Habitat Montana Conservation Easements

Habitat Montana is FWP's hunting-license-funded program to conserve important wildlife habitat, with the legislature directing FWP to try conservation easements or leases before buying land outright. 'FWP offers incentives to landowners to conserve habitat on private land, including, in some cases, the purchase of a conservation easement.' Projects go through ranking, public review and Fish and Wildlife Commission approval.

• Montana private landowners with important, threatened wildlife habitat (2024 guide: 'Landowners interested in preserving traditional farm and ranch land and conserving natural resources, such as wildlife habitat, may partner with FWP.').

Purchased or donated conservation easements, long-term habitat conservation leases, or fee purchase; FWP easements require public access (per MBWP guide). Process includes proposal ranking, Commission endorsement, public scoping (640+ acres), MEPA environmental assessment, county notification and public hearing.

Published amounts: 'HB 526 became reality and is currently generating about $5-6 million per year for conserving important habitat that is seriously threatened.' No per-project amounts.

Contact FWP Wildlife Division or regional FWP office (2024 Landowner Guide).

Deadline text on the page: No application window; projects proposed internally/with landowners, ranked, and approved by the Fish and Wildlife Commission.