A state program is offering $50,000 in grants for community projects designed to prevent and solve wildlife problems in urban and suburban settings.

"Living With Wildlife," a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks program, seeks local projects that: 

• Encourage partnerships and cost-sharing with agencies, private groups, educational institutions, teachers and private citizens.
• Develop information to help neighbors understand how to avoid conflicts with wildlife.
• Develop information that can also be used in other Montana communities.
• Promote collaboration to anticipate and prevent wildlife problems or resolve existing problems.
• Create effective Living With Wildlife solutions that reduce demands on FWP resources.

Grant proposals are due July 18. Awards will be made Aug 1. This year, FWP expects to award about $50,000 in grants.  Grant requests are encouraged to not exceed $5,000, but requests for larger amounts will be accepted with adequate justification to support a larger budget.

Applications are available at FWP's Field Services Division, PO Box 200701, Helena MT  59620-0701 and on-line at FWP's website at:  fwp.state.mt.us, click on Public Notices and then click on Grants.  For more information call (406) 444-2602 or send an e-mail to fwpfld@state.mt.us.