Montana Future Fisheries Improvement Program (FFIP)

The Future Fisheries Improvement Program funds on-the-ground projects that restore wild fish habitat in Montana lakes, rivers and streams, including fish passage, stream channel and riparian restoration, preventing fish loss into irrigation diversions, and stream-flow enhancement (water leasing/salvage). Landowners, anglers, conservation districts and other entities can apply twice a year. A citizen review panel recommends projects and the Fish & Wildlife Commission approves them.

• Any entity (including landowners, anglers, civic groups, conservation districts, governmental agencies) with a Montana project benefiting wild fish.

• 'Project applicants must also affirm that work would be conducted with the approval of the landowner on whose property the project is being completed'.

• Funds cover design/build, construction and maintenance; not administration, monitoring, assessments, design alone, travel, contingency, or land acquisition.

Twice-yearly cycles; review panel meets mid-June and mid-December; Commission acts in August/February. Riparian fencing must follow FFIP Fencing Guidelines; water leasing projects need the supplemental questionnaire.

Published amounts: 'Approximately $1 million are available each year for projects that revitalize wild fish populations.' 'There is no maximum grant amount per application.' Matching contributions encouraged (agency staff in-kind not counted).

Talk to your area fisheries biologist first, then submit the application and budget sheet to the Future Fisheries Coordinator (FWPFFIP@mt.gov or Fisheries Division, 1420 E. Sixth Ave., P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701) on or before May 15 or November 15; pre-project photos required.

Deadline text on the page: 'The Future Fisheries Improvement Program grant applications are due May 15 (summer cycle) and November 15 (winter cycle) of each year.' Next deadline = winter cycle, November 15, 2026.