12.12.105    FEE COMPLIANCE AND CLOSURE

(1)  If in effect, fee requirements for public use sites shall be posted by the department on site. 

(2)  Regulations relating to establishment of fees for recreational use of lands owned and controlled by the state of Montana, acting by and through the commission or department will not be considered or processed as subject to the Montana Administrative Procedure Act.

(3)  While in a public use site, payment is required for day use, camping, group use, or any other required fee.

(4) When a public use site is closed, a person may not enter or remain in the site.

(5)  Wildlife management areas specifically managed as big game winter range, or portions of, are closed to all public entry from December 1 at 11:59 p.m. through May 15 at noon each year unless otherwise approved by the commission and posted by the department.

(6)  Wildlife management areas not managed specifically for big game winter range are open for public entry year-round unless otherwise posted by the department.

(7)  The department may make special regulations for limited entry to closed wildlife management areas access roads or parking areas before noon on May 15 for the purpose of managing vehicles, parking, public safety, and resource impacts.  The regulations shall be posted by the department where in effect.

History: 23-1-102, 23-1-106, 23-1-111, 87-1-201, 87-1-301, 87-1-303, MCA; IMP, 23-1-102, 23-1-106, 23-1-111, 87-1-201, 87-1-301, 87-1-303, MCA; NEW, 2024 MAR p. 45, Eff. 1/13/24.