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.

Working Landscapes: Urban and Community Forestry Initiative Guidelines

Program Overview

The urban and community forestry initiative is designed to expand and enhance urban and community forests across Montana through large scale tree plantings. Led by The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), the program will support projects that deliver clear urban forestry benefits through increased species diversity, shelter belts, agroforestry, and education across Montana’s communities.

Contact Information

Alexis Armstrong 

Program Manager, Urban and Community Forestry 

alexis.armstrong@mt.gov  

(406) 542-4207

Urban and Community Forestry Initiative

Request for Proposals 

Legislative Authority 

The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Program was established under Section 60114 of the Inflation Reduction Act, Climate Pollution Reduction Grants, 42 U.S. Code § 7437, signed on August 16, 2022. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal awarding agency facilitating the grant program. The State of Montana’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is the recipient (pass‑through entity) of the federal award for the CPRG Implementation Grant EPA‑R‑OAR‑CPRG‑23‑07.      

Executive Summary 

DNRC’s Urban and Community Forestry program promotes best management practices for planting, maintaining, and protecting community forests. The Working Landscapes Urban and Community Forestry Initiative supports opportunities for larger projects with broader, more measurable community-level impacts focusing on carbon sequestration and increasing urban forest canopy. Projects funded through this initiative build on the existing program and will expand tree canopy in Montana communities, helping to improve air and water quality, provide shade and green infrastructure, and support healthier neighborhoods. Led by the DNRC, the initiative will invest $5 million in subawards to support approximately 20–70 urban and community forestry projects across the state. These projects will prioritize carbon sequestration through large‑scale tree planting, tree establishment, and long‑term tree care to produce measurable benefits for Montana residents and communities.

Urban and community trees provide shade that reduce energy use, improve air quality, help manage stormwater, and create healthier, more livable neighborhoods. Many Montana communities face aging tree canopies, limited resources for tree planting and maintenance, and disproportionate climate and air‑quality impacts. By funding large‑scale, community‑driven tree planting projects, the initiative aims to plant 100,000 trees over the grant period, contributing to emission reduction targets while supporting public health and local economic vitality. Funded projects will report qualitative outcomes, metrics, and community benefits to demonstrate progress toward these goals.

Primary Objectives 

• Implement large-scale tree planting to establish 100,000 trees and woody shrubs that improve community resilience and support healthier, more sustainable landscapes. 
• Increase urban and community tree canopy cover by an estimated 1–3% in participating communities.      

Eligible Entities 

• State and local governments
• Conservation districts
• Tribal governments
• Nonprofit organizations
• Public and state institutions of higher education 
• School districts and K-12 public schools

 Available Funding

• Total funds available for subawards: $5 million
• Minimum: $20,000 award
• Maximum: $300,000 award; multiple applications allowed while funds remain available

Funding Opportunity Dates

• Applications will be available online beginning WHEN DATE KNOWN.
• Proposals will be reviewed and prioritized collaboratively by a panel. The panel members will independently evaluate responses. Panel members will jointly discuss their evaluations, and a consensus will be reached as to which project(s) may receive funding. DNRC reserves the right to request further information from any applicant as needed.
• The first panel review will take place on or about September 1, 2026. After the initial round of proposals are reviewed, if funding remains, additional proposals will be reviewed in the order received up until the final submission deadline of April 30, 2027. The panel may choose to immediately award funding to a proposal, may reject a proposal for funding, or may choose to place a proposal in a pending approval status. Pending approval proposals may or may not be subsequently awarded funds and may be passed-over for funding in favor of a later submission that the panel deems to have more merit. 

General Compliance

Awarded projects must comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations and with the terms and conditions of the grant award. The subrecipient must comply with the Inflation Reduction Act (Public Law 117‑169), which amended the Clean Air Act (CAA) (42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq.) to include Section 137 (42 U.S.C. § 7437); the federal cost principles, post‑award, and audit requirements at 2 CFR Part 200; and the excluded and disqualified participant requirements at 2 CFR Part 180, Subpart C. DNRC’s subawards comply with the EPA Subaward Policy including but not limited to:

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and other federal statutes and regulations prohibiting discrimination in federal financial assistance programs, as applicable. 
• Limitations on individual consultant fees as set forth in 2 CFR 1500.9.
• EPA’s prohibition on paying management fees. EPA policy prohibits recipients and subrecipients from charging management fees or making similar arrangements to receive EPA financial assistance in excess of direct or federally approved indirect cost rates.
• The Procurement Standards in 2 CFR Part 200 including those requiring competition when the subrecipient acquires goods and services from contractors (including consultants).

Measurable Impact

Projects must demonstrate measurable expansion and long-term stewardship of healthy urban and community forests. Projects funded through this program are expected to collectively plant approximately 20,000 trees per year, achieving a total of 100,000 trees over the project period. At a minimum, projects are expected to contribute to an estimated reduction of 0.720 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030, along with associated energy savings and air quality benefits.

All tree planting projects funded under this program are required to follow best management practices for tree planting, as outlined in the companion publication to ANSI A300 Part6: Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance – Standard Practices (Transplanting). Adherence to these standards is mandatory and will be used to evaluate the project implementation and compliance.

Tree costs are limited to a maximum of $70 per tree. This limitation is in place to meet requirements imposed by the funding source and required deliverables. This amount must include all expenses associated with the purchase and establishment of the tree, including the seedling, planting, and any necessary establishment supplies.

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Design and installation of windbreaks and shelterbelts that provide community benefits such as reduced energy use, improved air quality, and enhanced comfort and safety in public spaces. 
• Identification and prioritization of areas with low tree canopy, followed by strategic tree planting to increase shade, reduce urban heat, and address canopy inequities.
• Establishment or expansion of food forests, community orchards and other multifunctional plantings that provide shade, sequester carbon, support local food systems, and improve resilience. 
• Implement pilot projects that demonstrate practices such as stormwater mitigation, pollution-control plantings, or riparian revegetation within or near urban areas to show how trees and vegetation can reduce environmental risks.

Eligible Expenses 

Any expenses under this subaward must be allowable under 2 CFR 200.400 and related provisions. Costs must be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the federal subaward and may include direct and indirect costs such as:

• Staff Salaries —2 CFR 200.413(c)
• Fringe Benefits— 2 CFR 200.431
• Advertising Costs—2 CFR 200.421(b)
• Travel Costs—2 CFR 200.475
• Training and Education Costs—2 CFR 200.473
• Professional Services Costs—2 CFR 200.459
• Materials and Supplies Costs—2 CFR 200.453
• Publication and Printing Costs—2 CFR 200.461
• Participant Support Costs – EPA Guidance on Participant Support Costs
• Indirect Costs - EPA Indirect Cost Policy 

 Ineligible Expenses Include

• Advertising and Public Relations for the Subrecipient not Related to the Project - 2 CFR 200.421 
• Advisory Councils - 2 CFR 200.422
• Entertainment Costs - 2 CFR 200.438
• Fundraising - 2 CFR 200.442
• Meals and Light Refreshments at Conferences - 2 CFR 200.432
• Proposal Costs - 2 CFR 200.460
• Alcohol Costs - 2 CFR 200.423
• Contributions and Donations - 2 CFR 200.434
• Goods or Services for Personal Use - 2 CFR 200.445
• Lobbying - 2 CFR 200.450
• Membership, Subscriptions and Publications - 2 CFR 200.454
• Program Income - 2 CFR 200.307

Secretary of State Registration

All non-governmental entities must be registered as a business with the Montana Secretary of State (Montana Secretary of State Website). If your organization is not registered when your application is reviewed, your application will be denied.                  

UEI Number

The applicant entity must have a federal Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be eligible to receive federal funds (i.e., not debarred or suspended). A UEI can be obtained free of charge at: SAM.Gov Website Registration.

Reporting Requirements

Reporting and award closeout requirements will be identified in the subaward agreement.

Equal Opportunity Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and policies, the EPA and institutions participating in or administering EPA programs are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Additional information is available at EPA Policy, Regulations and Guidance Page.

Definition of a Project

A project is a set of interrelated tasks with a cohesive, specified, and defined goal. It follows a planned, organized approach over a fixed period and within specific limitations (e.g., cost and performance/quality). It uses resources specifically allocated to the work of the project and usually involves a team of people.

Projects differ from ongoing operations in that they have a limited duration with a clear beginning and end, and typically represent expansion, improvement, or innovation. Each project has an overarching goal that the applicant seeks to accomplish through a series of activities or tasks.

Dissemination of Information

Projects must include a plan to share information with the public so that efforts are transparent and, where appropriate, reproducible. This may include hosting field days and tours and/or publishing and disseminating information at conferences and meetings.

Additional Information and Resources

• Additional Information and Resources Download
• Frequently Asked Questions Download

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.

Kristen Jordan, Grant Program Specialist, Kristen.Jordan@mt.gov

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.

Kristen Jordan, Grant Program Specialist, Kristen.Jordan@mt.gov

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.

DNRC RRGL Emergency Grant 

Thank you for your interest in the RRGL Emergency Grant program. The legislature has appropriated $300,000 to the Renewable Resource Grant and Loan (RRGL) Program to provide emergency funding for projects that, due to their emergency nature, cannot wait for legislative approval. Grants are available for emergency projects that pose an immediate threat to the beneficial management of a renewable resource and, if delayed, will cause substantial damage or legal liability. All reasonable funding sources must be investigated before an emergency grant will be awarded. Emergency grants are limited to $30,000 per project. Grant assistance is limited to only serious emergencies that meet program requirements. 

Please review the Program Guidelines Here: RRGL-Program-Guidelines-2025-Biennium 

Grantees must enter into a contract with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) before funds can be reimbursed. Reimbursement requests must include copies of applicable invoices, proof of payment, and the DNRC Vendor Invoice. Project close-out documents include a Certificate of Compliance.
 

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, Veronica Grigaltchik, Veronica.Grigaltchik@mt.gov, 406-437-4501, Catey Bauer, Catey.Bauer@mt.gov, 406-465-0948

PURPOSE

The RRG Planning Grant Program provides funding to governmental entities for professional and technical services necessary to produce a high quality RRG grant application which leads to a project that conserves, manages, develops, or protects Montana’s renewable resources. PLANNING GRANT GUIDELINES.

PROGRAM CONTACT

Katherine Certalic

Phone: 406-444-3146

Email: KCertalic@mt.gov