Montana Title 76. Land Resources and Use § 76-12-121. Duties of department--plan for natural areas system

(1) identify the existing and potential natural areas on lands under its jurisdiction and annually prepare a register listing the existing natural areas on private, county, state, and federal land;

(2) prepare and implement a biennial administrative plan for a natural areas system that will:

(3) consider the concerns and comments of the board and the public in preparing and implementing the administrative plan described in subsection (2);

(4) make recommendations to the board for designation of natural areas on state lands and for acquisition of interests in other lands for the preservation of natural areas;

(5) provide that designated natural areas on state lands are available for multiple uses, including but not limited to grazing, recreation, and snowmobiling, if such uses are consistent with the state's obligations under The Enabling Act and do not interfere with the management or integrity of the natural area; and

(6) provide that the management of natural areas on state lands includes provisions for weed control consistent with 7-22-2151. The department assumes any levy under 7-22-2142 in natural areas; the lessee is not responsible for fire suppression costs in natural areas, and the lessee is not responsible for keeping natural areas free of garbage and debris.