Program Overview
Nonpoint Source Project Funding
DEQ provides approximately $1,000,000 each year to local watershed groups, conservation districts, educational institutions, and government entities to design and implement on-the-ground projects that reduce and prevent nonpoint source pollution. Increasingly, DEQ is focusing funding on projects that will restore natural processes (e.g., stream channel migration, floodplain connectivity, native riparian revegetation) and are likely to result in measurable improvements in water quality.
Funding Sources: United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 319(h) of the Federal Clean Water Act and Montana House Bill 6 Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Renewable Resource grant funds.
Total Funding Available: Approximately $1,000,000.
Funding Distribution:
- $500K to On-The-Ground projects located within the Lower Gallatin and Shields Focus Watersheds. (Lower Gallatin is a DEQ Nonpoint Source Focus watershed; Shields is an NRCS National Water Quality Initiative watershed)
- $500K (plus any unallocated funds from the Focus Watersheds) to On-The-Ground projects elsewhere in Montana, and to Capacity Building / Education and Outreach projects.
On-the-Ground Projects:
Recommended Range for Funding Requests: $10,000-$300,000
Application Form: On-the-Ground Projects
Capacity Building / Education and Outreach Projects:
Recommended Range for Funding Requests: $10,000-$30,000
Application Form: Capacity Building / Education and Outreach Projects
Match Requirements
A 40 percent match (cost share) is recommended; a minimum 10 percent match is required. The match must be from non-federal sources (state, local, private), and may include in-kind donations of time and resources contributed to completion of the project.
Use the following formula to calculate the minimum amount of non-federal match for your project: ((319 dollars requested)/.90) – (grant funding requested) = 10% required non-federal match. Use 0.60 in the formula to calculate the 40% recommended non-federal match.
Q&A
As DEQ staff respond to questions from the public, we frequently provide answers that could apply to a broad spectrum of projects. This Q&A document was intended to make these answers more accessible to other applicants who may have similar questions.
Applicant Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a governmental entity or a nonprofit organization. A governmental entity is a local, state, or federal organization that has been established and authorized by law. Nonprofit organizations are identified as having a tax-exempt declaration of 501(c)(3) from the Internal Revenue Service.
- Be registered with the Montana Secretary of State to do business in the state of Montana.
- Have the necessary liability insurance, and be in compliance with the Workers Compensation Act.
Project Eligibility
Projects must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Address nonpoint source pollution.
- Implement actions or practices identified in a DEQ-accepted Watershed Restoration Plan, an EPA-approved Tribal Nonpoint Source plan, or the current Montana Nonpoint Source Management Plan.
- Be completable within three years. (Note: In some instances, sponsors may be encouraged to apply for funding for design and permitting, and then come back and apply for funding for actual construction in a subsequent year.)
- On-The-Ground projects must address impairments identified on Montana’s 2020 List of Impaired Waters. In some instances, projects on streams that are not listed as impaired may be acceptable. These projects must reduce pollutant loading to an impaired, downstream receiving water OR protect existing uses from becoming impaired.
Additional minimum standards and requirements are included in the Call for Applications.
The following activities are NOT eligible for funding:
- Development of a Watershed Restoration Plan, exception made for Capacity Building projects.
- Activities required as a condition of a point source (MPDES) discharge permit.
- Projects whose primary purpose is to protect infrastructure from natural stream channel migration.
- Use of non-native plant species in restoration projects.
- Rip-rap, except in instances where it is necessary to protect a new bridge or culvert designed to restore aquatic organism passage.
- Projects designed to address violations of state and federal law (e.g., projects that stem from a 310 violation or an Army Corps violation).
- Projects that result in a net loss of wetlands or wetland function.
- Statewide education and outreach campaigns.
Additional information is included in the Call for Applications.
The 2024 Round 2 Call for Applications was announced in February 2024.
2024 Round 2 Funding Decisions:
Funding Decision Summary
Project Comment Summary
Funding Request Summary Table
Webmap of submitted applications
Lower Gallatin and Shields Focus Watersheds | On-The-Ground Projects
- Trout Unlimited – Camp Creek
- Trout Unlimited – Canyon Creek
- Gallatin Watershed Council – Spring Creek Farms
Statewide | On-The-Ground Projects
- Clark Fork Coalition - Miller Creek 7 Mile
- Bitterroot Water Partnership - Tolan Creek Drainage
- Big Hole Watershed Committee - Elkhorn Ranch
- Trout Unlimited - Ninemile Phase 7
- City of Kalispell - Spring Creek Stormwater
- Trout Unlimited - Flint Creek
Statewide | Capacity Building and Education & Outreach Projects
- Sun River Watershed Group
- Clearwater Resource Council
- Clark Fork Watershed Education Program
- Bitterroot Water Partnership
- Montana Association of Conservation Districts
- Montana Watershed Coordination Council
Timeline
Date | Event |
---|---|
Monday, 2/12/2024 | Issue 2024 Round 2 Call for Applications |
Until Wednesday, 4/3/2024 at 5:00 pm | DEQ will ensure staff availability for answering questions, reviewing draft applications, and providing other assistance. |
Friday, 4/5/2024, 5:00 pm | Final, signed applications and all attachments due to DEQ by 5:00 pm |
Thursday, 4/18/2024 | Agency Review Panel meeting |
Friday, 4/26/2024, 5:00 pm | Notice of Intent to Award sent to project applicants |
4/29/2024 through 5/10/2024 | Contract development (DEQ and successful applicants) |
October 2024 | Funding becomes available |
Application Information
All project applicants must thoroughly read the Call for Applications. All project applicants are encouraged to contact a member of the DEQ Nonpoint Source staff prior to submitting their application. If contact is made soon enough, we are often available to review draft applications, provide pre-application site visits, and offer suggestions to help improve the competitiveness of your application.
- Call for Applications - 2024 Round 2
- A – Scoring Sheets
- B1 – On-the-Ground Project Application Form
- B2 – Supplemental Project Application Form
- B3 - On-the-Ground Project Budget Template (download)
- B4 – Capacity/Education Outreach Project Application Form
- B5 - Capacity/Education Outreach Project Budget Template (download)
- C – Example Contract and Scope of Work Template
- Appendix A - Grant Cycle
- Appendix B - Additional Program Requirements
- Appendix C - Project Examples
Funding Overview
Funding Sources:
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 319(h) of the Federal Clean Water Act and Montana House Bill 6 Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Renewable Resource grant funds.
Total Funding Available: Approximately $1,000,000.
Funding Distribution:
- $500K to On-The-Ground projects located within the Lower Gallatin and Shields Focus Watersheds. (Lower Gallatin is a DEQ Nonpoint Source Focus watershed; Shields is an NRCS National Water Quality Initiative watershed)
- $500K (plus any unallocated funds from the Focus Watersheds) to On-The-Ground projects elsewhere in Montana, and to Capacity Building / Education and Outreach projects.
Project Types:
On-the-Ground Projects:
Recommended Range for Funding Requests: $10,000-$300,000
Application Form: On-the-Ground Projects
Capacity Building / Education and Outreach Projects:
Recommended Range for Funding Requests: $10,000-$30,000
Application Form: Capacity Building / Education and Outreach Projects
Match Requirements
A 40 percent match (cost share) is recommended; a minimum 10 percent match is required. The match must be from non-federal sources (state, local, private), and may include in-kind donations of time and resources contributed to completion of the project.
Use the following formula to calculate the minimum amount of non-federal match for your project: ((319 dollars requested)/.90) – (grant funding requested) = 10% required non-federal match. Use 0.60 in the formula to calculate the 40% recommended non-federal match.
Q&A
As DEQ staff respond to questions from the public, we frequently provide answers that could apply to a broad spectrum of projects. This Q&A document was intended to make these answers more accessible to other applicants who may have similar questions.
Q&A document
The 2024 Round 1 Call for Applications was announced in August 2023. The applications under Round 1 were all successful and are included as examples here:
Lower Gallatin Focus Watershed
- Gallatin Watershed Council – Branch Out Bozeman
- Gallatin Watershed Council – Spring Creek Farms
- Trout Unlimited – Dry Creek
Mini-Grant Programs
Statewide
Reporting Guidance
- Status, Annual and Final Report Guidance
- Estimating the Value of Volunteer Labor
- Load Reduction Estimation Guide
Additional Resources
- Stream and Wetland Restoration Water Right Guidance by DNRC
- DEQ Education and Outreach Mini-Grant Program (administered by Montana Association of Conservation Districts)
- Other Watershed Funding Opportunities
- Projects Map
Nonpoint source Contacts
Section Supervisor
Hannah Riedl (406) 444-0549
Water Quality Specialist
Mark Ockey (406) 444-5351
Water Quality Specialist
Meagan Gilmore (406) 755-8981
Water Quality Specialist
Ella Lunny (406) 444-6740
Senior Wetland Specialist
Stephen Carpenedo (406) 444-3527
Water Quality Specialist
Torie Haraldson (406) 556-4511
Education and Outreach Specialist
Tiffany Lyden (406) 444-3576
Other Resources
Each year, DEQ reports on nonpoint source program achievements and activities. Click on the links below to see copies of past Annual Reports.
- 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019, PDF version | 2020, PDF version | 2021, PDF version | 2022, PDF version |2023, PDF version
Every five years, Montana updates the state Nonpoint Source Management Plan to reflect new approaches and emerging priorities. The current Plan may be viewed by clicking on the links below.
- 2017 Montana Nonpoint Source Management Plan (body)
- Appendix A: Best Management Practices
- Appendix B: Key Components of an Effective NPS Management Program & Crosswalk
- Appendix C: Water Quality Monitoring & Nonpoint Source Management
- Appendix D: Total Maximum Daily Load & Watershed Restoration Plan Progress
- Appendix E: Entities Addressing Nonpoint Source Pollution in Montana
- Appendix F: Protecting Groundwater Quality
- Appendix G: Section 319 Projects (2012-2016)
- Appendix H: Watershed Funding Opportunities
- Appendix I: Response to Public Comments
DEQ provides limited funding for education and outreach through our E&O Mini-Grants Program, administered by Soil and Water Conservation. We are also often available to provide group presentations on a wide range of watershed health topics. DEQ provides significant support to watershed groups through partnerships and joint projects with the Montana Watershed Coordination Council, Montana Association of Conservation Districts, and state and federal agency partners.
Check out the education and outreach materials below that the 319 Program helped fund.Topic | Summary | Project Sponsor |
---|---|---|
Beavers | A video (5 minutes) about beaver mimicry for stream restoration | Gallatin Watershed Council |
Boating | Lake-friendly fueling: a factsheet | Flathead Lakers |
Landownership | Livingonthebank.org, an online resource for buying, selling, or improving land along lakes, streams, and rivers. | Lewis and Clark Conservation District |
Landownership | A stewardship guide with basic information and best practices related to water, wildlife, forestry, grazing, wetlands, native and invasive plants, and more | Blackfoot Challenge |
Lawn maintenance | Lake-friendly lawns: a factsheet | Flathead Lakers |
Livestock Management | Avoiding algal issues in stockwater ponds: a magazine article | MSU Extension |
Livestock Management | On-site Guide for Livestock Operators | Soil and Water Conservation Districts of Montana |
Pet Waste | Poop Scoop Signs | Gallatin Valley Land Trust |
Riparian areas | Riparian Awareness Campaign: a video (30 seconds) | Missoula Valley Water Quality District |
Riparian areas | Channel migration zones and easements: The Shape of a River, short video (12 minutes) | Montana Aquatic Resources Services |
Septic Systems | A factsheet | Flathead Lakers |
Septic Systems | A checklist to maintain your septic system's record | Flathead Lakers |
Streams | Montana Stream Permitting: A Guide for Conservation District Supervisors and Others | Multiple partners |
Watersheds | An "augmented reality sandbox" for use as an education tool. Visit Lake County CD's website to learn more, and check out the | Lake County Conservation District |
Watersheds | Audio and printed watershed stories, featuring individuals and organizations around the state. | Montana Watershed Coordination |
Winter maintenance | Winter de-icing: a factsheet | Flathead Lakers |
Montana DEQ encourages the development of locally-led Watershed Restoration Plans (WRPs) as a means of charting a path to improved water quality. All 319-funded projects must implement practices identified in a DEQ-accepted Watershed Restoration Plan.
WRP | Sponsor | Status |
---|---|---|
Beaverhead | Beaverhead Watershed Committee | Accepted 2014, under revision, will include Red Rock |
Bitterroot | Bitter Root Water Forum | Accepted 2020 |
Blackfoot River | Blackfoot Challenge | Accepted 2014 |
Central Clark Fork Tributaries | Under Development | |
Clarks Fork Yellowstone | Under Development | |
Clearwater | Clearwater Resource Council | Under Development |
Deep Creek | Broadwater Conservation District | Accepted 2014 |
Flathead Lake | Flathead Lakers | Accepted 2014 |
Flathead Stillwater | Flathead Conservation District | Accepted 2017 |
Flint Creek | Granite Headwaters Watershed Group | Accepted 2014 |
Kootenai Basin | Kootenai River Network Inc | Accepted 2015 |
Lake Helena | Lake Helena Watershed Group/Lewis & Clark Water Quality Protection District | Accepted 2016 |
Little Blackfoot | Trout Unlimited | Accepted 2016 |
Lolo Creek | Lolo Watershed Group | Accepted 2013 |
Lower Clark Fork | Lower Clark Fork Watershed Group | Accepted 2019 |
Lower Gallatin | Greater Gallatin Watershed Council | Accepted 2014 |
Lower Jefferson River | Trout Unlimited | Under Development |
Madison Watershed | Madison Conservation District | Accepted 2024 |
Miller Creek | Missoula Valley Water Quality Protection District | Accepted 2018 |
Middle and Lower Big Hole Watershed | Big Hole Watershed Committee | Accepted 2013, Under Revision |
Middle Fork Judith | Trout Unlimited | Accepted 2022 |
Ninemile Creek | Trout Unlimited | Accepted 2013 |
Rock Creek | Trout Unlimited | Accepted 2018 |
Ruby | Ruby Watershed Group | Accepted 2015 |
Shields River Watershed | Park Conservation District | Accepted 2012 |
St. Regis | Trout Unlimited | Under Development |
Sun River | Sun River Watershed Group | Accepted 2022 |
Swan Basin | Swan Ecosystem Center | Accepted 2012 |
Teton River | Teton Watershed Group | Accepted 2010 |
Thompson River | Lower Clark Fork Watershed Group | Accepted 2018 |
Upper & North Fork Big Hole Watershed | Big Hole Watershed Committee | Accepted 2012 |
Upper Clark Fork River Tributaries | Watershed Restoration Coalition | Accepted 2012 |
Upper Gallatin River | Blue Water Task Force | Accepted 2012 |
Upper Jefferson | Jefferson River Watershed Council | Under Development |
Nine Minimum Elements
Each Watershed Restoration Plan must address nine minimum elements.
- Identification of causes of impairment and sources of pollution.
- An estimate of the pollutant load reductions needed to achieve water quality standard
- A description of the nonpoint source management measures needed to achieve pollutant load reductions.
- An estimate of the technical and financial assistance needed to implement the management measures.
- An education and outreach component to encourage public participation in designing and implementing the management measures.
- A reasonable schedule for implementing the management measures.
- Milestones to gauge progress in implementing the management measures.
- Criteria for determining to what extent management measures are reducing pollutant loads and improving water quality over time.
- A monitoring plan for collecting the data necessary to evaluate improvements based on the criteria above.
Planning Tools and Guidance
The Environmental Protection Agency and other entities have developed tools to guide watershed restoration plan development.
- Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters (EPA) - An extensive guide to watershed restoration planning.
- A QUICK GUIDE to Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters (EPA)
- The “Readers Digest Condensed Version” of the EPA Handbook. - EPA Region 5 Wetlands Supplement: Incorporating Wetlands into Watershed Planning (EPA) - Guide for incorporating wetlands protection/restoration into a WRP.
- Watershed Restoration Planning in Montana: An Introductory Guide (DEQ, SWCDM, Madison CD) - A guide based on the experiences of Montana entities that have written WRPs.
- Getting In Step: Outreach Series (EPA) - Website containing guidance for conducting watershed education and outreach.
- Watershed Academy (EPA) - Self-paced, online training modules and webcasts from national experts about a wide range of watershed management topics.
- Clean Water Act Information Center (DEQ) - DEQ website that provides access to the assessed and impaired waters lists, in searchable database and interactive map formats, as well as a large volume of other water-related information.