Administrative Rule Review 2026-2027
The Montana DNRC is reviewing administrative rules for recreational use of state trust land to understand if there are any needs for changes.
We Want to Hear From You
DNRC is launching a public survey to gather input from users of state trust land to help identify if there is an interest or need to update Montana's existing recreational use rules. The survey will not initiate a formal rulemaking process, but will help DNRC define the scope of any future rule revisions, gauge overall interest in changes, and identify topics that are most important to Montanans. All users of state trust land are encouraged to respond.
Survey will be open March 2 - March 31.
What's Next
DNRC will review survey results and conduct further stakeholder outreach in early spring of 2026. Outcomes and next steps will be shared on this webpage and through our newsletter. Join the mailing list ensure you get the latest updates!
Details on Prior Rulemaking Phases:
Through the fall and winter of 2024, DNRC worked to remedy rules that conflicted with existing statute, and to align food storage requirements with other state lands and federal lands in Montana. A proposal notice was approved by the Montana Board of Land Commissioners (Land Board) at their August 19, 2024 meeting. DNRC scoped for public comment and for environmental impacts through October 4, 2024, and a public hearing was held on September 26, 2024. The Land Board approved the adoption notice at their January 21, 2025 meeting, and the amended rules were effective on February 7, 2025.
Phase 2 rulemaking considers renumbering and organizing public use rules within their own section of the administrative rules, and simplifying language throughout. This rulemaking effort is to make the rules easier to find and understand. The proposal notice was published by the Secretary of State on July 11, 2025, and the department took public comment and hosted a hearing on August 8, 2025 on the drafted rules. The Land Board approved the adoption notice at their October 20, 2025 meeting. The new rules were published with the Secretary of State and are effective as of November 8, 2025. See side bar for details on important dates.
Phase 3 contemplates a broad review for relevancy and will consider opportunities to change rule language and outcomes. Phase 3 rulemaking is anticipated to begin in early 2026 with stakeholder and public outreach.
References and Links
Administrative Rules (subchapter 36.25.12)
Statute (MCA Title 77, Chapter 1, Part 8)
Public Survey - Link Coming Soon!
Important Dates
Public Survey Period
Closes March 31, 2026
Get Involved