Since they were implemented in the spring of 1992, the rules that opened Montana’s state school trust lands to licensed recreational use also have imposed restrictions on recreationists to protect people and personal property, and to preserve the land and resources. The rules may either prohibit or restrict fireworks, open fires, camping, littering, parking, pet control and discharge of firearms, depending on the area. The most unknown or misunderstood restriction regarding Montana’s state lands access law involves road use. Motor vehicle use on accessible lands is restricted to county, state and federal roads, or to other roads designated open for recreational use. In all cases, off-road use is prohibited. This restriction applies regardless of whether the state land is posted. Some recreationists mis–takenly believe that a "designated" road is any established road or trail. Actually, a very limited number of roads are designated "open" and such designation is granted only if the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation (DNRC) determines that the criteria for such a designation has been met and that use of the road would be in the best interest of the state and would not damage the resource. The only exception to this restriction is that physically disabled hunters who possess a "permit to hunt from a vehicle" issued by Fish, Wildlife & Parks may use any road on state land that is not closed by a sign or barrier. Maps showing designated roads are posted at DNRC, federal Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service offices. In addition, informational brochures on state lands use restrictions are available from these offices and all FWP offices. For more information contact the nearest DNRC office or phone 406-444-2074.
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