Future Fisheries Improvement Grant Program

Future Fisheries Improvement Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Amount: Approximately US $40,000
Last Updated: June 24, 2025

Summary

The Future Fisheries Improvement Grant Program, managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, aims to restore and enhance wild fish habitats in Montana's rivers, streams, and lakes. With annual funding between $500,000 and $650,000, the program supports diverse projects that benefit native fish populations. Eligible applicants include landowners, civic groups, and government agencies. Projects must improve fish habitats and ensure public benefits while adhering to landowner agreements and respecting adjacent property rights.

Overview

Future Fisheries Improvement Program For almost two decades, FWP's Future Fisheries Improvement Program has worked to restore rivers, streams, and lakes to improve and restore Montana's wild fish habitats. Between $500,000 and $650,000 are available each year for projects that revitalize wild fish populations. Any entity proposing a project that would benefit wild fish will be considered for funding. An independent citizen review panel evaluates all applications and makes funding recommendations to the Fish & Wildlife Commission. Background and history In 1995, Montana Legislature created the Future Fisheries Improvement Program (FFIP), to restore essential habitats for the growth and propagation of wild fish populations in lakes, rivers, and streams. In 1999, the Legislature expanded the FFIP by adding funding from the Resource Indemnity Trust Fund (RIT) and directing a portion of the funding to projects that specifically enhance bull trout and cutthroat trout, with emphasis on mineral reclamation projects. In 2013, the RIT funding was expanded to all cover of Montana’s native fish species. Funding Funds used to implement the FFIP originate from the sale of Montana fishing licenses. A portion of the funding also comes from interest generated from Montana’s RIT Fund. Use of Funds Program funding may be provided for costs of design/build, construction, and maintenance of projects that restore, enhance, or protect habitat for wild fishes. Project Types Projects have included (but are not limited to): Riparian fencing and off-stream water development to improve habitat along streamside areasRe-vegetation of stream banks and streamside areas to stabilize banks and cool the waterInstallation of screening devices on irrigation diversions to prevent the loss of fish into the ditchesRemoval of barriers, or installation of fish ladders around barriers, to facilitate the upstream movement of spawning fishesConstruction of barriers in selected locations to prevent non-native trout from competing or hybridizing with genetically pure native cutthroat populationsReconstruction of stream channels that have been modified from their natural form as a result of land use practices or channelizationWater conservation measures that result in a greater quantity of water left in-streamInstallation of habitat structures in lakes and reservoirs that provide cover or enhance spawning Available Funding The Montana Legislature gives authority for the Program to expend funds. Approximately $1.2 million is available for each biennium (two years; four grant cycles). Approved funding varies by grant cycle; over the last five years, the average grant award was approximately $30,000.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. To be eligible, projects must be completed within the state of Montana.Habitat projects benefiting wild fish, originating from virtually any source, will be considered for funding. This includes (but is not limited to) landowners, anglers, civic groups, conservation districts, or governmental agencies.Applicants must demonstrate that the project will have public benefits and accomplish one or more of these items:Improve or maintain fish passageRestore or protect naturally functioning stream channels or banksRestore or protect naturally functioning riparian areasPrevent loss of fish into diversionsRestore or protect essential habitats for spawningEnhance stream flow to improve fisheriesRestore or protect native fish populationsImprove fishing in a lake or reservoirOther types of projects that restore or protect habitat for wild fish populationsProjects must also be conducted with approval of the landowner on whose property the project is being completed, and they may not interfere with water or property rights of adjacent landowners.

Ineligibility

Funding cannot be used for administration, coordination, overhead, monitoring, watershed assessments, design alone, or contingency costs.