SUMMARY OF GRANT REQUIREMENTS:
- Recipients must be livestock producers (or a group of producers). May also be an ag youth organization (4-H, FFA, etc.) or a non-profit (including grazing associations) working on behalf of livestock producers.
- The project must protect cattle, bison, swine, horses, mules, sheep, goats, or llamas from depredations caused by wolves, grizzly bears, black bears or mountain lions.
- Total grant award may not exceed 10% of the value of livestock to be protected (this is calculated by LLB using standard valuation practices).
- Prevention practices must be identified as acceptable in Livestock Loss Board (LLB), USDA Wildlife Services, MT FWP publications or policies (or other publications approved by the LLB).
- Livestock and land must be located in Montana.
- The LLB will verify that grant applicants have paid per capita fees prior to awarding a grant.
- Tribal members must verify animal numbers using approved third-party verification.
- Livestock guard dog expenses are limited to:
- Priority is given to applicants with a history of depredation by wolves, grizzly bears, black bears or mountain lions.
- Applicants must supply a 30% match.
- Grant recipients must provide a written report to the LLB within 12 months of receiving an award.
If working on behalf of other producers, each producer must submit a Loss Prevention Grant Supplement with the application.
Common practices funded have included range riding, carcass composting, fencing, fladry, and livestock guardian dog purchase/support.
O Prevention practices must comply with land use restrictions (such as conservation easements, leases, zoning, etc.) and with federal, state, and local laws.
○ Administrative costs cannot exceed 10% of total funding and may not exceed $25/hour.
○ Purchase costs (up to $500 per dog),
Standard veterinary exams and vaccinations.
Food and other costs incurred while the dogs are protecting livestock.
○ Match funding may include cash or in-kind services (such as labor or equipment).
○ Labor may not be valued over $25/hour.
○ Administrative costs may not be used as in-kind match funding.
Grant recipients who fail to provide adequate reports will not be eligible to reapply for a period of three years.