Forestry Grants

Funding available to help Montana’s counties update and modernize their Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP). This funding is available to counties with 1) An outdated (greater than or equal to 5 years old) CWPP, 2) High wildfire risk, as determined by the Montana Wildfire Risk Assessment, and 3) A commitment to a collaborative update process.

The intent of these funds is to provide program assistance and outreach efforts to children, pre-K through 12th grade, and their educators in both classroom and informal settings.

The Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) Grant Program is authorized by the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1990, (Farm Bill) and assists rural volunteer fire departments by providing cost-share grants for training, equipping, and organizing. Rural fire departments represent the first line of defense in coping with wildfires and other emergencies in rural areas and rural communities. These departments are charged with the protection of lives, homes, and business investments.

To better support this fire protection arrangement in an ever-changing wildfire environment, DNRC has made funding available aimed at cooperatively increasing local fire leadership, preparedness, and fire response capabilities. Through this opportunity, DNRC seeks to fund and leverage staff capacity or projects in support of local fire response coordination needs while also supporting DNRC County Coop fire protection related functions.