The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) announces the launch of the ranchland stewardship program with grants to advance innovation in regenerative grazing of Montana’s rangelands. The program leverages data‑driven adaptive management practices that improve soil health, strengthen agricultural productivity and enhance the economic viability of Montana ranching operations. By uniting ranchers, researchers, agencies and communities, the initiative establishes Montana as a model for science-based, partnership-driven rangeland restoration.
Through implementing regenerative grazing practices and soil‑health improvements, the program will provide opportunities to increase soil carbon and position Montana as a national leader in sustainable, profitable agriculture. The program’s goal is to support rangeland stewardship and increase carbon storage on 100,000 acres over four years.
The program also aims to enhance producer profitability by demonstrating how healthy soils and adaptive grazing boost forage productivity, improve drought resilience and create diverse income opportunities.
Grants are available for state and local governments, tribal governments and nonprofit organizations to support grazing practices that promote soil health and increase carbon storage on Montana rangelands. DNRC is currently accepting grant applications and applicants can receive up to $1.5 million. The grant will remain open until all $7.5 million has been awarded to eligible entities for qualifying projects.
Funding for the grant comes from a $49.7 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to increase the resilience of our forests, agricultural lands, waterways, and communities through voluntary innovation and incentive-based projects. The ranchland stewardship program, managed by DNRC’s rangeland resources program, is one of seven coordinated projects which will improve natural landscapes, reduce risks from wildfire and other land-based sources of emissions, and invest in practical, low-carbon technologies tied to agriculture and forestry.
For more information about the ranchland stewardship program, to express interest in partnership or to apply for the grant, visit: https://www.mtrangelands.org/ranchland-stewardship-program.
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MT DNRC – 2026
