News Release

Applications for Gallatin Valley Conservation Projects due September 30, 2016

Contact:
Justin Meissner
(406) 522-4018

Bozeman, Mont., August 22, 2016—Agricultural landowners in the Gallatin Valley have until Sept. 30, 2016, to apply for financial assistance for conservation practices funded through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program.

In January 2015, a proposal submitted by the Gallatin Valley Land Trust was accepted by NRCS to be part of a new program that provides funding for partnership projects between public and private entities, local communities and nongovernmental organizations.

The Gallatin Valley project created a special five-year funding pool that NRCS will use to fund projects in the valley that promote water quality, water quantity and soil health. Some of the projects the NRCS has assisted with to-date include: irrigation reorganization and improvements, stockwater developments, riparian fencing and tree/shrub establishment, cover crops, and pasture and range plantings.  Funding is also available to be used to obtain conservation easements to protect prime soils and promote agricultural viability by restricting residential development and preventing the conversion to non-agricultural uses.  To date, more than 2,000 acres of prime agricultural lands have been conserved through this unique partnership.

To apply for financial assistance, visit the NRCS field office located at 3710 Fallon Street, Suite B, Bozeman. For additional information, contact Justin Meissner, NRCS District Conservationist, at 406-522-4018 or 406-404-0166; Chris Mahony District Resource Conservationist, at 406-522-4012. For more information about conservation easements, contact the Gallatin Valley Land Trust at 406-587-8404.

Applicants that operate as an entity are required to have a DUNs number and have that number registered with SAM.gov prior to submitting their application for consideration.