To avoid double counting acres where multiple programs contributed to the acquisition of a single parcel, the parcel acreage is only aggregated under the program that provided the majority of funding. For example, if the chart displays a dollar amount greater than $0, but also shows 0 acres, it is because the program was not the primary contributor for any parcels in that year.
Local Conservation Programs Inculde
Missoula County
City of Missoula
Gallatin County
Please visit www.landvote.org for detailed information on these programs.
| Year | Acres | Dollars |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 101.0 | $2,525,000 |
| 2000 | 475.0 | $0 |
| 2001 | 80.0 | $10,000 |
| 2002 | 530.0 | $212,149 |
| 2003 | 875.0 | $1,080,000 |
| 2004 | 12,114.7 | $2,970,500 |
| 2006 | 1,436.0 | $1,175,000 |
| 2007 | 13,367.0 | $7,391,577 |
| 2008 | 750.2 | $500,000 |
| Totals | 29,728.9 | $15,864,226 |
Created in 1999 by the Montana Legislature, the Agricultural Heritage Program acquired and held agricultural easements. Funding came from legislative appropriations and was utilized to purchase easements that furthered conservation of family farm, ranch and forestlands; was consistent with conservation of rural landscape; and assisted in the conservation of native wild species and their habitat. Since its inception, 16,540 acres were enrolled in the program at a total cost of approximately $1,630,000. The program ended in 2003 when it reached its statutory sunset date.
| Year | Acres | Dollars |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 600.0 | $518,000 |
| 2001 | 0.0 | $56,000 |
| 2002 | 0.0 | $314,000 |
| Total | 600.0 | $888,000 |
The Fish and Wildlife Division of Montana’s Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department manages and acquires land for fish and wildlife habitat through a variety of programs. The programs administered by this division include:
o The Wildlife Habitat/Lease/Easement Program funded by hunting license fees
o Bighorn Sheep auction of one male mountain sheep license per year. Approximately $2 million is raised from the auction.
o Wildlife Mitigation Program for Hungry Horse and Libby Dams, which replace habitat lost during the development of the dam and includes conservation easements and fee-title acquisition funding. Agreement with Bonneville Power Administration provides for funding to the state trust account for this program.
o Upland Game Bird Program allows landowners to enroll in a cost-share program to develop, enhance and conserve upland game bird habitats. Up to 75 percent of landowner cost may be reimbursed.
o Habitat Montana, which may include the purchase of conservation easements to conserve habitat on private lands; and Wildlife Management Areas. Annually about $4 million from several sources goes to fund projects. A portion is from hunting and fishing licenses.
| Year | Acres | Dollars |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 30,657.6 | $5,380,000 |
| 1999 | 16,931.0 | $2,345,930 |
| 2000 | 18,993.0 | $1,320,875 |
| 2001 | 33,428.0 | $4,177,764 |
| 2002 | 43,718.0 | $2,094,139 |
| 2003 | 15,642.3 | $1,629,093 |
| 2004 | 12,016.0 | $2,385,965 |
| 2005 | 3,672.0 | $399,200 |
| 2006 | 758.9 | $4,164,532 |
| 2007 | 1,271.0 | $3,440,150 |
| 2008 | 13,416.4 | $21,626,829 |
| Total | 190,504.2 | $48,964,477 |
Upper Clark Fork River Basin (UCFRB) Restoration Fund was created in 2000 as a result of a partial settlement between mining and mineral processing operations and the State of Montana. Funds are used to restore habitat and natural resources disrupted by the release of hazardous substances into the Upper Clark Fork River Basin. The injured area is the portion of the watershed extending from the headwaters, surrounding the city of Butte, downstream to Milltown Reservoir and upstream to the city of Missoula. The Montana Department of Justice through the Natural Resource Damage Program (NRDP) administers the Fund and an annual restoration grant program.
| Year | Acres | Dollars |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 3,416.0 | $608,048 |
| 2001 | 11,100.0 | $5,841,304 |
| 2002 | 306.0 | $427,557 |
| 2003 | 363.0 | $2,000,000 |
| 2005 | 375.0 | $737,842 |
| 2006 | 1,617.0 | $1,266,000 |
| Total | 17,177.0 | $10,880,751 |