Forestry - FY25 Local Government Assistance (LGA)

Please review carefully as applicant eligibility and funded activities have changed.

Applications will be reviewed for the first round of funding and will be evaluated on how well they meet the goals of the grant program. If funding remains after first-round selections, or if additional funding becomes available, DNRC may consider additional applications at that time.

Source of Funding: 

Grant funding from the State of Montana General Fund is made available through the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Forestry and Trust Lands Division (DNRC) as authorized by HB 510 passed in the 2015 Legislature. Grant funds will be distributed on a reimbursement basis.

Program Goals:

Provide financial support to help local governments engage in activities to accelerate the pace and scale of forest management to reduce wildland fire hazards, improve forest health, and enhance economic productivity on cross-boundary projects that include federal, state, or private lands in Montana.    

Eligible Applicants: 

Grant funding is available to Montana local governments. According to 7-11-1002, MCA, "Local government" means a city, town, county, or consolidated city-county government or any combination of these acting jointly. 

Grant Amount: 

Grant awards typically range from $3,000 to a maximum of $8,000. Award amounts may vary due to funding availability and the number and quality of applications received.

Match: 

Grants require a 10% match. Match can be in the form of cash contributions to project activities; county commissioners’ time; or staff time valued at actual cost. Or volunteer time valued at the customary rates for services provided. Applicants are encouraged to pledge additional match.

Activities should contribute to the Montana Forest Action Plan Goals (MFAP): 

1. Reduce wildfire risk  
2. Improve Forest health 
3. Improve or retain biodiversity and habitats 
4. Develop or retain working forests 
5. Contribute to local economies 
6. Adapt to climate change.

Funds may be used to: 

Support local government engagement in cross-boundary forest management in Montana.

Priority for funding will be the following order:

1. Contribute to the funding for a county forester, support staff, or contractors, to increase county contributions to cross-boundary forest   management. 
2. New or existing projects that coordinate and integrate local partner efforts to mitigate community wildfire risk,   particularly in the home ignition zone (HIZ). Includes funding to provide technical assistance to landowners and for landowner assessments.
3. Reimburse travel costs for local government representatives and their collaborative group members to attend meetings, workshops or conferences   related to their project implementation or cross-boundary forest management procedures and regulations. Approved travel expenses will be reimbursed at state rates and in accordance with state travel policy. Rates for lodging, per diem, and mileage are available at the following link: https://doa.mt.gov/Travel-Summary-January-2025.pdf

Award and Disbursement: 

Applications will be reviewed and scored by a selection committee. If selected, projects may begin on the date of the last signature on the grant agreement. Funds may only be used as described in the grant agreement unless otherwise agreed to in writing by DNRC. 

Project 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. Documentation may include itemized receipts, invoices, financial reports, and other documents that clearly show expenditures.

Reporting: 

Grantees are required to report to DNRC on a semiannual basis to describe project accomplishments and how funds are being utilized. A final report is required stating how the funds were used and the outcomes that were   achieved.

Helpful Links:

• Download the application worksheet here
• Download the budget table here (this can be uploaded into Submittable for question 3.3).
• Authorizing Statement (if you need additional approval to submit this application)