Title 76, Title 76

A natural area, as defined in 76-12-104, may become subject to the provisions of this part in any of the following ways: (1) designation by the board on lands controlled by the board; (2) designation by the legislature on lands owned by the state of Montana; (3) acquisition by th…

Subject to the limits of available appropriations, the board is authorized to acquire interests in land by purchase, grant, deed, gift, or devise for the purpose of designating natural areas.

The board may, as provided in 5-11-210, submit to each legislature a report on its designation and acquisition activities.

Natural areas acquired or designated in accordance with the provisions of this part are protected from condemnation or other development adversely affecting the integrity of the natural area until legislative action is taken specifically authorizing the development or condemnatio…

Land uses on the designated or acquired natural area in existence at the time of designation or acquisition by the board may continue under appropriate leases or agreements. All such land uses shall be controlled under regulations established by the board under 76-12-112.

(1) The board shall, after at least one public hearing, promulgate comprehensive regulations for the protection of acquired and designated natural areas within its jurisdiction. Such regulations shall be consistent with the intent of this part and shall be promulgated and enforce…

The department shall consult with citizen organizations, organizations representing Montana's basic resource industries, and other interested state agencies in the administration of this part.

All files and proceedings under this part shall be open to the public.

A designated natural area that is or shall become a part of a state park, wildlife refuge, or similar area shall be subject to the provisions of this part and the laws under which the other areas may be administered, and in the case of conflict between the provisions of these law…

The department may: (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…

(1) There is a natural areas special revenue account within the state special revenue fund established in 17-2-102. (2) The natural areas account may receive funds from any source as gifts. (3) The department may spend funds accepted as gifts in accordance with the purposes of th…