I. NAME-LOCATION The name of the association shall be Upper Yellowstone Watershed Basin. Its principal mailing address shall be Park Conservation District, 5242 US Highway 89 South, Livingston, MT 59047. II. MISSION STATEMENT The Upper Yellowstone Watershed Basin is a collection of people who appreciate, or support, or participate in Agricultural endeavors on any scale. We believe that Agriculture involvement, as it is lived out by diverse individuals and operations, can and must be enhanced, preserved, and valued now and for posterity. We propose to safeguard our Agriculture environment by protecting, improving, developing, harvesting, and efficiently using land, water, timber, and rangeland. The mission of the Upper Yellowstone Watershed Basin is based on the following four interwoven commitments: " Our desire is to support and foster conservation and harvest practices with sustainable and beneficial use of Agricultural resources. We want to educate the public to the positive financial effect of Agriculture on Montana's economy while spot lighting the priceless appeal and esthetics of open spaces. " We seek to become better stewards of the land and water, through education and improved Agricultural practices. We desire to preserve or improve water quality, stream banks, and fish habitat while efficiently using streams and underground water and develop new water sources. Timber resources for harvest and esthetic value partnered with healthy, productive range grasslands will be promoted. " We pursue the most effective methods available to control the spread of noxious weeds in a manner that is consistent with improving land and water. Support and promote weed education programs and the enforcement of county weed management and laws. " We promote sound wildlife (game) management that will insure reasonable numbers of game birds, game animals, and native species that are in balance with the habitat and lands that support these animals. We are committed to the support of alternative wildlife livelihoods. III. PURPOSE AND GOALS The purpose of the Watershed is: a. to educate landowners and the public on issues facing Agriculture. b. to inventory and document changes in the resource base. c. to develop solutions to problems, which will protect agriculture while positively improving natural resources within the area. d. to work with Federal, State, and County agencies to coordinate Watershed improvement activities in a feasible and economical manner. e. to work with agencies to help secure funding to improve the natural resources in the Watershed area. IV. MEMBERSHIP All Agricultural operations from the designated area, whether owners, operators, leasers, renters, or tenants may be members. Other interested citizens who support the goals of the Watershed and live within the boundaries of the designated area may also be members. The designated area is the Upper Yellowstone River basin drainage, including all tributaries, as shown on the attached map. This designed area may be changed by recommendation of the executive committee and vote of the membership in the original designated area. While most issues presented at the meetings of the Watershed shall be decided by general consensus. If a counted vote is necessary, a super majority of 75% of all members present at the time of voting will be required to pass the issue. V. WATERSHED ORGANIZATION a. CHAIR: There shall be a Chair elected annually from the general membership. Duties include: conducting meetings, working with the coordinator in preparing for meetings: (types of meetings include: Committee, Technical Advisory Committee, and monthly Watershed meetings). b. VICE CHAIR: There shall be a Vice Chair elected annually from the general membership. The Vice Chair shall assist the Chair when necessary. c. COORDINATOR: There shall be a coordinator, who will be employed through the Park Conservation District. The coordinator works closely with and receives direction from the Chair and Vice Chair. Duties include: " the organization of monthly meetings - agenda, minutes, and schedule presenters, " the organization of Technical Advisory Group meetings - agenda and meeting summary, " the organization of Committee meetings - agenda and meeting summary, " mailing meeting reminder cards to Watershed members, " communicating by telephone with Watershed members on meeting dates, " writing grants, completing expense reports, quarterly reports, and final reports, and " the organization of educational programs and tours. " working with contractors and landowners on projects, " photographing watershed projects for monitoring purposes, and " educational programs and watershed tours d. FACILITATOR: In so far as it is needed there shall be a facilitator to conduct the Watershed meeting. e. COMMITTEES: Committees shall be formed as needed to address specific issues or problems relative to the Watershed. Each committee will elect a Chair who will be a member of the executive committee. The initial committees shall consist of the following: " Weed Committee " Range Committee " Irrigation Committee " Endangered/Threatened Species/Wildlife Committee " Stream Stabilization Committee These committees may be dissolved and other committees formed as needed in the future. Each committee shall investigate its area of concern, report findings to the member of the Watershed, and, when possible, plan and conduct tours and/or present programs to educate the general membership relative to problems, possible solutions, and sources of funding in each area. f. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: There shall be an executive committee consisting of the coordinator, Watershed Chair, Watershed Vice Chair, and the Chair of the various committees. The executive committee shall meet as often as necessary to coordinate work and overlapping areas of interest of the various committees. They shall assist the Watershed Chair in setting the agenda for general meeting and making recommendations for issues to be presented to the general membership. If any Committee Chair is unable to attend an executive committee meeting, he shall appoint another member of his committee to attend the meetings. To minimize his own work load, the Watershed Chair may delegate work to the various committee Chair as necessary. g. TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE: There shall be a technical advisory committee consisting of persons who have expert knowledge concerning the problems and possible solutions being addressed by the Watershed The technical advisory committee shall be consulted in the areas of their expertise as needed and shall assist in finding sources of funding for various projects. Either individually or as a group, they shall meet with the executive committee or the entire membership periodically to assist the Watershed in setting its goals. h. MEETINGS: There shall be meetings of the general membership held on the first Thursday of each month. Notification of meetings shall be by phone or mail. The agenda for the meeting shall be set by the executive committee and the coordinator. Minutes shall be taken by the coordinator and mailed to all members. VI ADDITIONS TO AND AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS The structure, designated area, membership rules or any other part of these by-laws may be changed at any time by recommendation of the coordinator and executive committee and vote of the general membership.