Forestry - FY26 Local Government Assistance (LGA)

Please review carefully as funded activities for 2026 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. DNRC has identified collaborative groups and non-profits with significant local government involvement as a combination of governments acting jointly and therefore eligible to apply.

Grant Amount: 

Grant awards typically range from $3,000 to a maximum of $6,000. 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. 

Grants are for: 

• Funding coordination/facilitation costs for forest collaborative groups that have county commissioner involvement or support.
• Funding of amicus briefs for projects with local government support and likely to be litigated in the next year.

Award and Disbursement: 

Applications will be reviewed and selected by 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
• Authorizing Statement (if you need additional approval to submit this application)