(1) There shall be a master plan for each state natural area. The master plan shall set forth in detail the responsibility for the management of an individual state natural area. Each master plan shall be reviewed by the council and the managing entity and be approved by the board.

(2) As a minimum, each master plan shall include the following management practices:

(a) use of state natural areas shall be allowed only to such an extent and in such a manner as will not impair nor substantially alter the natural conditions. The use tolerance of each portion of the state natural area shall be defined, and access and use shall be confined as dictated by this carrying capacity.

(b) Each state natural area shall have a managing entity as designated by the department. The specific duties applicable to each area and the form of agreement between the managing entity and the department shall be included in the master plan.

(c) The managing entity shall submit such reports as are required by the department. Such reports shall include, but not be limited to:

(i) recommended changes of management practices in the master plan;

(ii) significant influences affecting natural conditions;

(iii) beneficial or adverse trends; and

(iv) a complete account of all research activities which have occurred on the site.

(d) The master plan shall describe and restrict the structures and facilities which may be included on a state natural area. Pre-existing and proposed land uses which do not conform to the Montana Natural Areas Act of 1974, these rules, and the theme on which establishment of the area was predicted will be prohibited, within the constraints of prior legal obligations, by the master plan.

(e) The master plan shall prescribe appropriate land management practices including, but not limited to, scenic and landscape management; vegetation and wildlife management; the elimination of public injury obstructions; the purposeful removal or introduction of objects, vehicles, domestic animals, or water; and the regulation of erosion, disease, insects, and fire.

(f) Permits for research or collecting on each state natural area shall be required as specified in each master plan.

(g) The master plan may be amended upon the board's approval. The department will notify the council of amendments at least 20 days prior to this action.