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Watershed Support Program

The Watershed Support Program provides funding to landowners for projects that protect and improve water quality in the Flathead Watershed. Through this program, Flathead Conservation District (FCD) strives to create landowner champions and project success stories that inspire future projects and maximize impact within the watershed.

  • Landowners in priority areas may receive funding for 100% of approved project costs, up to $10,000
  • Funding may be used for installation of eligible practices, project design and engineering expenses, or used as matching funds for large-scale projects
  • Landowners must agree to allow FCD representatives to visit (with permission) the project site and to describe the project in writing and photos in order to follow and create awareness of project success

Priority Areas:

FCD identifies priority areas within the Flathead Watershed to target outreach and funding. Funding supports implementation of projects that address water quality issues in the priority area. Priority area designations are determined annually based on a review of progress and priorities.

2020-2021 Priority Area: Upper-Middle Ashley Creek

Upper- and Middle-Ashley Creek is the priority area for funding through the Watershed Support Program. This area includes private land along Ashley Creek from the outlet at Ashley Lake downstream to Smith Lake, and from Smith Lake downstream to the crossing at Airport Road.

Eligible Projects:

  • Livestock fencing to protect stream banks
  • Stream crossings and livestock water gaps
  • Off-site stock water tanks and pipeline
  • Riparian vegetation planting
  • Irrigation efficiency improvements
  • Stream bank stabilization
  • Wetland enhancement and restoration
  • and others!

Landowners may only apply for one project per year, but a project may be comprised of multiple practices (e.g., riparian fencing and off-site water development).

Do you live along Ashley Creek and have questions about eligibility for this program?

Contact our office to arrange a site visit with our friendly, knowledgeable staff to learn more about how the Watershed Support Program can help you protect and improve water quality in Ashley Creek.

Application Process:

  1. Landowners in priority areas must complete and submit the program application. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
  2. Flathead CD staff will contact the landowner to arrange a site visit.
  3. Projects will be presented to the FCD Board and reviewed based on their merit and benefit to water quality, partnership/cooperative opportunities, and future outreach potential.
  4. Applicants whose projects are funded must submit a W-9 form and will enter into a contract. A Landowner Agreement will be signed to ensure successful implementation and landowner commitment to long-term maintenance of the project.
Application

Submit applications to:
Flathead Conservation District
133 Interstate Lane
Kalispell, MT 59901
OR: samantha@flatheadcd.org

Payment process:

  1. Project must be initiated and completed within the contract timeframe, prior to June 1.
  2. Landowner is required to pay project costs and submit all receipts and invoices for reimbursement from FCD upon project completion.
  3. FCD will verify project completion with a site inspection before issuing payment.
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