Montana program coordinator to assist with the agricultural land easements projects

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) awarded a $543,276 Cooperative Agreement to Montana Land Reliance, a non-profit organization, through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (CFDA 10.931). The purpose of the award is to fund a Montana Program Coordinator to assist with Agricultural Land Easements projects. This funding supports Montana Land Reliance's efforts to secure conservation easements on private agricultural lands in Montana, which aims to protect wildlife habitat, particularly for at-risk species like sage grouse, pronghorn, and grassland birds. The award has a performance period from April 3, 2024 through September 30, 2028. Additionally, Montana Land Reliance has received multiple sub-grant awards from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to permanently conserve thousands of acres of private working ranches and grasslands in Montana, benefiting various wildlife species.