Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)

Geographic Scope: Projects within occupied grizzly bear and wolf territory in Montana

Focus Areas:

• Range riding
• Livestock carcass management (including pick-up, removal)
• Electric fencing (including electric drive-over mats)
• Conflict prevention between carnivores (grizzly bears and wolves), livestock, and communities

Eligibility:

• Agricultural producers and landowners
• Individuals responsible for implementing carnivore conflict prevention activities
• All operations, regardless of size, eligible if located within project areas
• Historically Underserved Farmers or Ranchers prioritized
• Note: Groups and organizations are NOT eligible for RCPP (only individuals); however, individuals participating in community-led programs may contact Heart of the Rockies Initiative for support information

What is NOT funded:

• Guard dogs are not eligible activities under NRCS programs
• Maintenance costs (only adoption and expansion of conflict prevention practices)

Key Details:

• Contracts lock in reimbursement rates through May 2029
• Projects evaluated based on potential impact on preventing carnivore conflicts
• High conflict counties prioritized
• Range riding alone or in combination with other activities prioritized
• Projects with documented depredation history prioritized
• Projects with conflicts involving both grizzly bears and wolves prioritized
• Matching funds not formally required, but some costs may only be partially reimbursed
• All projects and activities covered under contracts with local NRCS office

Reimbursement Rates (locked through May 2029):

• Range Riding (645): $66.58–$111.23/AU (standard) or $79.90–$133.48/AU (historically underserved)
• Fladry/Electrifiable Turbo Fladry (645): $1.30–$0.40/foot year 1; $0.40/foot years 2–5 (standard) or $1.56–$0.48/foot (historically underserved)
• Animal Mortality Management (830): $128.65–$387.45 (standard) or $154.38–$464.94 (historically underserved)
• Structures for Wildlife (649): $3.08/foot or $3,303.48 per 12' mat (standard) or $3.70/foot or $3,694.18 (historically underserved)

How to Apply for RCPP

1. Initial Contact (Recommended):
   • Email grantinquiry@heart-of-rockies.org with preferred contact information and details about your needs
   • Steve Primm (Project Manager) will contact you to discuss your situation and needs
   • Phone: 406-282-1418
2. Application Process:
   • Contact your local NRCS office for an application
   • Discuss your project with NRCS staff
   • Submit application to local NRCS office by enrollment deadline
3. Timeline:
   • Next enrollment period expected: October 2027
   • Applications evaluated over winter months
   • Contracts for approved projects signed in early summer
   • Cost-share reimbursements begin in summer
   • Subsequent signup periods occur each October as long as funding is available
4. Evaluation Criteria:
   • Clear demonstration of carnivore conflict prevention need
   • Location in high conflict counties (prioritized)
   • Inclusion of range riding activities (prioritized)
   • Documented depredation history (agency confirmed)
   • Participation in community-led programs
   • Qualification as Historically Underserved Farmer or Rancher
   • Conflicts with both grizzly bears and wolves
5. Contract Requirements:
   • Successful applicants enter into contract with local NRCS office
   • Ensures timely reimbursements for construction, labor, and associated project costs
   • Maintenance costs responsibility of project participants