"Living With Wildlife" Grants Available

Friday, March 31, 2000
Headlines

This article was Archived on Monday, July 01, 2002

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking grant proposals aimed at preventing or solving human/wildlife conflicts in urban and suburban settings. FWP’s "Living With Wildlife" grant program was funded by the Montana Legislature to promote the successful coexistence of people and wildlife. The program emphasizes local involvement, partnerships, cost sharing, prevention, and solutions designed to address human/wildlife conflicts. A total of $50,000 is available to fund proposed projects. "FWP administers Living With Wildlife,’ but other agencies, local governments, organizations, and private citizens will be asked to develop and implement most of the successfully funded projects," said Paul Sihler, chief of the agency’s Field Services division. Sihler said communities are encouraged to team up with FWP to seek local solutions to often complex situations including:

• Identifying specific "Living With Wildlife" needs.
• Encouraging local partnerships with other agencies, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, teachers and private citizens.
• Developing information that helps individuals and local communities make informed decisions and responsible choices.
• Preventing problems from occurring.
• Reducing current demands on other FWP resources for response to situations that are more effectively addressed through "Living With Wildlife."

Grant requests are due May 19. Applications are available by writing to: "LIVING WITH WILDLIFE" Attn: Paul Sihler Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks PO Box 200701 Helena MT 59620-0701 You may request an electronic copy of the application form by sending an e-mail request to psihler@state.mt.us.