Building Wildlife Corridor Capacity in Montana
GrantID: 2218
Grant Funding Amount Low: Open
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: Open
Summary
Grant Overview
Capacity Gaps in Montana's Wildlife Corridors
Montana is home to diverse ecosystems and wildlife, yet the state faces significant capacity gaps when it comes to developing effective wildlife corridors. These corridors are critical for facilitating animal movement between fragmented habitats, which is increasingly necessary due to climate change and human encroachment. With over 90% of Montana’s land classified as rural, the challenge of connecting wildlife habitats becomes even more pronounced. Without adequate pathways, species such as grizzly bears and wolves face heightened threats from vehicle collisions and habitat isolation.
Local wildlife agencies, conservation organizations, and tribal nations are primarily responsible for addressing these gaps. Each group possesses unique insights into the ecosystems they steward but often lack the capacity for large-scale projects due to funding limitations and workforce constraints. The vast and varied landscapes of Montana also pose logistical challenges that can complicate collaborative efforts.
Funding opportunities for wildlife corridor development in Montana are designed to fill these capacity gaps and support system-wide approaches to wildlife management. Grants aim to enhance collaboration among local stakeholders, facilitating the sharing of resources and expertise to create comprehensive migration paths. Fiscal support will enable these projects to address existing infrastructure inadequacies while fostering innovative solutions to enhance wildlife connectivity throughout the state.
Ultimately, focusing on wildlife corridors not only enhances animal populations but also supports Montana’s broader ecological health, which is vital for tourism and outdoor recreation industries. By establishing reliable routes for animal movement, funded projects can mitigate human-wildlife conflict while providing essential ecosystem services, ultimately benefitting both wildlife and local communities. As such, effective funding will set Montana on a trajectory toward sustainable wildlife management.
In summary, addressing capacity gaps in wildlife corridor development is crucial for Montana to maintain its rich biodiversity. By leveraging funding, the state can improve infrastructure, foster collaborative efforts, and enhance the overall integrity of wildlife habitats.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
