Description
A cost-share program designed to assist landowners in protecting riparian health through improved ranching practices. Through the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Ranching for Rivers offers 50% cost-share for fencing material, off-site water infrastructure, and developing grazing management plans. Funding is also available for Conservation Districts and Watershed Groups to provide technical assistance on ranching management projects to local landowners in their area.
Elligibility
Landowners, Conservation Districts, and Watershed Groups who are working within areas with a DEQ-approved Total Maximum Daily Load Plan / Watershed Restoration Plan are encouraged to apply for program funding for identified projects. -Notes that Tribal lands are not under state jurisdiciton
Available Funding
$13,800 per applicant. $83,000 in the most recent round of funding
Length of Contracts
Projects in this round of funding (January 2024 was first deadline. Now rolling deadline through Sept. 2025) must be completed by October 2026
Cost-share requirements?
50% Cost share
Required Documentation (prove ownership/lease arrangements)
− In order to receive the fully requested 50% cost-share, all receipts and invoices associated with
project implementation must be reported to MACD.
− Completed and approved Scope of Work, Landowner Agreement, and Operations & Maintenance
agreement.
− A Final Report using the provided reporting template, detailing final project outcomes and load
reduction estimates (See “Reporting Load Reduction Estimates).
− Before and After Photos
Contact
Out of OFFICE UNTIL JUNE 3rd brenna@macdnet.org