From FWP wire services
After receiving recommendations from a 14-member citizen panel, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has approved funding for a fisheries improvement project.
FWP approved more than $325,000 in funding for 12 Future Fisheries Improvement Program projects as advised by the panel. Outside funding for the project will total $720,000.
These projects will improve conditions for populations of native and sport fish species in Beaverhead, Fergus, Sweet Grass, Ravalli, Madison, Powell, Meagher, Park, Flathead and Mineral counties. Project sponsors will enter into a formal agreement with FWP to maintain the improvements through responsible land-management practices.
Among the planned projects are fish screens on irrigation diversions, improved upstream fish passage through road crossings, riparian fencing and stream channel habitat improvements.
Applications for the next regular round of funding are due Dec. 1. Anyone with a restoration project that benefits wild fish is eligible to apply. Applicants are encouraged to work with local FWP fisheries biologists to plan the projects.
Application forms and additional information on the Future Fisheries Improvement Program are available at fwp.mt.gov.
