The purpose of this grant project is to install one fish barriers and improve an existing one on two key tributary streams that currently support genetically unaltered populations of westslope…

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Division received a $117,526 Formula Grant award from the U.S. Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 6 under the State Wildlife Grants (SWG) Program (CFDA 15.634), effective August 1, 2025, with a completion date of June 30, 2027. The grant funds the installation of one new fish barrier and the improvement of an existing fish barrier on two key tributary streams in Montana that currently support genetically unaltered populations of westslope cutthroat trout. These barriers are designed to protect native trout populations from displacement, predation, and hybridization resulting from the encroachment of non-native trout species.

The project directly aligns with the SWG Program's core objective of implementing strategic, proactive conservation programs that benefit species of greatest conservation need identified in state Wildlife Action Plans. By establishing physical barriers to prevent interactions with invasive species, this initiative supports ecosystem protection and species preservation prior to the need for endangered species protections, consistent with the program's preventive conservation focus.

The purpose of this grant project is to install one fish barriers and improve an existing one on two key tributary streams that currently support genetically unaltered populations of westslope cutthroat trout. These efforts will help protect these populations from displacement^ predation and hybridization caused by the encroachment of non native trout species.