Located in Missoula, Lewis and Clark and Powell counties, the Blackfoot Challenge will receive $2.699 million through DOI’s Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund.
“I’ve long supported the Blackfoot Challenge and this award brings them infinitely closer to being able to celebrate the completion of its larger conservation project,” said Montana Sen. Conrad Burns while announcing the grant. “The Blackfoot Challenge is a continuing success story with ranchers able to purchase large tracts of adjoining intact lands for grazing thereby continuing the long tradition of agriculture in the valley. The funding will enable rural lifestyle and history of stewardship to endure while fulfilling the intent of the HCP.”
"This funding is a huge boost for the Blackfoot community project and for conserving important fish and wildlife habitat on private lands,” said Jamie Williams, state director of The Nature Conservancy for Montana.
“Our ability to successfully conserve habitat for imperiled species depends on long-term partnerships and voluntary landowner participation,” said DOI secretary Dirk Kempthorne. “These grants provide the means for states to work with landowners and communities to conserve habitat and foster conservation stewardship efforts for future generations.”
Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act authorizes states to use grants to work with private landowners, conservation groups and other agencies to initiate conservation planning efforts and acquire and protect habitat to support the conservation of threatened and endangered species.
|
 |
 |
Add your comment now! Write your comment in the form below.
(Email address is for verification only. If you'd like to email a story, look for the link above)