The WHIP program is overseen by a citizen advisory council (MCA 87-5-803).  Council members are appointed by the Director of FWP through an application process. Council members are responsible for advising the department on WHIP program administration and for reviewing, ranking, and recommending proposed projects for funding. FWP completes the final review and determination of funding.

Voting members consist of:

• The director of the department or a representative of the department;

• a representative of a hunting organization in Montana;

• a representative of a multiple-use recreation organization in Montana;

• a representative of the timber industry in Montana;

• a livestock producer or a representative of a livestock producer organization in Montana;

• a farmer or a representative of a farming organization in Montana;

• a commercial applicator as defined in MCA 80-8-102;

• a representative of biological research and control interests;

• a representative of the Montana Weed Control Association; and

• a county commissioner, district weed board member, or weed district supervisor.

Non-voting council members consist of:

• the State Weed Coordinator; and

• one representative from each of the following:  U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation; and an Indian tribe.

How to Apply

The Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program (WHIP) Advisory Council is accepting applications for new members from.

• 2024 WHIP Application (PDF)

Questions? Contact Andrew Amidon, FWP WHIP Coordinator, at 406-444-7291 or andrew.amidon@mt.gov