Community Pond Program projects approved

HELENA – Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks recently approved $100,000 in funding for four projects to improve family, youth and ADA angling in Montana. Community ponds are integral to cities and towns across Montana; they are a place for families to recreate together, kids to learn to fish and people with disabilities to cast a line.

The grants will fund:

• Fish habitat improvements, trails and access at Little Coyote Pond (Big Sky, Gallatin County)
• ADA-accessible amenities, aeration improvements and signage at Ennis Lions Club Park Pond (Ennis, Madison County)
• An all abilities dock and ADA-accessible trail at Frenchtown Pond State Park (Frenchtown, Missoula County)
• The improvement of fish habitat and angling opportunities at Glen Lake (Bozeman, Gallatin County)

The projects are expected to improve opportunity for anglers, increase ADA-accessible fishing opportunities and provide additional educational opportunities for kids and families. This year's funding was matched by more than $1 million in outside sources.

Applications for the Community Pond Program are due Feb. 1 each year to FWP's Fisheries Division. Application forms are available on FWP's website and from FWP offices. Any individual or group with a project designed to enhance angling at a local pond may apply for Community Pond Program funding. Projects that address youth, family, education or ADA accessibility are preferred. Applicants are encouraged to work with local FWP fisheries biologists, and public access is required.

More information and applications for the Community Pond Program are available on FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/grant-programs.

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