Big Sky Turf Conversion Rebate 2026 | $5 per sq ft Native Vegetation

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Big Sky, Montana Water Rebates

The Gallatin River Task Force runs Big Sky water conservation rebates, including a turf conversion rebate that pays $5 per square foot to replace lawn with native vegetation or permeable hard surface, up to $5,000 per installation address. You convert at least 100 square feet. The step most people skip is the pre-approval site visit with the Conservation Manager, which has to happen before the turf comes out.

$5 / sq ft up to $5,000 · Verified June 2026

Turf Conversion Rebate

Open the official program site

How to apply

Schedule a pre-approval site visit with the Conservation Manager
Plan a conversion of at least 100 sq ft to native vegetation or permeable surface
Complete the conversion work after pre-approval
Take photos of the installed, operational landscape
Submit the Outdoor Rebate Application to receive $5 per sq ft, up to $5,000

What you'll need

Pre-approval confirmation from the site visit
Before photos of the existing turf
Completed Outdoor Rebate Application form
After photos of the installed, operational landscape
Itemized receipts

Pollinator Patch can help: It picks Big Sky natives suited to the Gallatin River watershed, designs an HOA-friendly layout that clears the 100 square foot minimum, and assembles your before-photo and plant-list packet for the site visit.

Avoid these mistakes

Don't remove turf before the pre-approval site visit. The site visit has to come first.
Don't convert less than 100 square feet. That is the program minimum.
Don't replace turf with more turf or non-permeable hardscape. Only native vegetation or permeable surfaces qualify.

Big Sky Water Rebate FAQs

How much does the Big Sky turf conversion rebate pay?

$5 per square foot of turf converted to native vegetation or permeable surface, up to $5,000 per installation address, with a 100 square foot minimum (Gallatin River Task Force Big Sky outdoor rebates, verified June 2026).

Do I need a site visit before starting?

Yes. A pre-approval site visit with the Conservation Manager is required before you remove any turf. Starting early can disqualify the project.

What can I replace the turf with?

Native vegetation such as grasses, flowers, shrubs, and trees, or a permeable hard surface like cobblestone, or a combination. New turf and non-permeable hardscape do not qualify.

Is there a minimum area?

Yes. You have to convert at least 100 square feet of turf to qualify.

Free step-by-step help with every rebate above

Every program above comes with a free guided checklist in the Pollinator Patch app: the steps in order, warnings before the mistakes that disqualify applications, and a photo locker that keeps your before and after photos and receipts together. A few high-value programs also offer an optional ready-to-file application packet for a one-time $29.99.