The Montana Wildlife and Transportation Partnership (MWTP or Partnership) is accepting applications for projects from the public proposing collaborative, stand-alone wildlife accommodation projects that can help reduce wildlife vehicle conflict (WVC) and enhance wildlife connectivity within the state’s highway infrastructure.

This public-private partnership program addresses the need for transportation projects dedicated to accommodating wildlife and improving motorist safety on the Montana state highway system and leveraging capacity and capital investment with stakeholders. The application cycle opened on November 1 and closes November 30, 2024. The Program’s online fillable application form is available on the MWTP webpage at www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/mwt/.

Collaboration is essential to focus public-private resources when preparing applications for the Project Program. The application process requires coordination, time, and investment. For more information, resources, webinars, and communications to assist applicants in understanding the Program and the application requirements, please visit the MWTP webpage for the latest information. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the Partnership through the ‘Contact Us’ link (mdtmwtp@mt.gov) on the website to ask questions and seek assistance specific to their project proposal and application.

Once an application is received, the Partnership will evaluate project proposals and select stand-alone wildlife accommodation projects that reduce WVCs and improve safe wildlife passage across Montana highways. The Partnership will then support selected applicants through the feasibility study and development phases. Each federal fiscal year (Oct. 1- Sept. 30), MDT allocates up to $500,000 to fund feasibility studies through the Partnership. The Partnership has already sponsored one feasibility study for the 2025 fiscal year, utilizing a majority of the funding available for this fall cycle. Although the Partnership is open to receiving project applications of all sizes, large projects requiring a substantial feasibility study may be deferred until the next fiscal year. Applicants are encouraged to review the available information on the MWTP Project Program & Application webpage www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/mwt/program.aspx and reach out to the Partnership through the ‘Contact Us’ email (mdtmwtp@mt.gov) with any questions.

MWTP is eager to receive your project applications! Consult with local FWP or MDT biologists and focus on partnerships, information sharing, and finer scale data gathering to support the purpose, need, proposed solutions, and expected benefits in your application. Working together to leverage information, capacity, and resources, will encourage more good work through collaboration to address wildlife and transportation challenges in Montana.