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Montana FRPP Ranking

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Montana FRPP Ranking (PDF; 39 KB)

Montana FRPP Ranking Criteria
Ranking Criteria Criteria Measure Possible Points Applicant Points Remarks
Percent of Prime, Unique, and Important Soils in the parcel to be protected Greater than 50% 4 points for every percentage point above 50%   Documentation required through application form.
Less than 50% 0
Offered acres is predominately cropland, pastureland, grassland, or rangeland Greater than 30% 3 points for every percent over 33%   Documentation required through application form.
Less than 30% 0
Ratio of the total acres in the parcel to average farm size in county by 2007 census Greater than 2:1 100   This will be determined by going to Census of Agriculture – Montana Profiles.
1-2:1 50
Less than 1:1 0
Decrease in the percentage of acres of farm and ranch lands in the county between the last two census Greater than 15% 0   This will be determined by going to Census of Agriculture – Montana Profiles.
10%-15% 50
5.%-10% 100
0%- 5% 50
Less than 0% 0
Percent population growth in the county compared to Montana’s growth 2000 to 2007. Query only to the county level. Montana’s average is 6.2% Greater than 3 times 0   This will determined by going to U.S. Census Bureau Quick Facts.
2-3 times 100
1-2 times 50
Less than 6.2% 0
Population density for the county. (Pop/sq mi). Montana’s average is 6.2. Greater than 3 times 0   This will determined by going to U.S. Census Bureau Quick Facts.
2-3 times 100
1-2 times 50
Less than 6.2% 0
Proximity to other protected lands. Acres of land within a mile of a protected area. Greater than 500 100   Protected areas include areas that are owned in fee title by federal, state or local government or by an entity whose purpose is to protect agricultural lands.
250-500 50
Less than 250 0
Proximity to other agricultural operations and infrastructure. Acres of land within a mile of the boundary of the offered parcels. Greater than 500 100   Documentation required through application form.
250-500 50
Less than 250 0
Entities with existing Montana FRPP projects with monitoring records not current. - Deduct 3 points for each project not current.   These points will be subtracted by NRCS State Conservationist.
Parcels offered would conserve habitat for Species of Concern. Criteria evaluated to the Township level.   Add 3 points for any listed species.   Species can be found on the Montana Natural Heritage Program – Species of Concern Web site.  Documentation is required.
Total Points        

Last Modified: 03/18/2009