This program utilizes qualified non-profit youth- and veteran-serving organizations to carry out appropriate natural and cultural resource conservation, education, volunteer service and education…

Award Overview

The National Park Service (NPS), under the Youth and Veteran Organizations Conservation Activities program (CFDA 15.931), awarded a cooperative agreement totaling $271,001.70 to Montana Conservation Corps, Inc. on August 15, 2025. The agreement extends through September 30, 2026, and will be performed at Big Hole National Battlefield in Montana.

Products and Services

Montana Conservation Corps will deliver critical infrastructure rehabilitation and preservation services at Big Hole National Battlefield through the employment of youth and veteran conservation crews. Specific deliverables include upgrading the Siege Area Trail Bridge and Bear Paw Bridge through removal of old structures, installation of new decking and railings, and replacement of the South Boundary Fence with durable new construction. These improvements directly enhance visitor safety, preserve the park's cultural resources, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and ensure an improved visitor experience. As part of the Youth and Veteran Organizations Conservation Activities program, Montana Conservation Corps will simultaneously provide career development, skills training, and professional mentorship to young adults and veterans engaged in this meaningful conservation work, creating workforce development opportunities while addressing essential resource management needs on federal lands.

This program utilizes qualified non-profit youth- and veteran-serving organizations to carry out appropriate natural and cultural resource conservation, education, volunteer service and education projects on department of the interior lands through authorized national park service programs. This project will rehabilitate critical infrastructure at big hole national battlefield by upgrading the siege area trail bridge and bear PAW bridge and replacing the south boundary fence. Tasks include removing old structures, installing new decking and railings, and constructing a durable fence. These improvements will enhance visitor safety and preserve the park s cultural resources, ensuring a better experience for future visitors while reducing maintenance costs.beneficiaries include private non-profit institutions and organizations public and private non-profit academic institutions state and local government agencies quasi-public non-profit institutions and organizations that support youth and young adult career training and development, and education in the areas of natural and or cultural resource conservation and management. Individuals families students and the general public will receive a benefit from the development and execution of these programs and projects.