The Ranchland Stewardship Program is designed to transform rangelands into thriving, carbon-rich landscapes that support agricultural productivity and environmental resilience. Led by The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), in partnership with state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, university researchers, and industry groups, the program leverages data-driven adaptive management to increase soil carbon while enhancing the economic viability of Montana’s ranching operations.

WMCC RESIDENTIAL & COMMUNITY GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE (GSI) GRANT PROGRAM AND APPLICATION GENERAL INFORMATION

Visit our website and check out our guidelines for more specifics: WMCC-EPA-Grant-Subaward-Guidelines.pdf

Eligible projects will develop or expand residential and community green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) programs that provide cost share, outreach, and programming on the benefits of using GSI to manage water quality impacts of stormwater runoff water. In addition to providing funds for materials, supplies and cost-shares for other services, successful programs will engage and educate residents and/or natural resource professionals about the conservation co-benefits of using GSI to mitigate toxic pollution from stormwater runoff in Western Montana watersheds that are part of the Columbia River Basin.

If you have any immediate questions please contact our general email DNRCARDDWMCC@mt.gov or grant staff directly.

Heidi Fleury, Grant Program Specialist, Heidi.Fleury@mt.gov

Krista Lammers, Grant Administrative Specialist, Krista.Lammers@mt.gov

The Rangeland Improvement Loan Program was established by the Montana Legislature in 1979 (MCA 76-14-111) and is administered by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). It promotes rangeland improvement and development.  

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS  

 Any person may apply for a loan for rangeland improvements on land that will be constructed, developed, and operated in Montana. If the person is a resident of Montana, is engaged in farming or ranching, and possesses the necessary expertise to make the loan practical.  

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS 

 Eligible projects are rangeland development and improvement, including but not limited to stock water development, cross fencing, establishment of grazing systems, reseeding, mechanical renovation, sagebrush management, and weed control. All projects must be approved by the Conservation District (CD) where the application will be reviewed along with the conservation plan. The conservation plan may be prepared in consultation with the United States Natural Resources & Conservation Service (NRCS). 

LOAN LIMITS 

Loans may not exceed the limit set by the Rangeland Resource Committee recommendation to the DNRC Director and the interest rate is adjusted annually and based on application date.  Maximum loan amounts and Interest rates are found online at www.mtrangelands.org/rilp. Repayment periods may not exceed 10 years. Repayments on the loan are in annual installments. 

See Program Guidance: ttps://www.mtrangelands.org/_files/ugd/9714ad_7a31360684974c49a938ffbe89524955.pdf 

WMCC SEPTIC EDUCATION AND MAINTENANCE GRANT PROGRAM AND APPLICATION GENERAL INFORMATION

Visit our website and check out our guidelines for more specifics: WMCC-EPA-Grant-Subaward-Guidelines.pdf

Eligible projects will develop or expand residential septic maintenance programs that provide cost share, outreach, and programming on septic water quality impacts. In addition to providing a maintenance cost-share or other services, programs or events will engage and educate residents and/or natural resource professionals about toxic pollution from septic leachate in Western Montana watersheds that are part of the Columbia River Basin. 

If you have any immediate questions please contact our general email DNRCARDDWMCC@mt.gov or grant staff directly.

Heidi Fleury, Grant Program Specialist, Heidi.Fleury@mt.gov

Krista Lammers, Grant Administrative Specialist, Krista.Lammers@mt.gov

DO YOU NEED HELP APPLYING FOR A RENEWABLE RESOURCE PLANNING GRANT? 

DNRC is offering local governments Technical Assistance to apply for planning grants. Technical Assistance is designed to assist local governments that: 

1.  Do not have an established relationship with a professional engineering firm. OR 
2. Have not been successful in applying for DNRC planning grants since July 1, 2023.

DNRC will prioritize requests for Technical Assistance from local governments who meet the above criteria. 

If Technical Assistance is approved, DNRC will assign a contracted technical service provider to assist the local government with a Renewable Resource Planning Grant Application. 

Technical Assistance is limited to 20 hours of professional services. Technical service providers are contracted with and paid by DNRC once a Renewable Resource Planning Grant Application is submitted. 

If you have questions, please contact Katherine Certalic kcertalic@mt.gov .

Please review the Private Grant Guidelines before applying.

Eligible Applicants: Private Citizens, Associations, Partnerships, or Corporations.

• Eligible Activities: Private septic system repair, upgrades, or replacement; Connection to municipal sewer services; Dam inspections or repair; or Other private water projects that have a public benefit.
• Maximum Grant Amount: $5,000 (or $7,500 for Level 2 Septic Upgrades).
• Minimum Match Requirement: 75% of total project cost.

GENERAL INFORMATION:  The Montana Legislature provides Montana conservation districts with coal severance tax monies for any purpose they are authorized to perform pursuant to MCA, Title 76, Chapter 15, Part. 

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Conservation Resource Development Division (CARDD) administers this funding through Conservation District (CD) grants. 

Eligibility for CD Grants

Under state law, conservation districts must first fully utilize their regular mill levy authority for grant funding before becoming eligible for state financial assistance. This requirement applies only to regular mill levies and does not limit the use of permissive mill authority, which remains available for its specific statutory purposes. The CD Grant Program is open to all conservation districts and funding is awarded based on demonstrated financial need pursuant to 76‑15‑530, MCA.

CDs that meet the criteria below are eligible to apply for CD grant funding. These standards are used to evaluate funding requests.

1. CD has levied its maximum regular mill and has a need for supplemental funds for general operations. 76-15-530, MCA 
2. CD has submitted its Annual Financial Report to the Department of Administration- Local Government Services. 2-7-503, MCA 
3. CD has prepared and will submit a preliminary budget to the county clerk and recorder. 7-6-40, MCA
4. CD is current with submittal of monthly meeting minutes. 76-15-530, MCA

For the most up to date grant guidelines and eligibility criteria, please visit the CD Grant Web Page.  

To inquiry about ideas, and/or project feasibility, contact the CD Specialist for your District who will work with you to develop the proposal including a detailed scope, schedule, and budget.   

https://dnrc.mt.gov/Conservation/Conservation-Programs/Conservation-Districts/ 

Stephanie Criswell, Steph.Criswell@mt.gov, 406-444-6669, Mary Hendrix, Mary.Hendrix@mt.gov, 406-431-2639, 406-437-4501, Catey Bauer, Catey.Bauer@mt.gov, 406-465-0948, Nicole Hallsten, nicole.hallsten@mt.gov, 406-513-8503

Aquatic Invasive Species Grants IMPORTANT DATES: Grant Applications Due Thursday, December 31, 2026 For additional information about the AIS Grant Program and to access the AIS Grant Program guidelines, visit misc.mt.gov. GENERAL INFORMATION:       The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) administers the Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program in coordination with the Montana Invasive Species Council (MISC). DNRC provides fiscal management of the grant program and approves funding decisions. MISC manages the application process, reviews, and provides recommendations to the DNRC Director. Funding in the amount of $278,000/year for fiscal year FY27 and FY28 was appropriated by the legislature for this program. DNRC may incur up to 10% of the yearly appropriation for administration of the program. WHO WE FUND: AIS grants are available to Montana communities or local, state, tribal, or other entities within the state and to Montana-based non-governmental entities. WHAT WE FUND: AIS grants are intended to increase local capacity and involvement to address AIS issues. Projects that address the following AIS management components are eligible and include:

• Prevention
• Early detection
• Education and outreach
• Research
• Treatment

Current state-wide priorities that have been identified and vetted with former grantees and stakeholders for the upcoming AIS grant cycle include grants related to:  

• Monitoring / early detection projects to expand local capacity and involvement in multi- AIS taxa early detection efforts.
• AIS outreach projects that expand AIS awareness at the local level.
• AIS research projects.

Locally-led proposals that address the state-wide priorities will receive ranking preference, however all eligible grant requests will be evaluated and considered.       The state AIS program includes the Clean, Drain, Dry campaign and associated materials and products. Education and outreach projects must be coordinated with the state campaign for consistency, accuracy, and brand recognition to ensure maximum effectiveness. FWP will provide outreach materials for distribution and customization. For more information about AIS education and outreach, call Tom Woolf at 406-444-1230.       Preference will be given to: AIS species on the Montana Noxious Weed List and AIS under the authority of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) (see Appendix A); and to locally-led on-the-ground projects such as surveys and removal that result in measurable control of AIS.       The project must align with state AIS priorities, must show local support, and must be coordinated with related AIS efforts in the area and comprehensive invasive species plans. Priority will be given to local partnerships that demonstrate the administrative, financial, and management capacity to implement the project. The project must commit to using statewide AIS protocols and reporting.       While match funding is not required, it will be considered in the grant review and ranking process.  

For the complete AIS Grant Program Guidelines, including the application process and ranking criteria, visit: misc.mt.gov. FUNDING LIMITS: Grants may be awarded for up to $50,000 for most projects depending on available funding, the intended activities, and based on a budget that is supported by a clear scope of work. For Additional Information Contact:       Montana DNRC       Conservation and Resource Development Bureau       P.O. Box 201601       Helena, Montana 59620-1601  

Liz Lodman       406-594-9816       liz.lodman@mt.gov

Russ Hartzell

406-324-0021

russ.hartzell2@mt.gov  

Funding for the Urban and Community Forestry Program Development Grants is derived from a federal award from the United States Forest Service, Department of Agriculture (USDA) to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Forestry Division. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Funding Overview

Urban and Community Forestry: Program Development Funds - $100,000 available (3:1 match requirement) 

The projects are meant to be large-scale and have long-term community impact. Minimum request is $5,000; Maximum request is $20,000 including indirect costs. Grant funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis.

Eligible entities include Montana cities, towns, counties, community-based organizations, public and state institutions of higher education, nonprofits, and tribal governments interested in conducting innovative projects in urban forestry. 

When developing a proposal, contact with the area DNRC Forestry staff is important. They will help you through the project design and planning process.

Find your local Forester HERE.

Application Deadline: December 4, 2026

Approximate Notification Date: February 2027

Grantees will have 12 months to complete the project from the date the agreement is activated. Grantees should plan to begin funded activities in April 2027. Funded activities cannot begin until the grant agreement is signed.

      _________________________________________________

Program Purpose

UCF Grants support goals identified by the Forest Service and DNRC for 2027, by creating relevant objectives, and public awareness specific to your community. Program Development grants aim to enhance and improve a community’s urban forestry program. Small and large population communities may have different needs, and the Montana UCF program considers this to provide the best possible assistance. Program Development grants support goals identified by the Forest Service and DNRC, which include:

• Implementing recommendations from Montana’s State Forest Action Plan (page 69-70)
• Encouraging resilient urban landscapes that are adaptive to climate change and pests
• Advancing inventory and assessment information
• Increasing public education about urban forest health and wellness benefits
• Strengthening partnerships with underserved groups

This year’s theme is Canopy Health, Diversity & Landscape Recovery.

This theme addresses proactive forest health management, pest readiness, and  localized ecological recovery. It encourages communities to reduce their vulnerability to uniform pest wipeouts (such as the Emerald Ash  Borer) by increasing species diversity and helps public landscapes recover from recent environmental or developmental disturbances. 

Programmatic Focus: Targeted removals, diversity plantings and pruning for projects designed to protect the broader community forest from uniform canopy loss. Select species suited to local climate, soils, exposure, irrigation, mature size and expected pests. 

Example Projects:

• Removing, replanting, and pruning to restore local public spaces, impacted by natural disasters, severe weather, or heavy construction through targeted species diversity that limits dependence on any genus species and to improve resilience. 
• Proactively inter-planting young, pest-resistant species near or beneath mature stands to jump start a secondary canopy before older trees decline. 
• Incorporating native understory trees and pollinator-friendly species to enhance the biodiversity and ecological health of existing public-school grounds, trails, cemeteries, public parks, or urban green corridors. 

_________________________________________________

Project Budget Information

Grant funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis. Reimbursement will not be made until expenditures have been paid and all required documentation has been received by DNRC. Recipients may submit multiple requests for reimbursement throughout the period of performance, as often as once per month.

The U.S. Forest Service will be acknowledged as a funding source for each project funded out of this grant according to USFS guidance.

REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES May Include:

Personnel Expenses - Cost of hiring seasonal employees or special staff to carry out the project. (Costs for regular or established personnel may not be charged to grant funds but may count as match.)

Operating Expenditures - Cost of purchasing appropriate supplies and materials to complete the project. Examples: trees, planting supplies, some types of irrigation, equipment rental, media (public service announcements), printing, or educational elements related to urban forestry (workshops, speaker costs, educational publications, facility fees).

Contracted Professional Services - Costs related to hiring a consultant or contractor (arboriculture, forestry, landscape design, or planning) or other professional for the project.

Indirect Costs - An organization’s Indirect Rate for administration and expenses not directly allocable to the grant – such as electricity, insurance, and accounting services. 

NON-REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES:

Capital assets - Purchases of large equipment (value of $5,000+) and some types of hardscaping.

Other examples include food (exceptions may apply), entertainment, gifts, promotional items, and alcohol. For more guidance, please review the DNRC Subaward Manual, p.7.

ALLOWABLE MATCH Expenses May Include:

Match may be in the form of cash expenditures or in-kind contributions; no match may come from Federal or DNRC sources. State funds from other agencies are allowable.

Cash contributions

Cash contributions are direct out-of-pocket expenditures for eligible project activities that are documented by paid invoices, canceled checks, signed receipts, or payroll records.

In-Kind Contributions 

Include third-party donations of supplies or equipment, and value of time by volunteers on eligible project activities. Assistance provided by Federal employees and/or DNRC employees may not be claimed as part of the project match.

In-Kind Contribution Guidelines

Volunteers - (must include a list of volunteers, date, type of work done, hours worked, and rate.) Log their efforts by listing the activity date, time spent/hours, number of individuals, and description of their activity.  

Donated professional services – use market rates for services provided.

Donations of materials – use current retail rates.

For more information about reimbursable and non-reimbursable expenses, and suitable forms of match, please refer to the DNRC Subaward Manual.

_________________________________________________

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed and scored by a selection committee. Applicants will be notified of their award status in February 2027.

Proposal scoring is based on how each project meets the Federal and State program goals, sustainability, and community impact. Pictures, maps, and other relevant materials are encouraged to better illustrate your project.

For additional information contact:

Dustin Gage, Westside Service Forester, dustin.gage@mt.gov

David Kopilow, Eastside Service Forester, david.kopilow@mt.gov

To aid in your application preparation, DNRC has developed a WORKSHEET of the questions for you to preview. You can use this Microsoft Word file as a place to develop your responses. When ready to submit your application, copy and paste the answers into the Submittable form.