Beginning Tuesday, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is officially accepting applications for its Habitat Conservation Lease Program, a new initiative designed to encourage private landowners to protect vital wildlife habitats.

Under this program, private landowners can enter into voluntary, incentive-based agreements with FWP. In return for committing to specific land management practices that safeguard priority habitats, landowners will receive a one-time payment per acre leased. These agreements will have a duration of 30 to 40 years and are intended to complement existing conservation tools available to landowners.

The program primarily targets prairie and wetland habitats, focusing on sage-grouse core areas and other plains ecosystems. By securing these leases in critical sage-grouse habitats, FWP aims to promote healthy populations of the bird and support its status off the Endangered Species List.

The Habitat Conservation Lease Program will help maintain native habitats by protecting them from disturbances such as tillage, energy development, construction, and the draining or filling of wetlands. Importantly, normal agricultural practices and noxious weed control will not be affected.

Over the next five years, the program has the potential to protect up to 500,000 acres of essential wildlife habitat. Public access will also be included in the leases, although the specifics will vary by agreement.

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Interested landowners can find more information and access the application on the FWP website Here. The deadline for applications is November 30.

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