Open Lands Funding Application Process

The Open Space Levy passed by voters in 2018 allows the County to levy up to 4.5 mills annually for open space related purposes consistent with the ballot language.  Of the 4.5 mills levied, 0.5 mills are transferred to the parks fund for capital improvements and maintenance needs of County-owned parks.  The remaining 4 mills are split into two buckets – “Conservation Projects” and “Other Eligible Projects.”  Conservation Projects are projects related to the purchase of land and conservation easements to conserve farm and ranch lands, provide recreation, protect water quality of streams and rivers, manage growth, protect wildlife areas, and Other Eligible Projects are those capital improvements and maintenance projects that support the purpose of the open space levy and are eligible for funding under the Levy.

The Commission has passed several resolutions (2020-095, 2022-111, and 2023-110) related to budgeting protocol and administration of the the Open Space Levy.  In summary, these resolutions:

  • Direct the Open Lands Coordinator to work with the County Commission, applicable citizens’ advisory committees, and other appropriate stakeholders to develop administrative policies and processes, scoring criteria, and take other necessary steps to provide for both Conservation Projects and Other Eligible Projects;
  • Allow for projects related to County-owned parts to apply for funding under the competitive application process;
  • Allocate 75% of the available project funds to Conservation Projects and the remaining 25% of funds to Other Eligible Projects; and
  • Preserve the opportunity for the County Commission to work with their staff each year to determine the amount of money that should be reserved from the Levy to ensure that funds allocated to specific projects are available despite tax delinquencies or similar shortfalls.

There are two application cycles each year.  The "Conservation Projects" application cycle takes place in the fall, and the "Other Eligible Projects" application cycle occurs in the spring.  Application information will be posted here when the application cycles are open.  Questions should be directed to Sean O’Callaghan at (406) 582-3130 or sean.ocallaghan@gallatin.mt.gov.