News Release:
$4 Million in Grants Available to Control Invasive Species

February 1, 2006

For More Information:
Carla Lawrence, 406-587-6952
Lori Valadez, 406-587-6842

Bozeman—Up to $4 million in grants is now available nationally to help control or prevent invasive species on private grazing lands. The grant competition, administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is open to state and local agencies, nonprofit organizations, tribes, and individuals.

“Invasive species are a serious issue in Montana where there are more than 38 million acres of private range and pasture land,” said Dave White, NRCS state conservationist. “These grants, which will range from $50,000 to $500,000, provide an opportunity to get new invasive species projects off the ground or further the efforts of existing projects.”

Projects may be from one to three years in length and must address local, watershed, state, or regional invasive species issues. Priority will be given to proposals on rangeland. The use of Integrated Pest Management techniques and biological pest control methods is encouraged.

Selected applicants may receive grants up to 50 percent of the total project cost, between $50,000 and $500,000. Applicants must provide nonfederal matching funds for at least 50 percent of the project cost, of which 25 percent may be from in-kind contributions. Up to 15 percent of the total funds available will also be set aside for applications from beginning and limited resource farmers and ranchers, tribes, or community-based organizations representing these entities. These entities are also allowed a higher in-kind contribution rate.

Although this is a national grant offering, proposals need to be reviewed by NRCS in Montana before being submitted to Washington, DC. Montana applications should be sent to Carla Lawrence at 10 E. Babcock St., Room 443, Bozeman, MT 59715. Proposals must be received at the Montana NRCS state office by March 17 so that they can be reviewed and sent to the national NRCS headquarters by April 3, 2006.

Detailed information is included in the grant announcement, which may be viewed at Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative.

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