Ranchers Get Help Reclaiming Land From Flood

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By MacLeod Hageman

Story Published: Sep 1, 2011 at 6:02 PM MDT

Story Updated: Sep 1, 2011 at 6:23 PM MDT

MELSTONE - Montana Conservation Corps members helped farming communities reclaim their land after the spring flooding.

Spring floods ripped up the land in Eastern Montana, but fortunately for ranchers, groups like the Montana Conservation Corps stepped in to help out. "People were definitely glad to see us coming in because they knew that we were there to help," Montana Conservation Corps worker; Jerio Lee said.

Jerio Lee and his crew of six worked 12-hour days to clear debris and rebuild fences. Lee pointed out, "We're just glad to be here. It's a really tragic thing when peoples' way of life is destroyed just due to some natural disaster."

Melstone and Roundup residents breathed a sigh of relief when the crew came into town on Tuesday. "I don't think people realize how many man hours AmeriCorps gives to putting things back together. You can't explain just how much it helps," Melstone resident; Tammy Zemliska said.

M.C.C. worked on two ranches since the floodwater receded. The people of Melstone looked for state funding for crews to help with 8 more. "We had one group come in early on one ranch that just helped clean up the debris, and we've got the crew here this week that is making a huge difference on this particular ranch," Tammy Zemliska said.

The community and M.C.C. said they were excited to get their local ranchers back to doing what they did best. "It's a great feeling, especially when you see the support from the residents and the community, and Roundup has been a great community to work with and for," Conservation Corps Project Coordinator; Kevin Silvester said.

The M.C.C. Crew finished working on the Sid Newman Ranch Friday evening. Nearly 50 volunteers helped out after flooding along the Musselshell River. Officials said another crew was scheduled to come in to help farmers and ranchers at the end of October 2011.

For more flood coverage, click here.

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Winnie said on Friday, Sep 2 at 7:20 AM

Did you forget the town of Musselshell once again?

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