The Montelores Habitat Partnership Program committee was formed in 1997 to help implement strategies that support healthy wildlife populations while minimizing big game conflicts with agriculture, which is a key part of the local economy. The committee area includes significant agricultural operations on a mix of private, federal, and state lands; and consists of a variety of habitat types. Over the last several decades, the area has experienced human population growth and its associated activities, including residential development and recreation. These changes have impacted big game population numbers, distribution, and the quality and connectivity of big game habitat, resulting in ongoing and new wildlife conflicts with agriculture on public and private lands.

The committee has identified impact areas where the majority of conflicts occur; however, projects may be implemented wherever the committee believes they will reduce or eliminate big game conflicts and assist CPW in achieving management objectives. Operating guidelines have been established to help direct funding decisions and project implementation, and to ensure that the committee’s policies and procedures are clear and consistent for all applicants. Management strategies relative to the committee’s objectives have been developed, and most projects will fall into the prescribed categories for big game conflict resolution or management objectives. The updated budget guidelines reflect the desired funding allocation and prioritization of projects.