Ranching for Rivers

The Ranching for Rivers Program is a cost-share program designed to assist landowners protect 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.

Landowners, Conservation Districts, and Watershed Groups who are working within areas with a DEQ-approved Watershed Restoration Plan are encouraged to apply for program funding for identified projects. When the application is open, Restoration Plan maps can be found on the swcdm.org.

Eligible Costs:

• Fencing Material for complete exclusions or “riparian pastures”

• Livestock pipeline

• Materials for stream crossing

• Permanent drinking tanks & winter tanks with storage

• Contracted costs for the development of a Grazing Management Plan by a range specialist

• Conservation District and Watershed Group Staff time for technical assistance

NRCS rates, provided in appendix A of the Ranching for Rivers Application, can be used to calculate expenses for certain practices

Ineligible Costs:

• Time & labor costs by associated with project installation

• Fencing/equipment maintenance or replacement

The Ranching for Rivers program offers 50% cost-share for project implementation and/or the development of a Grazing Management Plan. The 50% cost-share will be provided in the form of reimbursement following a completed project. Upon application acceptance, landowners are required to complete a landowner agreement requiring maintenance of the installed practice(s) for the expected life of the practice(s) (typically 10 years).

50% nonfederal match must be recorded and reported to SWCDM along with final project expenses and reporting. Match may include:

• Dollars provided by other non-federal grants used to complete the project

• Dollars provided directly by the landowner.

• Laboring or administrative costs by a Conservation District, Watershed Group, or landowner not already being charged directly to the Ranching for Rivers program.

Cost-share (2025 call): 50% reimbursement for fencing material, livestock pipeline, stream-crossing materials, permanent/winter drinking tanks, and contracted Grazing Management Plan development; 50% non-federal match (landowner dollars, in-kind labor at $30.84/hr, other non-federal grants). Funded through Montana DEQ's EPA Section 319 grant; review panel MACD, DEQ, DNRC and the Missouri River Conservation Districts Council.

Not currently accepting applications. MACD is currently unable to accept new Ranching for Rivers applications at this time.

The most recent call (2025) accepted applications for Fall 2025 projects until August 12 and for 2026 projects until September 30, 2025. Check the program page for the next call.

How the last call worked:

• Questions go to Madi Larson at MACD.

• Applications are reviewed by a panel of MACD, DEQ, DNRC and MRCDC representatives.

• MACD sends a letter of acceptance, rejection, or recommendations within 30 days of the call close date.

• If accepted, the landowner and the associated Conservation District or Watershed Group work with MACD to complete a Scope of Work, Operations & Maintenance Agreement, and Cost-Share Contract, signed by all parties within 90 days of the acceptance.

• 2025 Call for Applications

• Past Project Highlights/Example

• Project Final Reporting Template