Community Pond Program Grant Applications Due February 1
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The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) wishes to remind state agencies, cities, counties, angler groups, civic organizations, or other community-based organizations that applications for Community Pond Program Grants are due on or before February 1 to be considered in the coming year.
According to the FWP website, the objective of the Community Pond Program is to enhance fishing opportunities in or near Montana communities by providing funding that may be used to construct or improve public fishing ponds. Preference will be given to projects that create or enhance opportunities for youth/family angling and youth/family angler education. Program funding can vary but is typically $25,000 per year.
Project sponsors must work in conjunction with a representative of FWP—usually a fisheries biologist. In Region 6, that individual is Cody Nagel, who works out of the Havre Area Resource Office. The project sponsor is responsible for providing the property or access to the property where the project is located. Projects may be located on private property, but public fishing access must be guaranteed through easements or binding written agreements.
Community Pond Program funding may be used for costs of design, construction, repair, or enhancement of ponds for which public angling is a primary purpose. Improvements that enhance handicapped access or safety may also be funded. Although funds may not be used to purchase property, the grant monies may be used for those portions of the project that are necessary to create or enhance angling opportunity.
Project sponsors are responsible for routine maintenance of the completed project, and applicants must provide a minimum of 30% of the costs associated with the project. In-kind contributions such as heavy equipment time, construction materials, labor, engineering services may be used to calculate these matching funds.
Sponsors must secure all permits required from local, state, and federal regulatory agencies. For pond projects, this typically includes a 404 permit from the Army Corps of Engineers and a water use permit from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Ponds may not be located within the 100-year flood-plain nor can they impact jurisdictional wetlands.
Clearly detailed project plans, as well as a detailed itemized budget of project expenses, must be submitted with each application. Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding, but late applications will be considered during the following funding cycle.
Applications can be downloaded, picked up at the FWP office located at 2165 HWY 2 East in Havre, or requested by calling the Program Officer in Helena at 406-444-2432. Electronic submissions are encouraged but must be signed and complete. Completed applications can be emailed to mmcgree@mt.gov or mailed to:
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Fisheries Division
Habitat Protection Bureau
1420 East 6th Avenue, P.O. Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620
A review team consisting of at least three Fisheries Division representatives will determine which projects will be funded. Decisions will be based on the degree to which proposals meet program objectives. Cost sharing, cost effectiveness, and availability of funding will also be determining factors. Projects may be funded wholly, partially, or not at all, and funding decisions will be announced by March 1.
Those seeking additional information are encouraged to call Nagel at the Havre Resource Office, 265-6177, extension 226.
