12.12.119    DAY USE, GROUP USE, AND SPECIAL USE PERMIT

(1) Special use permits must be obtained when required. 

(2) A special use permit and payment of required fees are required for:

(a) organized groups or gatherings with 30 or more people at a state park or fishing access site, and 10 or more people at a wildlife management area, fisheries conservation area, or wildlife habitat protection area;

(b) special events such as weddings and reunions; or

(c) reservable facilities such as shelters, pavilions, amphitheaters, meeting rooms, or other facilities or areas. 

(3) A special use permit may be required for:

(a) organized groups or gatherings with fewer than 30 people; or

(b) special uses or activities based on type of use or site-specific conditions.

(4) The availability of a special use permit depends on factors such as:  

(a)  management purposes for the site;

(b)  department capacity to manage the event or activity;

(c)  impacts on the cultural, heritage, natural, wildlife, and recreational resources;

(d)  impacts on interpretive, visitor service, other program activities, or with the administrative activities of the department; or

(e)  impacts on the general public at the site.

(5) Facilities such as shelters, pavilions, amphitheaters, meeting rooms, or other similar facilities or areas may be reserved, subject to availability and approval by staff.

(a) Reservations must be made within the established reservation window.

(b) Reservations may be denied or canceled by the site manager to address public safety or resource protection concerns.

(c) When using a reservable facility, the confirmed reservation will serve as the special use permit.

(d) If not reserved, facilities are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

(6) All recipients of a special use permit and people associated with the permitted activity must comply with the terms and conditions of the permit.

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.