Approximately $310,000 in funding was approved recently by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Park Commission for 15 Future Fisheries Improvement Program projects. The funding will be matched by nearly $600,000 from outside sources.

The FWP Commission made its final decision on funding requests based on recommendations from a 14-member citizen panel. Sponsors of approved projects enter into an agreement with FWP to maintain project improvements through responsible land-management practices.

The commission approved funding for projects in Beaverhead, Powell, Jefferson, Granite, Deer Lodge, Ravalli, Liberty and Broadwater counties. The improvements will help rainbow, brown, bull and cutthroat trout as well as yellow perch and grayling.

Projects include water conservation; riparian fencing and re-vegetation; off-stream water development; stream-channel enhancement; spawning-habitat improvements; fish passage; fish screening of an irrigation diversion; and bank stabilization using natural materials.

Applications for the next regular round of funding are due January 1, 2008. Application forms are available from all FWP regional offices. The application is also on FWP’s web page at fwp.mt.gov on the Habitat page under Fish Habitat.

Any individual or group with a project designed to restore or enhance habitat for wild or native fish may apply for Future Fisheries Improvement Program funding. Applicants are encouraged to work with local FWP fisheries biologists. Landowners and other project partners usually share project costs to extend Future Fisheries Improvement Program dollars.

For more information on the Future Fisheries Improvement Program, call (406) 444-2449, or write to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Future Fisheries Improvement Program, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, Montana 59620-0701.