The objective of the Community Pond Program is to enhance fishing opportunities in or near Montana communities by providing funding that may be used to construct or improve public fishing ponds. Preference will be given to projects that create or enhance opportunities for youth/family angling and youth/family angler education. Program funding can vary, but is typically $25,000 per year.
State agencies, cities, counties, angler groups, civic organizations, or other community-based organizations are eligible to sponsor a project. Sponsors must be working with a representative of Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks (FWP)—usually a fisheries biologist.
The project sponsor is responsible for providing the property or access to the property where the project is located. Projects may be located on private property, but public fishing access must be guaranteed through easements or binding written agreements.
Applicants must provide a minimum of 30% of the costs associated with the project. In-kind contributions such as heavy equipment time, construction materials, labor, engineering services, etc. may be used as match.
Applications may be submitted at any time, but are reviewed in February of each year. Complete applications must be submitted on or before February 1 to be considered for the ensuing 12 months.
Clearly detailed conceptual project plans as well as a detailed itemized budget of project expenses must be submitted with each application. Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding. Late applications will be considered during the following funding cycle.
Applications can be downloaded, picked up at any FWP office, or requested by calling the Program Officer at the telephone number listed below.
Electronic submissions are encouraged, but must be signed and complete.
Applications may also be sent to FWP at the address listed below.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Fisheries Division
Habitat Protection Bureau
1420 East 6th Avenue, P.O. Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620
(406) 444-2432
A review team consisting of at least 3 Fisheries Division representatives will determine which projects will be funded. Decisions will be based on the degree to which proposals meet program objectives. Cost sharing, cost effectiveness, and availability of funding will also be determining factors. Projects may be funded wholly, partially, or not at all. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by March 1.
Please note that sponsors of projects that are selected for funding will be required to adhere to the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). Projects that have the potential to affect the human or physical environment, which includes most projects, will require completion of a MEPA environmental checklist or preparation of an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement. If requested, FWP will provide successful applicants with examples of MEPA documents for projects similar to theirs. As part of the MEPA review, sponsors will also be required to provide State Historic Preservation Office clearance for the project.
Sponsors must secure all permits required from local, state, and federal regulatory agencies. For pond projects, this typically includes a 404 permit from the Army Corps of Engineers and a water use permit from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Ponds may not be located within the 100-yr floodplain nor can they impact jurisdictional wetlands.
Fisheries Division
Habitat Protection Bureau
1420 East 6th Avenue, P.O. Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620
(406) 444-2432