Flathead Conservation District is offering a cost-share program for natural resource improvement within Flathead County.

Funding:

The application period for this year's grant round is closed.  Watch the website in June for information about funding for the 2008-2009 grant program.  The District has set aside $5000.00 this fiscal year to sponsor conservation measures within Flathead County. These are Flathead County tax dollars, therefore, all projects have to be done within Flathead County.

Cost-share rates:

• 75% maximum provided by Flathead Conservation District
• 25% minimum provided by applicant

Applicant portion can be in the form of cash, in-kind services (i.e. labor), or from other conservation cost-share programs. District cost-share funds combined with other funds cannot exceed the overall allowable cost of a practice.

Program information:

Flathead Conservation District will accept completed applications for Fiscal Year 2007/2008 Cost-Share Program from July 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007. Application deadline is December 31, 2007. All applications will be ranked, and contracts will be awarded by the end of January 2008. All applicants will be notified whether or not their project has been selected for funding.

Limitations:

The Cost-share program is available to any private sector landowner with property in Flathead County. There is a limit of one project per person or group per fiscal year. All projects must be completed by May 30, 2008. Projects may be composed of multiple practices. Only on-the-ground projects are eligible. No studies or research projects will be funded.

Eligible practices:

The following practices are examples of projects that would be considered for funding:

Stream/fisheries improvements:

• Bridge replacement only
• Culvert replacement only
• Diversion replacement or upgrade
• Grade stabilization structures
• Irrigation water conveyance
• Riparian forest buffers
• Streambank and shoreline protection
• Stream channel stabilization

Erosion control:

• Filter strips
• Grassed waterways
• Grass/forb seedings, tree/shrub planting
• Windbreak/shelterbelt estab./renovation
• Wildfire rehabilitation measures

Upland improvement:

• Fencing for livestock management
• Fire protection/prevention
• Pest management/weed control
• Pipeline (stockwater/wildlife)
• Reforestation (planting conifers)
• Spring development for livestock/wildlife
• Trough or tank for livestock/wildlife

Wildlife habitat improvements:

• Restoration and improvement of native plant communities
• Wetland restoration
• Wildlife habitat improvement

Many of the above mentioned practices are applicable to more than one category of resource improvement. Other ideas and practices not listed may also be considered.

Ranking Criteria:

All project applications are ranked on the merit of the project proposal and benefit to the resource.

Project Life-span:

Projects must be maintained for the "life-span" of the practice. For example: Fencing 10 years, etc.

Cost-Share contract:

Upon acceptance of the project, the District and Landowner(s) will enter into a signed contract for the practices funded.

Payment:

Only practices initiated and completed within the contract time frame will be reimbursed. The landowner must pay the up-front costs of the project. When the project has been inspected upon completion, and the landowner has turned in the receipts, the landowner will then be reimbursed for up to 75% of the project.

Click here for application