The Montana Wildlife & Transportation Partnership (MWTP) is accepting applications for projects from the public proposing collaborative, stand-alone wildlife accommodation projects that can help reduce wildlife vehicle conflict (WVC) and enhance wildlife connectivity within the state’s highway infrastructure.

MWTP is a collaborative group of representatives from the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Montanans for Safe Wildlife Passage (MSWP).

This public-private partnership program addresses the need for transportation projects dedicated to accommodating wildlife and improving motorist safety on Montana state highways by leveraging capacity and capital investment with stakeholders.

Starting Nov. 1, the application form will be is available online at mt.accessgov.com/mdt/Forms/Page/mdt-tp/mwtpprojectapplication/. Applications will be accepted through midnight Nov. 30. After applications are received, MWTP will evaluate project proposals and support selected applicants through the feasibility study and project development phases.

Beginning in 2026, the call for project proposals and the application form will be open year-round. Smaller, less complex projects that are determined not to require a feasibility study (e.g., signing, fencing, minor retrofits) will be reviewed by MWTP as they are received. MWTP will review larger, more complex project proposals requiring a feasibility study prior to implementation once a year beginning in April. Project selection will occur annually by June 30.

The four projects currently underway through MWTP are in western Montana. Project applications of all sizes in all regions of the state will be considered. MWTP encourages project consideration and applications in central and eastern Montana to address wildlife and transportation needs in those areas as well.

Collaboration is essential to focus public-private resources as groups prepare applications for the project program. The application process requires coordination, time and investment. Please visit the MWTP webpage at www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/mwt/ to view application guidance documents and additional resources. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact MWTP members through the Contact Us link (mdtmwtp@mt.gov) on the website or send an email to mdtmwtp@mt.gov to ask questions and seek assisance specific to their project proposal and application.

MWTP is eager to receive your project applications. Consult with local FWP or MDT biologists and focus on partnerships, information sharing and finer scale data gathering to support the purpose, need, proposed solutions and expected benefit in your application. Working together to leverage information, capacity and resources will encourage more good work through collaboration to address wildlife and transportation challenges in Montana.