Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology to present at MonDak Ag Days

The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG) will present a special Lunch & Learn session during MonDak Ag Days at noon on March 6, offering area producers, landowners, and community members valuable insight into northeastern Montana’s groundwater resources.

The educational session will feature two experienced geoscientists who are actively working on groundwater issues that directly impact Richland County and surrounding areas.

Sara Edinberg, a hydrogeologist with MBMG’s Ground Water Assessment Program since 2021, will share updates on regional aquifer mapping and groundwater characterization efforts. Edinberg earned her bachelor’s degree in Geology from Colorado State University and her Master’s degree in Hydrogeology from Montana Technological University.

At MBMG, Edinberg’s work focuses on mapping and characterizing aquifers across Montana. Her fieldwork includes visiting wells to collect groundwater level measurements and water quality samples. That data is analyzed to create maps and reports describing groundwater flow systems, water quality, recharge sources and aquifer productivity. She is currently working with colleagues to characterize the “buried channel” aquifers of northeastern Montana, as well as the Fox Hills–Hell Creek Aquifer in the eastern third of the state — a critical water source for many agricultural operations and rural residents.

Joining her is Dr. Gary Icopini, who has worked with MBMG since 2005. A Montana native who grew up near Hysham, Icopini earned his Bachelor of Arts in Geology from the University of Montana, a Master of Science in Geosciences from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from Michigan State University. He also completed five years of post-doctoral research at Pennsylvania State University and Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Throughout his career at MBMG, Icopini has primarily worked on issues related to metal-contaminated and abandoned mine sites. In recent years, however, he has partnered with the Richland County Conservation District to address concerns related to the Fox Hills–Hell Creek Aquifer. Their work focuses on rehabilitating and properly abandoning wells to preserve the aquifer, protect water quality and maintain flowing wells in the region.

Attendees are encouraged to come down to Ag Days, grab a free-will lunch hosted by local FFA members and stay for this informative and locally relevant presentation. The session offers a great opportunity to enjoy a meal while learning more about the groundwater resources that support agriculture and rural communities across northeastern Montana.

MonDak Ag Days continues to bring timely and relevant educational opportunities to the agricultural community. Producers, landowners, and anyone interested in water resources are encouraged to attend this noon session on Friday, March 6.