Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program Grants

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) administers the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program (WHIP), a federal grant initiative focused on managing noxious weeds to restore and protect ecologically significant wildlife habitats. This program is funded through Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration funds and provides up to $2 million annually. A core component of the WHIP mission is the enhancement of habitats directly threatened by invasive weed species, with a strong emphasis on restoring native plant communities and improving ecological integrity. The program mandates a 25% non-federal cash match, leveraging a 3:1 federal-to-match funding ratio. Grants are disbursed on a reimbursement basis and may last up to five years in duration. WHIP projects are expected to use a landscape- or watershed-scale approach and involve collaborations across multiple landownerships, including public and private lands. Grant proposals must demonstrate access for public hunting and outline a strategy for long-term habitat maintenance. Eligible activities include herbicide applications, biological control, reseeding, mechanical weed control, and prescribed grazing improvements. Administrative and monitoring costs are also eligible up to 10% of the total project amount. Projects must focus on priority wildlife habitats and species and involve vegetation monitoring using FWP protocols to track treatment effectiveness over time. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, conservation districts, weed management districts, state and federal agencies, tribal entities, and other organizations capable of managing and financing project activities. Proposals must include maps of treatment areas, contribution statements, and optional letters of support. Prescribed grazing projects must include a 10-year grazing rotation plan and may extend the agreement term to 12 years. Applications are submitted electronically through Montana's WebGrants system. The 2025 application window is open from September 1 through November 27, 2024. Interested applicants are encouraged to consult the WHIP Coordinator to ensure compliance with program requirements. Applications are evaluated competitively by an 18-member WHIP Advisory Council, which scores projects based on ecological benefit, collaboration, habitat impact, and project readiness. Grant hearings occur in January, with awards typically made by July. Funded applicants must execute agreements with FWP and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, submit semi-annual progress reports, and conduct post-treatment monitoring for up to five years—or longer for grazing treatments. All reimbursements require proof of expenditure. The program does not support equipment purchases or in-kind labor as match. Only treatments in priority wildlife habitats are eligible for grant funding, though minor incidental non-habitat areas may be addressed as part of a broader treatment plan. Follow-up applications are permitted after the end of a previous grant cycle.

Contact WHIP Coordinator early for project design support; Focus on priority wildlife habitat; Collaborate with FWP wildlife biologists; Include multiple landowners; Provide strong vegetation monitoring plans