of the County’s resources, as well as establishing that projects and
- 50 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
goals are carried out according to prioritized planning. The following factors were
considered in preparing the budget for the 2005 fiscal year:
 Some major capital improvement projects including county building
maintenance must be done;
 Road equipment continues to deteriorate and needs to be updated
 Taxable value of the County continues to decrease;
 Even though the State of Montana has, for now, solved its budget deficit,
the County expects that local governments will still need to provide some
services typically provided by the State;
 Road maintenance continues to be a frequent concern of citizens, and the
road budget, including personnel expenses, is at its maximum levying
authority.
As the County enters fiscal year 2005, it is in a solid financial position overall.
Most reserves are at the maximum level allowed by law, insuring adequate cash flow
throughout the year. The County is committed to maintaining long-term Capital
Improvements Plan, with a primary function of protecting and replacing infrastructure
and equipment. The commissioners continue with the permissive medical levy to assist
in financing employee health benefits.
In summary, Prairie County continues to maintain services at a level necessary to
serve its citizens, while keeping individual taxes at a minimum. In fiscal year 2002, a
property valued at $100,000 required an annual investment of $465.54, while fiscal year
2003 required an investment for the same property of $544.53. Fiscal year 2004 required
an investment of $571.00 on the $100,000 property and fiscal year 2005 required an
investment of $610.32.
PILT (PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TAXES)
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) payments are Federal payments to local
governments to offset losses in property taxes due to nontaxable Federal lands within
their boundaries. Prairie County has 429,486 acres of land that is eligible for PILT.
Calculation of PILT payments is based on population numbers in the county. The law
sets up a sliding scale of maximum PILT payments that may be made to each county
based on population. In 2005, Prairie County received $84,984 as payment in lieu of
taxes on approximately 429,486 acres of land. The current allocation of PILT payments
is a drain on the County treasury. If this land were taxed as private land, it would bring
County revenues of approximately $171,795 to $257,692.
In addition, Prairie County receives 25% of grazing receipts and rental fees on
federal owned land designated as Bankhead Jones land. The total amount Prairie County
received in 2005 for Bankhead Jones Land equaled $27,792.60. This money is put into
the Prairie County Road Fund.
Taylor Grazing Land funds received in 2005 equaled $2,516.82 and is used in the
County’s General Fund. This loss of tax base and tax revenue seriously hinders the
County’s ability to provide services.
- 51 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
TRANSPORTATION
Prairie County is served by three main means of transportation, namely, the
Burlington Northern Railroad, Interstate Highway 94, and a public airport, which can
accommodate the landing of small planes. There are several secondary roads to
surrounding towns.
ROADS & HIGHWAYS
Interstate 94 is the primary road system crossing Prairie County in an east-west
direction. This highway is located along the Town’s southern border. Old Highway 10
runs adjacent to I-94; Highway 253 provides access to Terry from the North and joins
Highway 200 at Brockway. Highway 340 connects the towns of Terry, Mildred, and
Fallon.
The County has an extensive network of local roads that are under the jurisdiction
of the Prairie County Road Department. Maintaining the roads is a formidable
undertaking and one that is of primary importance to farm and ranch residents. Wellmaintained roads provide essential public services during times of severe weather.
Maintenance is assigned to the Prairie County Road Department.
The Prairie County Road Department employs five employees that are responsible
for maintaining approximately 750 miles of state secondary highways and gravel roads in
the County. In addition to road maintenance, the Prairie County Road Department is
responsible for all signs in the county, maintaining cattle guards, culvert upkeep, and
mowing roughly 700 miles along County roads. There are also ten (10) bridges in the
County that the Prairie County Road Department is responsible for keeping in good
condition. There are approximately 10 gravel sites in the County that are registered with
the Department of Environmental Quality and the Bureau of Land Management. The
Department of Environmental Quality requires the County to register gravel pits that are
located on deeded land. Gravel pits registered with the Bureau of Land Management are
on BLM land.
RAIL TRANSPORTATION
Burlington Northern Railroad (BN) crosses Prairie County in an east-west
direction along the south side of the Yellowstone River. The railroad owns
approximately 11,000 acres in Prairie County (1%). The railroad primarily ships dry
edible beans out of Prairie County on the railway and the Farmer’s Union accepts freight
shipments of fertilizer, etc. The bulk of freight transported on the railway is coal. The
nearest grain terminal for unit trains is located in Glendive. The railroad is responsible
for maintaining crossings in the county.
See Appendix Map 2: Montana Rail System
- 52 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
AIR TRANSPORTATION
Prairie County has a public airstrip located one mile south of Terry. The airport
runway is hard-surfaced and has been re-asphalted in the previous three years. The
airstrip is approximately 4,450 feet long. There is a lighted runway that can be turned on
either through a radio frequency or manually. There are also tie-downs available at the
airport for the safety of visiting aircraft.
Big Sky Airlines serves the area with commuter service in Miles City and
Glendive (both 38 miles from Terry). Commercial air carrier service is available in Miles
City, Glendive, and Billings. Commercial air transportation is available in Billings (175
miles west of Terry) and Dickinson, ND (125 miles east of Terry).
Currently, there are no taxes levied to Prairie County residents for the airport.
RECREATION SITES AND FACILITIES
Prairie County has two rivers and numerous streams that comprise a major surface
water resource that is used for fishing during the spring, summer, and fall months. The
terrain in the County contains resources that are routinely used for some of the best
hunting in the state.
Prairie County includes approximately 503,267 acres of land that is owned by the
Federal and State government. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages
approximately 447,462 acres of land in Prairie County and recreational use is governed
by those agencies.
A Wilderness Study Area made up of almost 43,000 acres is located north of
Terry. There are camping facilities at Scenic View, just northwest of Terry, which
includes a fire pit area and restroom facilities.
Clark Reservoir has a campground and fishing access area.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Education is a priority in Prairie County. Our county’s support of both curricular
and extra curricular activities offers proof that education is important to us. The school
system in Prairie County is centered in Terry and provides education for students from all
areas of the County. During the 2004-05 school year, there were sixteen full-time
teachers and two part-time teachers. Terry Public Schools has a student/teacher ratio
averaging six students per teacher. The Terry Public Schools currently has the facilities
to handle an increase in enrollment of approximately 75-100 additional students. The
school’s financial circumstances are determined by the number of students enrolled.
- 53 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Figure D1
School Enrollment 1958-2005
Number of Students
350
300
250
200
150
305 297
289
208
170 163
219
200 211
177
162
133
100
237
K-8
165 155
113
91
50
96
HS
114
70
87
61
19
58
19
60
19
65
19
71
19
75
19
80
19
85
19
90
19
95
20
00
20
05
0
Source: Terry Public Schools
In 2004-05, there were six students reported as home schooled in Prairie County.
Over 50% of Prairie County rural property taxes go to fund the public school.
COMMUNICATIONS
Prairie County has one weekly newspaper, the Terry Tribune, which started in
1907. Five AM and three FM radio stations can be received in the Prairie County area.
Rural homes can select from satellite networks, such as Dish Network and Direct TV.
Midrivers, a local co-op, and Qwest provide telephone service to Prairie County.
Midrivers Cooperative offers dial-up, cable, and satellite high-speed Internet services
throughout the Prairie County area.
LAW ENFORCEMEN/DISASTER EMERGENCY SERVICES
The County Sheriff provides Law enforcement services in Prairie County. In
addition to the Sheriff, the county employs an Undersheriff and a Deputy. The 911dispatch system is operated through a contract with Fallon County (Baker). Jail functions
are provided in cooperation with the Dawson County Law Enforcement Agency.
Prairie County Disaster and Emergency Services (DES) is responsible for the
development, establishment, and coordination of a countywide program for response to
emergency situations. Prairie County recently completed a Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan.
The Prairie County Offices of Law Enforcement and Disaster and Emergency Services
update Fallon County about emergency response information and maintain the County
ambulance service. The Sheriff handles search and Rescue.
- 54 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
FIRE PROTECTION
Prairie County has four Fire Departments: the Prairie County Rural Fire
Department, the Terry Volunteer Fire Department, Cabin Creek Fire District, and the
Fallon Fire District.
Outside Terry City limits, the Prairie County Rural Fire Department has the
responsibility for protection of the balance of the County, which includes scattered
homes, farms, railroad improvements, ranches, and oil and gas field facilities. The Fallon
Fire District protects the Fallon area. The Cabin Creek Fire District protects the Cabin
Creek area of Prairie County, which has 24 scattered homes, farmsteads and outbuildings,
and dryland farming and pastureland. Fallon and Cabin Creek Fire Districts fund their
own district through a tax levy assessed by the District.
Prairie County has mutual aid agreements with all surrounding counties, the City
of Glendive, and the City of Miles City.
When a fire is in proximity to Federal land, BLM Fire Managers will assist.
The DNRC provides equipment, aerial assistance, and acts as a liaison between
local and government agencies on major fires.
AMBULANCE
The Prairie County Ambulance Service is staffed by volunteers and has two
ambulances. The ambulance service in Prairie County operates from user fees and the
County and the Hospital District fund equipment replacement through a levy of one mill
annually.
Figure D.4 Ambulance Charges for Services & Expenses, 2005
Proprietary Fund Activity (Business-Type) FY2005
Am
nc
la
bu
Charges for Services
e
Expenses
0
10000 20000 30000 40000
Prairie County Clerk and Recorder
HEALTH CARE
Prairie County employs one full time County Health Nurse. The nurse offers
vaccinations, blood pressure checks, health education, does in-home visits and
assessments, and fills medications. One C.N.A. works 20 hours per week through the
Prairie County Health Department. There is a Meals On Wheels program and a
Homemaker who does light housekeeping for residents sixty years and older.
- 55 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
HOSPITAL & CLINIC
The Prairie County Health Center and Clinic has a Physician’s Assistant available
24 hours a day, seven days a week and offers full service emergency room, laboratory,
and x-ray assistance. The Prairie County Health Center employs one full time
Physician’s Assistant, who also acts part time as a County Health Officer.
NURSING HOME
The Prairie County Nursing Home maintains a total of 21 beds; two inpatient
critical care beds are available along with 19 licensed skilled nursing home beds.
Currently the nursing home stays 90-98% full and the cost is approximately $132.50 per
day.
SENIOR CENTER
The Prairie County Senior Center has congregate meals twice a week, coffee time
every morning, and holds different activities throughout the month for the residents of the
county.
LIBRARY
The Prairie County library provides a vast multitude of services for the
community. Free Internet access is available, as well as a selection of audiotapes and
video rentals. Books about local and Montana history are found here. The Prairie
County library is a sight for the Resource Occupational Career Center, which is operated
through Action for Eastern Montana.
MUSEUM AND LADY CAMERON GALLERY
The Prairie County Museum is housed in downtown Terry in two former State
Bank of Terry buildings. Other buildings the Prairie County Museum is responsible for
include a caboose, depot, outhouse, homestead and Gallery. The Museum features a
glimpse of an era gone by, showcasing a homesteader’s house, antique farm equipment,
turn of the century cattle and sheep raising equipment, and homesteader tools.
The Lady Cameron Gallery is located next to the Prairie County Museum and
displays photographs and memorabilia from the life of Evelyn Cameron. Evelyn
Cameron moved to the Prairie County area with her husband, Ewen, in the late 1800’s.
Evelyn produced an outstanding photographic record of eastern Montana during the early
days.
EXTENSION SERVICE
The Prairie County Extension Service offers reference material for agriculture
producers and administers the 4-H program.
- 56 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
FAIRGROUNDS
The Prairie County fairgrounds offer facilities for use by the public for various
events.
MANOR
The Prairie County Manor is a county-owned building that is currently vacant.
Historically, the Manor started as the hospital in Terry and then a nursing home.
FALLON PARK
The Fallon Park is used for various gatherings for residents and visitors.
Currently, the maintenance and preservation of the park’s exceptional facilities is
supported through the residents of Fallon.
ISSUES, GOALS & OBJECTIVES: LOCAL SERVICES & PUBLIC FACILITIES
The Prairie County Land Planning Board has identified the following issues, goals
and objectives for local services and public facilities in Prairie County:
26.) Goal: Encourage retirees to relocate to Terry for the excellent services available.
Objectives:
26a.) Promote the Senior Center.
26b.) Encourage funding opportunities to fund and maintain the Senior Center
and other services for senior citizens.
Issue: Availability of electricity, roads, sewer and water for future areas of buildings and
subdivisions.
27.) Goal: Assist subdividers and landowners in acquiring necessary services for the
development of property.
Objectives:
27a.) Prairie County should provide information to people who want to
develop properties on how and what steps they need to take when considering
building or creating subdivisions. (Prairie County should develop a small
pamphlet of Items of Importance for builders and subdividers.)
Issue: There are numerous roads in Prairie County. Maintenance of these roads is of
vital importance to Prairie County residents.
28.) Goal: Encourage timely and adequate maintenance of roads in Prairie County.
- 57 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Objectives:
28a.) Prairie County supports cooperation between federal, state, and local
governments involving the financing of Prairie County roads.
28b.) Prairie County is a rural county and as such roads are of vital
importance to the preservation of our lifestyle. Prairie County supports efforts
to maintain and develop our federal, state, and county roadways in a manner
that is safe and provides access for our citizens.
Issue: Cooperation of Federal and State law enforcement agencies and personnel with
Prairie County law enforcement.
29.) Goal: Federal and State law enforcement agencies and wildlife agencies should
maintain close contact with Prairie County law enforcement.
Objectives:
29a.) Prairie County states in its plan that Prairie County citizens’ needs,
private property rights and general welfare are of paramount concern to local
government. The Prairie County Government should be informed in advance
of planned actions by Federal and State governments that may affect county
governments’ ability to perform its duties to local citizens.
Issue: State and Federal firefighters need to make clear their methods, goals, and fire
policies that govern their actions within the boundaries of Prairie County.
30.) Goal: State and Federal firefighters should coordinate with local fire teams and be
previously notified about county citizens concerns in fire situations.
Objectives:
30a.) Prairie County states that federal and state firefighters consider Prairie
County citizens’ property and future economics when conducting fire
management.
Issue: BLM and State recreational areas create additional need of County Search and
Rescue, law enforcement, road, and medical services.
31.) Goal: Prairie County may need some help from state and federal agencies for the
increased services that recreation brings.
Objectives:
31a.) When County Government feels that recreation is requiring extra county
services, the appropriate federal or state agency should be made aware of the
increased need for services. Help or compensation should be arranged
between the County and the appropriate agency.
32.) Goal: Prairie County supports maintaining medical facilities that will allow our
citizens to remain in Prairie County and enjoy a rural lifestyle.
- 58 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
33.) Goal: Prairie County values its airport and will work to maintain its value and
operation for the County.
34.) Goal: Maintain current capability of our school facilities to accommodate additional
students.
Objectives:
o Support efforts for obtaining computers and needed equipment for the
continuation of the school’s advancement.
o Continue to encourage support of extra curricular activities and
opportunities.
35.) Goal: Prairie County shall encourage a transportation network that optimizes
accessibility within the County and that optimizes the cost of movement between all
communities and across public lands.
36.) Goal: Private property ownership must be protected to preserve the county tax base.
E.0 LAND USE
INTRODUCTION
Land use and management are a significant component of Prairie County’s
economic vitality and well-being. Agriculture is the dominant land use in Prairie County.
The County has approximately 145,613 acres in irrigated and non-irrigated cropland.
Land in Prairie County is primarily owned and managed by private landowners.
The Federal and State Government administers approximately 46% of the land in Prairie
County. The Bureau of Land Management has control of approximately 601,804 acres of
subsurface minerals in the County and manages approximately 447,462 surface acres.
The information presented in this section provides a general overview of the
existing status of land use in Prairie County as well as important ownerships that will
continue to affect future land use decisions. The tables and figures included on the
following pages show the importance of agricultural land uses and ownership rights to
Prairie County.
OWNERSHIP
According to information on record at the Prairie County Clerk and Recorder’s
office, the Bureau of Land Management and the Farm Service Agency, land ownership in
Prairie County is primarily by private individuals. Table E.1 lists owners, acreages
owned and their respective percent in the County.
- 59 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Table E.1 2005 Land Ownership in Prairie County
Owner
Acreage
%
Bureau of Land
447,462
41%
Management
State of Montana
Approx. 55,805
5%
Railroad
Approx. 11,053
1%
Private
589,665
53%
Total acres in county
1,103,985.05 acres 100.0%
Sources: Prairie County Clerk and Recorder
BLM
Farm Service Agency
Prairie County Ownership map
See Appendix Map III: Prairie County Land Ownership, DNRC
LAND USE
Table E.2 displays land use data for Prairie County in 2005. Land uses include
cropland, land in CRP and rangeland, which are discussed in further detail in subsequent
paragraphs.
Table E.2 Land Use Data
Cropland
145,612.5 acres
Irrigated
15,276.15 acres
Non-irrigated
130,336.25 acres
CRP
40,996.3 acres
Rangeland
881,998.5
Notes: *Cropland acres equal irrigated plus non-irrigated land.
*Rangeland and cropland acres include land owned privately as well as Bureau of Land
Management, State of Montana and Great Northern Properties.
*Cropland and rangeland acres owned by the BLM, State of Montana and Railroad is unknown.
Source: Farm Service Agency
Figure E.1 Cropland
Figure E.2 Agricultural Land Use
Agriculture Land Use
Cropland
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
1
Irrigated
Range/Hay
CRP
Dryland
- 60 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Cropland
CROPLAND
According to the Farm Service Agency in Terry, approximately 14-15% of land in
Prairie County is utilized as cropland. Table 5.3 displays information about Prairie
County’s irrigated and non-irrigated cropland.
Table E.3 Prairie County: Irrigated versus Non-irrigated Cropland, 2002
Crop
Alfalfa
Irrigated
3,995
Non-irrigated
3,990
Total acres
7,985
Barley
343
4,249
4,592
--
2,407
130
17
--
302
-24,303
432
17
24,303
Garbonzo Beans
Grass Hay
Grazing Grass *
Milet
-10,159
-133
550
-956,441
368
550
10,159
956,441
501
Mixed Forage **
Oats
457
237
11,229
1,356
11,686
1,593
1
--
1
1,926
93
2,019
--
109
109
19,041
--
20,990
2,451
Corn
2,407
Durum Wheat
Home Garden
Fallow
Onions
Pinto Beans
Rye
Spring Wheat
Sugarbeets
1,949
2,451
Sweet Corn
5
--
5
Triticale
--
1,013
1,013
--
10,338
10,338
1,033,382
Dryland
1,051,778
Winter Wheat
Totals
24,210
Irrigated
*Includes all rangeland/pasture.
**Mixed forage includes alfalfa and grass mixes; or 2 or more grasses seeded together.
Source: Farm Service Agency
- 61 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Prairie County’s 2002 top crop commodities in the State of Montana are shown in
Table E.4.
Table E.4 Prairie County Commodity Rank in State of Montana, 2002
Rank in State Prairie County Commodity
4th
Dry edible beans
9th
Sugarbeets
th
26
Sheep
30th
Cattle
st
31
Barley
31st
Wheat
Source: MT Dept of Revenue
According to the 1997 Census of Agriculture, the top crop commodities in
Montana included wheat, hay, barley, oats, and sugarbeets.
Figure E.3 Top Commodities in Montana
A c r e a ge a m ount s of t op M ont a na c r op c om m odi t i e s gr own
i n P r a i r i e C ount y
2,450
1,500
Wheat
4,500
Hay
Barley
Oats
Sugarbeets
10,159
30,000
Source: Census of Agriculture, 1997
Montana ranked third in the nation in wheat production, with Prairie County
ranking 31st in the State of Montana.
Montana ranked fifth in the nation in sugarbeet production, with Prairie County
ranking 9th in the State of Montana.
Table E.5 Montana Commodity Rank in Nation
Rank in Nation Montana Commodity
3
Wheat
5
Sugarbeets
10
Cattle and Calves
Source: Montana Department of Agriculture
- 62 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM
Approximately 4% of Prairie County is enrolled in the Conservation Reserve
Program (CRP), 25% of our cropland. CRP is a long-term cropland diversion program
that was established in 1985 with the primary goal of reducing soil erosion.
RANGELAND
Approximately 80% of the land in Prairie County is considered rangeland.
Livestock is a valuable commodity for agriculture in Prairie County. Livestock and
livestock products are major sources of income, followed by dryland and cropland
production.
LIVESTOCK
According to the USDA, Montana livestock producers of cattle and calves rank
tenth in the nation in commodity production and Prairie County ranked 28th in the State
of Montana for livestock production in 2003 and ranked 30th in 2002.
According to the Prairie County Assessor’s office, livestock numbers in Prairie
County in 2002 are shown in Table 5.5.
Table E.6 Prairie County Livestock Numbers, 2002
Cattle
38,084
Sheep
1,833
Poultry
509
Horses
506
Hogs & Pigs 167
Elk
55
Bees
24
Goats
19
Llamas
6
*Numbers include feedlots animals.
It takes an average of 30 acres for grazing a cow/calf pair yearly in Prairie
County. Since the County has approximately 1,000,000 acres of grazing lands,
approximately 30,000 pairs can be supported. (Source: 1993 Prairie County Comprehensive
Plan)
LAND IN FARMS & AVERAGE SIZE
According to the Census of Agriculture, there were 162 farms in Prairie County in
2002. The amount of land (in acres) in farms and the average size of farmland increased
from 1997 to 2002 by four percent.
- 63 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Table E.7 Land in Farms and Average Size of Farm in Prairie County
2002
1997
Land in Farms (acres)
619,684
596,205
Average size of farm (acres)
3,825
3,680
*Other cropland includes idle cropland or that used for cover crops or soil improvements, but not harvested
and not pastured or grazed; cropland on which all crops failed or were abandoned; and cropland in
cultivated summer fallow.
Source: 2002 Census of Agriculture
The number of U.S. farms has declined dramatically since its peak in 1935,
dropping by two-thirds between 1935 and 1974, from 6.8 million to 2.3 million. The
number of farms and ranches in Prairie County has gradually declined since 1940;
subsequently, the amount of average acreage per farm has increased. According to the
Census of Agriculture, there were 257 farms in 1940 and the average size of a farm was
1,111 acres. In 1997, almost 90% of the 213 farms in Prairie County were 2,000 acres or
more.
The majority of farms in Prairie County are owned individually as sole
proprietorships. Approximately 20% are organized as family-held corporations and 10%
are organized as partnerships.
Table E.8 Farm Characteristics: Prairie County and Montana, 2001
Prairie County Montana
Number of farms
213
26,600
Average farm size (acres)
3,879
2,414
Average operator age (years)
53
64.7
Average time on present farm
24 years
24 years
% Of total land in farms and ranches
94%
63%
Approximately 50% of farmers and ranchers in Prairie County are full time
operators, 40 % part time operators and 10% tenant operators.
NOXIOUS WEEDS
Noxious weeds are a concern when it comes to wildlife habitat preservation and
grazing land quality. Management criteria include awareness and education,
containment, and suppression of existing infestations and prevention of new infestations.
Prairie County employs 2-3 persons for seasonal weed spraying and the weed control
operation is supported by a tax levy and the BLM. The Prairie County Weed Board is
responsible for the control of noxious weeds on public lands and on private land through
a cost-share program with producers.
The Prairie County Weed Board has noxious weed infestations in Prairie County
mapped into three Weed Management Areas, covering approximately 116,300 acres or
approximately ten percent of the total land area in Prairie County. The purpose of the
Prairie County Weed Board and Management Program is to protect agricultural and
natural resources from the spread of noxious weeds by containing large infestations and
- 64 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
preventing new infestations from becoming established. The Prairie County Weed Board
assists landowners by providing information about noxious weeds and services available
to control or eradicate noxious weeds on their property. A list of noxious weeds in
Prairie County by category type is displayed in Table E.9.
Table E.9 Noxious Weeds in Prairie County
Category 1: (currently established and generally widespread)
Leafy Spurge
Spotted Knapweed
Russian Knapweed
Diffuse Knapweed
Houndstongue
Dalmation Toadflax
Whitetop
Canada Thistle
Field Bindweed
Category 2: (recently introduced or rapidly spreading)
Salt Cedar
Category 3: (not detected or found in small infestations)
No known infestations of Category 3 weeds in Prairie County
Major noxious weed infestations in Prairie County include leafy spurge and Salt
Cedar. Other priority weeds in Prairie County include all knapweeds, Canadian thistle,
Houndstongue, Dalmation Toadflax, Whitetop, and field bindweed.
ISSUES, GOALS & OBJECTIVES: LAND USE
Issue: Spread of noxious weeds in subdivisions and other places where new owners who
are unfamiliar with these weeds let them spread unchecked.
37.) Goal: Educate new and existing residents of Prairie County about noxious weeds
and their danger to the environment.
Objectives:
37a.) Work in conjunction with Prairie County Weed Board to educate
residents of the area about what noxious weeds are and make sure they know
they can hire the County to spray weeds for them if they are unable to do so
themselves.
37b.) Educate recreationists, visitors and sportsman about noxious weeds and
support efforts to control the spread of noxious weeds.
Issue: Noxious weed control on federal and state land.
38.) Goal: Since the Federal government owns 41% and state owns 5% of the land in
Prairie County they should be serious about contributing their share of weed control
funds and labor.
- 65 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Objectives:
38a.) Prairie County supports efforts to control the spread of noxious weeds.
38b.) Prairie County should urge Federal and State governments to contribute
a proportionate share of the funds and labor that is necessary to combat
noxious weeds.
Issue: Prairie County has a significantly large proportion of its land controlled by federal
and state governments. Actions by these agencies can negatively affect the current or
future economy of the County.
39.) Goal: Prairie County and its citizens’ economy, quality of life, and future jobs
should be a major factor when federal and state agencies make land and mineral use
decisions.
Objectives:
39a.) Prairie County should state in its plan to other land use agencies aware
that decisions negatively affecting County residents’ local economy or future
development, will maintain the healthy environment we now enjoy.
Issue: Prairie County needs to increase its tax base and economic activity.
40.) Goal: Encourage land use that maximizes economic activity and creates new tax
base.
Objectives:
40a.) Prairie County should not take actions to hinder change of land use from
low economic output and tax base to a higher economic output and tax base.
Issue: The Federal payment in lieu of taxes program pays populous counties with federal
holdings very large PILT payments that greatly exceed the property tax revenue these
federal lands would bring in if they were private. At the same time, poor sparsely
populated counties are penalized with meager PILT payments that are only 1/10 to 1/3 of
the tax revenue that their federal lands would bring in if they were private.
41.) Goal: This program needs to be corrected.
Objectives:
41a.) Prairie County should influence every policymaker they can. This gross
inequity should be replaced with a flat fee or 80% or 90% of what the county
property taxes would net on that land classification. These legislators should
be reminded that our county maintains a large land area, regardless of our low
population and be compensated for federal land interest in Prairie County.
Issue: Approximately 47% of land in Prairie County is owned by the federal and state
governments. The county’s economy is dependent on business activities utilizing
federal and state lands, and these activities are inseparably tied to private lands. It
is important for Prairie County to be involved with decisions significantly
affecting the public lands within its boundaries. Multiple use is especially
- 66 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
important when considering grazing, timber, oil and gas, coal, minerals, hunting
and fishing, and other recreational uses. Restrictions on any of the above can
affect the economic stability, growth, and development of a county.
42.) Goal:
It is imperative for Prairie County to protect the multiple use concepts on
public lands, as it significantly impacts the county’s economy.
Objectives:
42a.) Prairie County supports multiple use management of federal and state
lands that are compatible with agriculture.
42b.) Prairie County supports adoption of policies and laws that require state
and federal agencies to conform with local land use regulations.
43c.) Prairie County opposes unfunded mandates passed by federal or state
legislatures.
43d.) Prairie County opposes any federal or state regulations that usurp the
powers of county government in land use planning.
44e.) Prairie County opposes any federal or state attempt to lock any privately
owned land use in any long-range comprehensive plan.
44f.) Prairie County supports local determination on land use matters.
44g.) Prairie County supports the policy that no private property should be
designated open space, trail right of ways, special place, without prior written
consent of the property owner.
Issue: The availability of land area for ownership is limited because of large land
holdings by the federal and state governmental agencies.
45.) Goal:
The nature and intent of the PCLPB is to protect the customs and culture
of county citizens through protection of private property rights, the facilitation of
a free market economy, and the establishment of a process to ensure selfdetermination by local communities and individuals.
Issue: Agriculture is very important to the livelihood and well-being of the county as
well as part of our customs and culture.
46.) Goal:
Prairie County wants to protect the agricultural land and promote the
continuation of farming and ranching pursuits within the county. The protection of
private property rights, including the historical use of the land by individuals to produce
food is important.
Issue: Private property rights.
47.) Goal: Maintain private property ownership rights.
- 67 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Objectives:
47a.) Support the preservation of private property rights in Prairie County.
47b.) Prairie County supports effective right to farm ordinances.
Issue: Land for grazing livestock is very important to the ranchers in Prairie County.
48.) Goal:
Maintain grazing rights.
F.0 NATURAL RESOURCES
INTRODUCTION
For the residents of Prairie County and for the people just passing through the
area, the natural resources are one of the most striking aspects of Prairie County. The
Prairie Badlands are visible from the major transportation route through the County and
provide a beautiful scenic landscape. Natural resources are an integral part of a
community and can often be taken for granted. While the federal and state governments
are the single largest legal manager of natural resources in Prairie County, the majority of
the natural resource managers are farmers and ranchers in the area.
Water is a vital to Prairie County’s economic survival. Groundwater resources in
the County provide drinking water for families, stock water for livestock, and irrigation
for crops. The residents of Prairie County depend on clean, safe water from the
Yellowstone and Powder Rivers.
The Prairie County Conservation District has one of the largest held water
reservations in the area. This water is reserved for irrigation in Prairie County and cannot
be purchased or transferred out of the county. There is 68,678 acre feet of water reserved
from the Yellowstone River and 483 acre feet of water reserved from the Powder River
for future irrigation projects. There are currently eight irrigators that have reserved water
authorized for their use in Prairie County.
Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District manages irrigation water for Prairie, Dawson
and Custer Counties encompassing a total of 45,800 acres. The Buffalo Rapids Project
area lies along the floodplain, stream terraces, and alluvial fans associated within the
Yellowstone River valley. There were approximately 9,195 acres of irrigated land
managed by the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District in Prairie County in 2005, supplying
irrigation water to approximately 80 irrigators. Buffalo Rapids may apply for reserves of
water from the Prairie County Conservation District for future development.
The Yellowstone River in Prairie County is known for its high class agates and
fishing opportunities. Yellowstone agates are found along the Yellowstone River
between Miles City, Terry, and Glendive and are considered a treasure by locals and
tourists alike.
There are currently no known toxic waste (superfund) sites in Prairie County. In
1999, Prairie County ranked among the cleanest and best 20 percent of all counties in the
U.S. in terms of air quality.
- 68 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Natural resources that need to be considered when planning for growth range
from water resources to scenic views to rare plant habitat to coal resources. All are
invaluable in different ways and careful consideration is needed to find a balance
between economic growth, land development, and natural resource preservation. The
following information on natural resources in Prairie County provides an overview of
existing resources and rights.
WATER RESOURCES
Montana’s water supply is primarily the result of snowpack and inflows.
Residents of Prairie County primarily depend on water available from the Yellowstone
River. Montana is facing its sixth and in some areas seventh year of drought.
Prairie County contains a portion of six watersheds:
Little Dry
Lower Powder
Lower Yellowstone
Lower Yellowstone-Sunday
O’Fallon
Redwater
Groundwater Resources
A Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology study (2000, Smith et al.) characterizes
the groundwater resources in Prairie County into three major hydrologic units. A
Shallow Hydrologic Unit, which consists of units within 200 feet of the land surface, is
the most utilized hydrologic unit in the County, providing water for domestic, stock, and
irrigation purposes. A Deep Hydrologic Unit, consisting of units at depths greater than
200 feet below land surface but above the Upper Hell Creek Formation, is the least
utilized hydrologic unit in the County, providing water for domestic and stock-water
purposes. The Fox Hills-Lower Hell Creek aquifer, a nearly-continuous sandstone unit,
is used for domestic and stock-water purposes and is mostly used along and south of the
Yellowstone River because north of the river the unit is more than 1,000 feet below land
surface, making well installation and pumping costs relatively high.
Drinking Water
Good water quality is important for safe drinking water and for maintaining
healthy ecosystems in Prairie County. Aquifer drinking water quality varies from
location to location because of difference in chemical compositions of aquifer sediment
material and time for water to dissolve surrounding material. Generally, deeper aquifers
have better drinking water quality, with some areas of notably high fluoride levels. The
shallower aquifers are generally more prone to surface contaminants and have more
dissolved solids. Iron concentrations in the shallow aquifers are noted by the iron
staining on houses where lawn irrigation water has repeatedly touched the area.
- 69 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Surface Water
Surface water quality is important to consider, too, even though it is currently not
a source for public water supply in the Prairie County. Surface water quality is important
for fisheries and other wildlife habitat, for stock watering purposes, and for irrigation
water.
Water Rights
Montana law establishes that the state’s water resources are the property of the
State of Montana and are to be used for the benefit of the people. The district court
(including the water court) and the Water Resources Division of the Montana Department
of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) share authority for water rights
decisions.
A water right in Montana can be held by an individual, a group of individuals,
organization, corporation, government agency, etc. In Montana, water rights are usually
attached to the piece of land on which they are used. If a piece of land is transferred, any
water right attached to the piece of land passes along with it unless specifically stated
otherwise.
The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) provides
information online about water rights in each county in Montana. Water rights in Prairie
County are quantified as follows in Table F.1.
Table F.1. Prairie County Water Rights
Water Right Type
Statements of Claim
Stock Water
Irrigation
Domestic
Ground Water
Surface Water
Powder River Declarations
Number of
Claims
2080
Definitions
Pre-1973 Water Law claim of existing
water right
1186
256
95
934
1146
159
Groundwater Certificates
403
Provisional Permits
118
Stockwater Permits
13
Exempt Rights
22
Conservation District Records
8
Pre-1973 Water Law Powder River
Basin declaration of existing water
Post-1973 certificate for groundwater
use
Post-1973 provisional permit for water
(surface water or large amount of
ground water)
Approved provisional permit for stock
water
Pre-1973 right for stock or domestic
use, exempt from filing, filed
voluntarily
Completed portion of water
- 70 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Irrigation Districts
1962-1973 Groundwater
Record
Total Water Rights
3
Irrigation district filed claim
1
Acknowledgements for groundwater
use filed 1962-1973 (over 100 gpm)
2807
http://nris.state.mt.us/dnrc/waterrights/default.aspx
There are 2,807 water rights listed with points of diversion in Prairie County.
There are 2080 statements of claim (with 1146 of those being for surface water and 934
of those for ground water), 159 are Powder River Declarations, 403 are groundwater
certificates, 118 are provisional permits, 13 are stock water permits, 22 are exempt rights,
8 are conservation district records, 3 are irrigation districts, and there is one 1962-1973
groundwater record. Of the statements of claim, 1186 of those are for stock water, 256
are for irrigation, and 95 are for domestic uses.
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and
the Water Court are currently examining and decreeing water right claims of residents in
the State of Montana. The water adjudication process is important because the State will
then have an idea of the quantity of water use in Montana and have the right to defend
our water rights from downstream states making claim to our water. As a result of the
water adjudication process, the State of Montana will be better able to manage our
groundwater and surface water resources.
FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PLANT HABITAT
Wildlife habitat is also important to preserve with respect to hunting and fishing.
Hunting seasons exist for the following wildlife: antelope, deer, sage grouse, sharp-tailed
grouse, gray partridge, pheasant, turkey, geese, duck, and mourning dove. Preserving the
quality of the watershed is also important with respect to fishing the warm-water fisheries
in the county. Some commonly fished for species are pike, sauger, walleye, bass, catfish,
sturgeon, carp, and crappie.
Water reservoirs stocked in Prairie County in 2005 include:
Clarks Reservoir--4000 Rainbow Trout
Grant Reservoir--no fish stocked
Homestead Reservoir--5000 Smallmouth Bass
Silvertip Reservoir--3000 Rainbow Trout
The following table lists all of the species of special concern in Prairie County,
Montana. The species are split into five main groups: birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, and
vascular plants.
Table F.2. Species of Special Concern in Prairie County, Montana.
BIRDS
Scientific Name
Common Name
USFWS
USFS
Buteo regalis
Ferruginous Hawk
Centrocercus
Greater Sage Grouse
Sensitive
urophasianus
Falco peregrinus
Peregrine Falcon
DM
Sensitive
- 71 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
BLM
Sensitive
Sensitive
Sensitive
Haliaeetus
leucocephalus
Sterna atinllarum
athalassos
FISH
Scientific Name
Cycleptus
enlongatus
Macrhybopsis
gelida
Polydon spathula
Scaphirhynchus
albus
MAMMALS
Scientific Name
Cynomys
ludovicianus
Vulpes velox
REPTILES
Scientific Name
Apalone spinifera
Heterodon nasicus
Bald Eagle
LT, PDL
Threatened
Interior Least Tern
LE
Endangered
Common Name
Blue Sucker
USFWS
USFS
BLM
Sensitive
Sensitive
Sensitive
LE
Endangered
Sensitive
Special
Status
USFWS
USFS
Sensitive
BLM
Sensitive
Sturgeon Chub
Paddlefish
Pallid Sturgeon
Common Name
Black-Tailed Prairie
Dog
Swift Fox
Common Name
Spiny Softshell
Western Hognose
Snake
VASCULAR PLANTS
Scientific Name
Common Name
Carex crawei
Crawe’s Sedge
Special
Status
Special
Status
Sensitive
USFWS
USFS
Sensitive
USFWS
USFS
BLM
Sensitive
Sensitive
BLM
Sensitive
Source: Montana Natural Heritage Program, 2005
LE--Listed Endangered LT--Listed Threatened PDL--Proposed delisted DM--Delisted,
monitored
AIR QUALITY
Good air quality is an important environmental health indicator. At this time, no
monitoring data for the county is found through DEQ or EPA. Lack of industrial
development probably puts Prairie County low on the priority list for monitoring, as there
are no major sources of concern. According to an online environmental scorecard, in
1999 Prairie County ranked one of the cleanest 20% of all counties in the U.S. in term of
(pm-10) emissions. Possible pollutants in the area could come from burning, emissions,
dust, and small localized activities.
SOIL RESOURCES
Buffalo Rapids reports that irrigated soils are generally very deep, well-drained
silty clays and fine sandy loams. The report also states that intensive cropping systems
and rotations have a tremendous impact on the soils and that proper management is
needed to maintain soil quality and limit soil erosion.
- 72 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
SCENIC RESOURCES AND VIEWS
The scenic badlands north of Terry and the Yellowstone River are visible from
the interstate. The amount of open land is an advantage, with no urban sprawl or
industrial sites to mar the landscape. Scenic View is one of Prairie County’s most
popular destinations, noted in many different travel resources. Another scenic destination
is Calypso Trail. The Terry Badlands, in general, are also famed for their scenic value.
HISTORIC AND PREHISTORIC FEATURES
A cultural resource inventory and evaluation was completed in 1997 on all lands
and facilities administered by the Bureau of Reclamation. This study, available at
Buffalo Rapids Project Office, found some prehistoric lithic scatters, the Buffalo Rapids
Project Historic District, and a historic dump.
Also, Prairie County is home to historic burial sites. Some examples would be the
graves of Custer-era soldiers located by the Yellowstone River/Powder River confluence.
There are also several Native American battlefields in the area. These would be the
typical types of historic and prehistoric sites found in Prairie County, along with stone
circles, homesteads, historic mines, and other cultural sites. The only place listed in the
Montana National Register of Historic Places is the Grandey Elementary School. Other
sites probably exist that haven’t been “discovered” yet.
NONRENEWABLE RESOURCES
Approximately 55% of the mineral resources in Prairie County are owned by the
BLM. Burlington Resources (railroad) owns approximately 6-8% of subsurface mineral
rights in Prairie County (64,000-89,600 acres).
According to the U.S. Department of Interior, coal resources located in the Prairie
County badlands (Wilderness Study Area) are mostly lower grade coal beds of lignite
with some areas of subituminous coal that have an average bed thickness of less than two
feet. Coal resources have three ranks: demonstrated lignite resources (the best quality,
worth mining), coal reserves (a good backup), and subeconomic coal resources (not
economically feasible to mine at this time). Prairie County Badland coal resources fall
into the subeconomic rank. The coal resources calculated as being feasible in this
ranking (thickness of bed and thickness of overburden) are measured at 2.45 million short
tons, indicated at 12.0 million short tons, and inferred at 34.65 million short tons.
Together these add up to a possible 49.1 million short tons of coal resources in the Terry
Badlands Wilderness Study Area. As of this publication, three preference right lease
applications for coal are held just south of the study area. There are also some coal
resources in southeastern Prairie County, but no estimates were found on amounts or
feasibility of these resources. In addition to the badland coal resources in Prairie County,
there are significant coal resources around Big Sheep Mountain.
There is no known mineral production from the Badland area. Mineral resource
potential for all metals is low. Sand and gravel deposits are thin and discontinuous, so
- 73 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
mineral resource potential for these is low, too. Bentonite resources have low potential
and are of low quality and quantity.
Although the Badlands study area is on the edge of the oil and gas producing
Williston basin, five drill holes adjacent to the study area were dry. The right geology for
oil and gas may be present along the western edge of the study area, but no resources are
presently known. The potential for oil and gas is considered moderate.
Part of the Cedar Creek gas field of the Montana-Dakota Utilities Company is in
the eastern edge of the county and supplies Miles City, Terry, and Glendive. A small
portion of the prolific Pine Oil Field operated by the Encore also lies in Prairie County.
Other areas produce scoria, sand, and gravel, but most deposits are privately
owned. The scoria deposits are a result of burning coal beds baking the surrounding
materials. Sand and gravel are a result of alluvial, terrace, and glacial deposits.
RECREATIONAL RESOURCES
Prairie County agates are well known for their high quality and unique
composition. Rockhounds come from all over the United States to hunt agates, used for
decoration, jewelry, and other creative uses.
WIND POWER RESOURCES
According to the Department of Energy's Wind Program and the National
Renewable Energy Laboratory, good-to-excellent wind resource areas are distributed
throughout the eastern two-thirds of Montana. A map of Montanan indicating wind
resources is attached in the Appendix. Windspeeds are variable in Prairie County, with
winter and spring winds blowing from the west and northwest, as well as the occasional
southwest Chinook wind and eastern winds most prevalent in the summer and fall.
See Appendix Map IV: Prairie County Average Annual Wind Speed, DNRC
SOLAR POWER RESOURCES
Montana has an abundant solar resource that can be used to save energy in
buildings, farming and ranching, recreation, and other industries. Eastern Montana
receives an annual average of five hours of full sun per day.
MANURE DIGESTER
Feedlots in the county could be a significant renewable source of methane. By
using the byproducts from manure, livestock producers can dispose of manure from their
operations in a safe, efficient, and sustainable way. One co-generated product of this
system is methane gas, which can be burned as a green fuel for power generation or heat.
Also, some bio-solid components produced by the system can be applied to land as
fertilizer.
- 74 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
ISSUES, GOALS & OBJECTIVES: NATURAL RESOURCES
Issue: Prairie County needs development of minerals for jobs and tax base.
49.) Goal: Encourage Federal and State agencies and private companies and individuals
to develop minerals and other natural resources.
Objectives:
49a.) Prairie County should make their policy towards encouraging
development of minerals and other natural resources such as recreation.
Prairie County insists that Federal and State agencies keep roadblocks to
development of our natural resources to a minimum. Federal government
owns approximately 55% of all the minerals in Prairie County. This makes
the chance of mineral development bureaucratically difficult.
49b.) Prairie County will support development procedures and site-specific
plans that provide for the long-term availability and responsible development
of its mineral resources in an environmentally and socially responsible
manner.
Issue: Water rights and future reservations are incredibly important to Prairie County’s
economic future.
50.) Goal: Pursue all avenues to keep water rights and reservations within Prairie
County.
Objectives:
50a.) Prairie County policy encourages other government agencies to be
aware that Prairie County citizens and government will protect our historical
and future agricultural and industrial uses of water at all costs including court
cases if necessary.
50b.) The protection of existing water rights and historic water uses within the
County is of primary importance to the County’s economic and cultural well
being. Transfers in water uses should be carefully considered in relation to
the history, traditions, and culture of Prairie County.
50c.) Prairie County shall promote, pursue, and protect the water rights of the
people of the county for development of markets for existing as well as future,
water rights for agriculture, municipal, industrial, and domestic purposes. In
addition, Prairie County shall explore and promote alternative uses of water,
including but not limited to recreation and hydroelectric power.
50d.) Prairie County shall promote, strive for, and help with the historical use
of water by man, vegetation, livestock, and wildlife within the County.
50e.) Prairie County shall protect and preserve the private reservations and use
of water within the county while maintaining economic stability.
- 75 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
50f.) Federal/State/County/Private agencies shall work with the Prairie
County Conservation District(s) to promote proper use of water resources.
50g.) Prairie County shall strive to preserve water use to ensure both water
quantity and quality while maintaining economic feasibility.
51.) Goal: Maintain good air quality for all its citizens to enjoy.
52.) Goal: Prairie County shall promote opportunities for the development of waterbased recreation within the county without jeopardizing economic stability and individual
and livestock rights.
53.) Goal: The Prairie County Land Planning Board is committed to maintaining a
healthy ecosystem for residents.
- 76 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS
POPULATION
 In 2000, there were 1,199 persons in Prairie County.
 Prairie County ranks 52nd in total population in the State of Montana in 2000.
 Prairie County saw the largest decrease in population in the State of Montana
between 1980 and 1990 (24.7%).
 Population numbers in Montana have been steadily increasing since 1930. In the
previous decade (1990-2000), Montana saw an increase of 120,935 people.
 The median age in Prairie County was 34.4 in 1980 and 48.9 in 2000; the median
age in Montana was 37.5 in 2000.
 Approximately 33% of residents in Prairie County are over the age of 45 and
approximately 20% are between 25 and 44 years old.
 It is estimated that the population in Prairie County decreases by approximately
eight residents annually.
 Population projections based on historical trends indicate a continued decrease in
population, estimated at 1,111 by 2025.
HOUSING
 In 2000, there were 718 housing units in Prairie County; almost 75 percent were
occupied.
 Between 1990 and 2000, Prairie County saw an increase of 3.3% of homes used
for seasonal or recreational use.
 The homeowner vacancy rate increased by 3.1% between 1990 and 2000.
 The rental vacancy rate decreased by 9% between 1990 and 2000.
 Average household size in Prairie County in 2000 was 2.21 and 2.45 in Montana.
 Between 1980 and 2000, the total number of housing units decreased by 55.
 Between 1980 and 2000, the number of renter-occupied housing units increased
by seven units.
 The homeowner vacancy rate in Prairie County was 5.5% in 2000.
 The home ownership rate in Prairie County in 2000 was 77.5%, comparable or
higher than surrounding counties in Eastern Montana and higher than the
statewide home ownership rate of 69.1%.
 Almost half of the housing units in Prairie County were built in 1939 or earlier.
 The majority of residents use utility gas to heat their home.
 The average monthly cost of housing in Prairie County in 2000 was $283 and was
$860 in Montana.
 The average value for a house in Prairie County is $36,500.
 The average value for a house in Montana is $99,500.
 The Town of Fallon has a low income housing facility with four units.
 Action for Eastern Montana reports that two households in Prairie County receive
Section 8 housing assistance.
 The USDA Rural Development administers two loan assistance programs in
Prairie County that have not been utilized by residents.
 Approximately 24 people were living in group quarters in Prairie County in 2000.
- 77 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
ECONOMICS CONDITIONS


















Prairie County’s economy is strongly tied to agriculture.
The largest employers in the County include the Hospital, the County, Buffalo
Rapids, and the School District.
Public lands are economically important to Prairie County, specifically for
grazing, recreation, hunting, and tax revenue.
Prairie County gets 10-30% of forage for livestock from public lands.
Currently, 30 landowners cooperate with Fish, Wildlife & Parks in the Block
Management Program.
Prairie County receives approximately 18 cents an acre from the government for
payment in lieu of taxes (PILT) on government owned land.
Since 1970, wage and salary, farm and nonfarm proprietors’ employment has
been declining.
Total number of jobs was 841 in 1970, 655 in 1990, and 663 in 2000.
Prairie County ranks 51st in the State of Montana in total personal income.
In 2003 per capita income in Prairie County was $22,284, compared to state per
capita income of $25,406 and national per capita income of $31,472.
Prairie County ranks 28th in the State of Montana in per capita personal income.
The median household income in Prairie County in 1999 was $25,451.
Income from non-labor related sources (dividends, interest, rent, Medicaid) is a
growing component of total personal income in Prairie County.
The percentage of income from non-labor sources is projected to continue to
increase as the population ages and number of jobs in the County continues to
decline.
93 people reported Prairie County as their residence in 2000 and worked in
another county or state.
80 people traveled to Prairie County for employment in 2000.
Approximately 17% of residents in Prairie County live at or below the poverty.
In 1997, almost 20% of farms in Prairie County received half a percent of the
market value of the agricultural products sold and 2.5% of farms received almost
30% of the market value.
Local Services & Public Facilities









Prairie County relies primarily on property taxes to fund county operations.
The current allocation of PILT payments is a drain on the County treasury.
The Prairie County 911-dispatch system is operated through Baker.
Prairie County is served primarily by rural and volunteer fire departments.
Volunteers staff the Prairie County Ambulance.
There are no commercial air facilities in Prairie County.
Water is obtained in Prairie County through privately owned and operated wells.
The only waste water systems in the County are administered by the Town of
Terry.
The public school in Prairie County boasts an average six students per teacher.
- 78 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Land Use
 The BLM owns approximately 41% of land in Prairie County; the State of
Montana owns approximately 5% of land; the railroad owns 1% of land in Prairie
County.
 Private landowners make up 53% of property ownership in Prairie County.
 Approximately 4% of Prairie County is enrolled in the Conservation Reserve
Program (CRP) and this constitutes 25% of Prairie County’s cropland.
 Prairie County ranks 4th in dry edible bean production in the State of Montana.
 Approximately 80% of the land in Prairie County is considered rangeland.
 Livestock and livestock products are major sources of income in Prairie County.
 The amount of land in acres in farms and the average size of farmland increased
from 1997 to 2000 by 4%.
 In 2001, there were 213 farms in Prairie County.
Natural Resources
 The BLM has control of approximately 55% of the mineral rights in Prairie
County; Burlington Resources (railroad) owns approximately 6-8% of subsurface
mineral rights in Prairie County.
 The Prairie County Conservation District has one of the largest held water
reservations in the area.
 Groundwater resources in the County provide drinking water for families, stock
water for livestock, and irrigation for crops.
 Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District manages irrigation water for approximately
9,195 acres of land in Prairie County.
 There are currently no superfund sites in Prairie County.
 In 1999, Prairie County ranked among the cleanest and best 20% of all counties in
the U.S. in terms of air quality.
 Prairie County currently has four stocked water reservoirs.
 Approximately 75% of Prairie County mineral ownership is held by entities
outside the County.
List of Figures and Tables:
Figures:
Figure A.1 Prairie County Population Trends 1920-2000
Figure A.2 Montana Population Trends 1920-2000
Figure C.1 Employment by Type: Wage/Salary and Proprietors
Figure C.2 Farm Employment versus Nonfarm Employment 1970-2000
Figure C.3 Average Annual Unemployment Rates 1990-2000
Figure C.4 Total Personal Income by Major Components, 1970-2000
Figure C.5 Net Flows of Earned Income Entering Prairie County
Figure C.6 Per Capita Personal Income, Prairie County and Montana
Figure C.7 Average Earnings Per Job: Prairie County and Montana 1970-2000
Figure C.8 Prairie County Market Value and % of Farms
Figure C.9 MT Market Value and % of Farms
Figure D.1 Revenue by Source, Government Activities
Figure D.2 Expense by Source, Government Activities
- 79 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Figure D.3 Expenses and Program Revenues, 2005
Figure D.4 Ambulance Charges for Services and Expenses, 2005
Figure E.1 Cropland
Figure E.2 Agricultural Land Use
Figure E.3 Top Commodities in Montana
Tables:
Table A.1 Surrounding Counties 2000 Population and Rank in State
Table A.2 Surrounding Counties Population Trends 1980-2000
Table A.3 Population by Age Group 1980-2000
Table A.4 Population Education
Table A.5 Historical Population Education 1980-2000
Table A.6 Location of Population 1980-2000
Table A.7 Estimates of Average Annual Rates of Components of Population Change
Table A.8 Population Projections 2005-2025
Table B.1 Occupancy Characteristics of Housing Units, Prairie County, 2000
Table: B.2 Homeowner and Rental Vacancy Rate, Prairie County 1990-2000
Table B.3 Occupancy Characteristics for Prairie County and Montana, 2000
Table B.4 Homeownership Rates in Eastern Montana
Table B.5 Residential Units by Number of Rooms
Table B.6 Housing Units by Date of Construction
Table B.7 House Heating Fuel
Table B.8 Housing Units by Householder’s Age
Table B.9 Housing Units by Householder’s Size, 2000
Table B.10 Comparison of Median Household Income and Monthly Costs of Housing
Table B.11 Section 8 Monthly Rent Standards for Prairie County and surrounding
Counties
Table C.1 Prairie County Employment by Type and Industry 1970 - 2000
Table C.2 Business Establishments in Prairie County: 2000
Table C.3 Personal Income from Labor and Non-Labor Sources by Major Category
1970-2000
Table C.4 Prairie County Transfer Payments, 1970-2000
Table C.5 A Comparison of Total Personal Income in Eastern Montana, 2003
Table C.6 Comparison of per capita personal income in Eastern Montana
Table C.7 Per Capital personal income, Prairie County, Montana, U.S.
Table C.8 Median Income, Prairie County and Montana, 1980-2000
Table C.9 Prairie County Household Income, 2000
Table C.10 Median Household Income by age of Householder
Table C.11 Commuter Data
Table C.12 Commuters to Prairie County, 2004
Table C.13 Commuter Data, 1970-2000
Table C.14 Poverty Levels, 1980-2000
Table C.15 Total Government Payments in Prairie County, 1995-2003
Table D.1 Prairie County Revenue and Expenses, 2005
Table D.2 Public School Enrollment
Table E.1 Land Ownership in Prairie County
- 80 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
Table E.2 Land Use Data
Table E.3 Prairie County: Irrigated versus Non-irrigated Cropland, 2002
Table E.4 Prairie County Commodity Rank in State of Montana, 2002
Table E.5 Montana Commodity Rank in Nation
Table E.6 Prairie County Livestock Numbers,2002
Table E.7 Land in Farms and Average Size of Farm in Prairie County
Table E.8 Farm Characteristics: Prairie County and Montana, 2001
Table E.9 Noxious Weeds in Prairie County
Table F.1 Prairie County Water Rights
Table F.2 Species of Special Concern in Prairie County
- 81 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY FINAL DRAFT
APPENDIX I
GROWTH POLICY REQUIREMENTS (MCA)
Montana Code Annotated
76-1-601. Growth policy--contents. (1) A growth policy may cover all or part of the
jurisdictional area. (2) A growth policy must include the elements listed in subsection (3)
by October 1, 2006. The extent to which a growth policy addresses the elements of a
growth policy that are listed in subsection (3) is at the full discretion of the governing
body.
(3) A growth policy must include:
(a) community goals and objectives;
(b) maps ad text describing an inventory of the existing characteristics and features of
the jurisdictional area, including:
a. land uses;
b. population;
c. housing needs;
d. economic conditions;
e. local services;
f. public facilities;
g. natural resources; and
h. other characteristics and features proposed by the planning board and
adopted by the governing bodies;
(c) projected trends for the life of the growth policy for each of the following
elements:
a. land use;
b. population;
c. housing needs;
d. economic conditions;
e. local services;
f. natural resources; and
g. other elements proposed by the planning board and adopted by governing
bodies;
(d) a description of policies, regulations and other measures to be implemented in
order to achieve the goals and objectives established pursuant to subsection (3)(a);
(e) a strategy for development, maintenance, and replacement of public
infrastructure, including drinking water systems, wastewater treatment facilities,
sewer systems, solid waste facilities, fire protection facilities, roads, and bridges;
(f) an implementation strategy that includes:
a. a timetable for implementing the growth policy;
b. a list of conditions that will lead to a revision of the growth policy; and
c. a timetable for reviewing the growth policy at least once every 5 years and
revising the policy if necessary;
- 82 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY DRAFT 1
2/12/2016
(g) a statement of how the governing bodies will coordinate the cooperate with other
jurisdiction that explains:
a. if a governing body is a city or town, how the governing body will
coordinate and cooperate with the county in which the city or town is
located on matters related to the growth policy;
b. if a governing body is a county, how the governing body will coordinate
and cooperate with cities and towns located within the county’s
boundaries on matters related to the growth policy;
(h) a statement explaining how the governing bodies will:
a. define the criteria in 76-3-608(3)(a); and
b. evaluate and make decisions regarding proposed subdivisions with respect
to the criteria in 76-3-608(3)(a); and
c. a statement explaining how public hearings regarding proposed
subdivisions will be conducted.
(4) A growth policy may:
(a) include one or more neighborhood plans. A neighborhood plan must be
consistent with the growth policy.
(b) Establish minimum criteria defining the jurisdictional area for a neighborhood
plan;
(c) Address the criteria in 76-3-608(3)(a);
(d) Evaluate the effect of subdivision on the criteria in 76-3-608(3)(a);
(e) Describe zoning regulations that will be implemented to address the criteria in
76-3-608(3)(a); and
(f) Identify geographic areas where the governing body intends to authorize an
exemption from review of the criteria in 76-3-608(3)(a) for proposed
subdivisions pursuant to 76-3-608.
(5) The planning board may propose and the governing bodies may adopt additional
elements of a growth policy in order to fulfill the purpose of this chapter.
- 82 PRAIRIE COUNTY GROWTH POLICY DRAFT 1
2/12/2016