36.27.101    RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

(1) Projects will be undertaken only when, in the judgment of the department, the lessee has a record of good management of the land or shows evidence of improving the management of the land in order that maximum development can be achieved.

(2) In carrying out the above objectives, all assistance available from other state or federal agencies will be utilized.

(3) Agreements between the state and the lessee will be prepared to cover such details as work to be done, when, where and how it will be done and by whom. The state may also enter into joint contracts or agreements with other individuals if necessary for full development of the resource.

(4) The department will contract for goods and services required in project development and will call for bids under the department of administration when required.

(5) The department will make a land capability survey or resource inventory before and after a development or an improvement is undertaken.

(6) Before an irrigation development is started, a soil survey and topographic survey must be made. A study to show water availability and quality as well as balance between land and water must also be made. A complete investigation of water rights will be made.

(7) Where vegetative practices are employed, a study of the location, rainfall, soil and topography will be made to ascertain the probable results of such practices. Other considerations would be the probability of reinfestation of brush and weeds, the likelihood of reseeding by desirable species, and the practicability of deferring the land while it recovers.

(8) Conservation of wildlife habitat will be a consideration in any project undertaken. Every effort will be made to preserve existing habitat and wherever feasible plans for increased cover and feed will be incorporated into the projects.

(9) Certain areas of state land can be readily adapted to recreational purposes. In developing these areas consideration will be given to multiple use of the state land.

History: 77-1-601, MCA; IMP, 77-1-604 through 77-1-607, MCA; Eff. 12/31/72; TRANS, from DSL, 1998 MAR p. 761.