The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering technical and financial assistance through the Big Game Habitat Improvement Project in partnership with Pheasants Forever to agricultural landowners in eight central Montana Counties. While NRCS accepts applications for all programs year-round, producers and landowners should apply for this opportunity by the October 6, 2023, batching date to be considered for this funding cycle.
This Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Big Game Habitat Improvement Project addresses threats to big game migration corridors and winter ranges through outreach, technical assistance, and producer contracts. The robust group of thirteen partners works with producers to improve grazing operations, restore grassland habitats, and retain intact rangelands. Additional benefits include improved grazing management, improved plant productivity and health, making grasslands more resilient to drought, and restoring marginal cropland to perennial grasses.
“This group of organizations with a common purpose are bringing together resources from many sources to support farmers and ranchers in central Montana in improving rangeland health, which is good for these agricultural operations, the wildlife species that depend on grazing lands, and our rural communities,” said Tom Watson, NRCS State Conservationist for Montana. “Intact, diverse grazing lands provide both livestock and wildlife high quality forage while keeping carbon stores in the soil.”
Landowners in Blaine, Phillips, Fergus, Garfield, and Petroleum counties and portions of Chouteau, Hill, and Valley counties may be eligible for the Big Game Habitat Improvement Project. Contact your local USDA Service Center for more information.
- Blaine County – 406-357-2323
- Phillips – 406-654-1334
- Fergus – 406-538-3489
- Garfield – 406-557-2740
- Petroleum – 406-429-6646
- Chouteau – 406-622-5401
- Hill – 406-352-3138
- Valley – 406-228-4321
Source : usda.gov