Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking applications to fill three openings on the Future Fisheries Improvement Program Review Panel.

The panel consists of 10 Montanans whose backgrounds are determined by the legislation that created the program. One individual from each of the following categories will be selected: 1) an individual involved in commercial or irrigated agriculture; 2) a licensed angler; and 3) a stream restoration professional.

The Future Fisheries Improvement Program, created by the 1995 Montana Legislature, provides fishing license dollars to restore essential habitats for the growth and propagation of wild fish populations in lakes, rivers and streams. The panel is responsible for reviewing applications for program funding every six months. The panel determines those proposals that are eligible for funding, approves or rejects proposed projects and forwards a list of approved projects to the Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission.

Projects must accomplish one or more of the following:

1. improve or maintain fish passage;
2. restore or protect naturally functioning stream channels or banks;
3. restore or protect naturally functioning riparian areas;
4. prevent loss of fish into diversions;
5. restore or protect essential habitats for spawning;
6. enhance streamflow in dewatered reaches of streams to improve fisheries;
7. restore or protect genetically pure native fish populations;
8. improve fishing in a lake or reservoir; or 9) otherwise restore or protect habitat for wild fish populations.

Letters of application should be sent to Patrick J. Graham, Director, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701, by October 16. Please include a brief statement indicating why you are interested in serving on the panel. Members will serve two-year terms and may be reappointed. Interested individuals with questions about service on the review panel are urged to call (406) 444-5334.