Projects Submitted for Funding to the Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust requests public comments on project proposals submitted for funding by the Trust. The Montana Fish & Wildlife Conservation Trust was established by the US Congress, funded by proceeds from the sale of federally leased cabin sites on Canyon Ferry Reservoir. The purpose of this Trust is to provide a permanent source of funding for the acquisition of publicly accessible land in the State of Montana in order to:
- Restore and conserve fisheries habitat, including riparian habitat;
- Restore and conserve wildlife habitat;
- Enhance public hunting, fishing and recreational opportunities;
- Improve public access to public lands.
Two independent oversight Boards, a Joint State-Federal Board and a Citizen Advisory Board, are responsible for ensuring the goals of the trust are met. Board meetings are open to the public and public participation is encouraged.
Project applications for the 2025 funding cycle were received. The first phase of review by the Citizen’s Advisory Board has been completed. The projects are now being forwarded to the Joint Federal-State Board for review and public comment. Written comments on the projects will be accepted for a 30-day period beginning May 25, 2025 and ending 5:00 p.m. on June 23, 2025. The projects recommended by the Citizens Advisory Board for funding are Upper Thompson CE Phase II submitted by Trust for Public Land; Behlmer In-holding submitted by The Conservation Fund; Little Moab and Rattlesnake Butte submitted by Prickly Pear Land Trust, and Boundary Adjustment submitted by Beaverhead Trails Coalition.
A copy of the proposed projects nominated for funding are available via email at [email protected] or [email protected]. You can also call Deb Lane at 406-461-9524.
Following the comment period, the Joint Federal-State Board will review comments and act on the proposals at at their June 2025 meeting.
