For immediate release: Jan. 31, 2023

Media contact:
Sean O’Callaghan, Gallatin County Planning Director
406-582-3130
sean.ocallaghan@gallatin.mt.gov

 

Application Period Open for Project Funding from the Gallatin County Open Lands Program

Gallatin County is now accepting applications from projects seeking funding through the county’s Open Lands Program.

This year, the voter-approved Open Space levy is estimated to bring in over $2.44 million total. While a majority of that money funds conservation projects, such as conservation easements for private landowners, a little over $458,000 has been earmarked by the Gallatin County Commission for “other eligible projects.”

Applicants for projects that fall into the “other eligible projects” category are encouraged to apply for this funding from now through March 17.

These projects must be related to land acquisition, capital improvements, and maintenance projects that support the purpose of the Gallatin County Open Space levy. Applicants must demonstrate how a proposed project is related to the provision of recreation, protection of water quality of streams and rivers, management of growth, or protection of wildlife areas.

Projects funded last year in this category include money toward the expansion and improvement of Peet’s Hill in Bozeman, construction of a “quiet area” at the Gallatin County Regional Park in Bozeman, and improvements to the Anderson Dog Park, also located at the Regional Park.

“We’re excited to see what kind of applications come in and what kind of projects we can support this year,” said Sean O’Callaghan, Gallatin County Planning Director and Open Lands Coordinator.

Application instructions and submittal requirements are available online here.

Applications must be submitted by 5 PM on March 17 to the Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development, 311 W. Main St., room 108, Bozeman MT, 59715.

For questions or more information, contact Sean O’Callaghan at 406-582-3130 or sean.ocallaghan@gallatin.mt.gov.

Following the application process, the Open Lands Board will score submitted proposal and recommend projects to the Gallatin County Commission for final funding approval.

“We get a lot of great projects across the county with this effort and I think it’s really an excellent opportunity to bite off some of the smaller projects outside of the larger conservation efforts,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Jennifer Boyer.

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