Reducing Nonpoint Source Pollution Funding

I’m writing because the MWCC Watershed Fund has funding currently available for professional development opportunities (trainings, events, and workshops) that will allow BSWC members and host site personnel to acquire skills and knowledge relevant to: 1) Reducing and preventing nonpoint source pollution in their watersheds and 2) Building long-term capacity to implement DEQ-accepted Watershed Restoration Plans. Awards are typically less than $500 and may cover registration fees, lodging, and travel costs for pertinent, in-state events on a reimbursement basis. Funding is available on a rolling basis throughout the year, until funds run out. Funding requests must be submitted at least 14 days before the training or event start date. At the bottom of this email I’ve included two upcoming professional development opportunities that may qualify for this funding, depending on your host site’s needs and water quality goals.

Not all BSWC members and host sites are eligible for this funding, but I am sending this announcement out to everyone so I don’t accidentally miss anyone. I’ve copied our eligibility requirements below. If you’re in doubt or have any questions about your host site’s eligibility, feel free to reach out.

Details about this funding opportunity are on the 2023 BSWC Professional Development Support web page. Click the following link for more information about all MWCC Watershed Fund BSWC Support Funding.

BSWC members, BSWC host site supervisors, and host site personnel who are actively implementing DEQ-accepted WRPs are eligible to apply. Additionally, these host sites must be local watershed conservation organizations, such as watershed groups; conservation, irrigation, and water quality districts; non-profits; forest collaboratives; Tribally led nonprofits; and Tribal government agencies. Federal and state agencies, individuals, and for-profit entities are not eligible.

• Montana Soil Health Symposium, hosted by the Montana Association of Conservation Districts and the Montana Natural Resources Conservation Service. Feb. 7-9. This event is less than two weeks away, so if you are applying for funding to attend, please do so as soon as possible.
• Volunteer Water Monitoring Training, hosted by Montana DEQ, Montana State University, Monitoring Montana Waters, and MWCC. May 10-12. Website and registration are not yet available, but I’ve attached the Save the Date flyer to this email.
• Trainings listed on the MWCC Events & Trainings Calendar may also qualify if they are directly related to preventing and reducing nonpoint source pollution.