The Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks will hold public hearings regarding proposed rules identifying bodies of water as contaminated with eurasian watermilfoil. Please see the attached notice for hearing dates and rule language. On April 26, 2012, the Department of Agriculture proposed a rule designating two invasive species management areas due to the presence of Eurasian watermilfoil. Montana Code Annotated 80-7-1010 states, "In a body of water designated as an invasive species management area, taking from the water or possessing any bait animal, dead or alive, including but not limited to crayfish, leeches, and minnows, is prohibited unless approved by the department of fish, wildlife, and parks." The Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks is proposing rules in order to allow bait within the Department of Agriculture's invasive species management areas and still minimize the further spread of Eurasian watermilfoil.
(ARM Rules - 04/30/2012)

With the possibility of future no wake areas being requested for other established or new marinas for the commission to consider individually the commission adopted one statewide rule regarding establishing no wake zones surrounding commercial marinas. Marinas have high boat traffic and have many boats docked so these areas regardless of location are susceptible to accidents and boat damage due to wakes. Currently over half of the commercial marinas have a no wake restriction and this proposal will make the rules consistent throughout the state. The statewide rule eliminates the need for individual marina restrictions to be listed in separate rules.
(ARM Rules - 04/30/2012)

On November 25, 2011 the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission published MAR Notice No. 12-373 on the proposed amendment and adoption rules pertaining to nonresident take of falcons at page 2467 of the 2011 Montana Administrative Register, Issue Number 22. The commission amended and adopted the rules as proposed.
(ARM Rules - 03/08/2012)

On November 25, 2011 the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission published MAR Notice No. 12-372 on the proposed amendment, adoption, and repeal of rules pertaining to raptor propagation. The commission has amended, adopted, and repealed the rules as proposed.
(ARM Rules - 03/08/2012)

The Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks will hold public hearings in April to consider the proposed amendment and adoption of rules regarding the upland game bird enhancement program. The department is proposing amendment and adoption of rules to align with the strategic plan and to provide greater clarity for program implementation.
(ARM Rules - 03/08/2012)

With the possibility of future no wake areas being requested for other established or new marinas for the commission to consider individually the commission is proposing adoption of one statewide rule regarding establishing no wake zones surrounding commercial marinas. Marinas have high boat traffic and have many boats docked so these areas regardless of location are susceptible to accidents and boat damage due to wakes. Currently over half of the commercial marinas have a no wake restriction and this proposal will make the rules consistent throughout the state. The commission is proposing amendment and repeal of rules that list individual commercial marina restrictions by body of water. A statewide rule would eliminate the need for individual marina restrictions to be listed in separate rules.
(ARM Rules - 02/13/2012)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks seeks public comment on the FWP Commission’s proposal to repeal obsolete and outdated Commission policies that were originally adopted between the years 1958 and 2000. A brief summary of each policy and an explanation of why it has been proposed for repeal may be obtained by downloading the “Summary of Obsolete Policies” document below. For a copy of each of the policies, please download the document below entitled “List of Obsolete Policies.”
(ARM Rules - 02/10/2012)

FWP is proposing revised raptor propagation regulations to comply with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's new regulations. The proposed new rules increase the licensing period for raptor propagators and make other minor changes, including how captive bred raptors are banded. Today 15 raptor propagators in Montana hold the necessary state and federal licenses to raise breed and sell the captive bred raptors. Having captive bred raptors available for the sport of falconry reduces the take of wild raptors for the sport.
(ARM Rules - 12/06/2011)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is requesting comments on a proposed rule change that would allow nonresident falconers to capture raptors in Montana for falconry. Under the proposed rule change, nonresident falconers would be allowed to capture raptors in Montana for the sport of falconry for the first time. Montana was one of only a few states that did not allow nonresident capture of raptors for falconry until 2011 when the Montana Legislature eliminated the restriction. FWP has proposed a quota of three raptors and a $200 capture fee for the various species of raptors nonresident falconers may take.
(ARM Rules - 12/06/2011)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the Smith River State Park & River Corridor Biennial Rule that applies to Smith River float trips. The Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission is considering a change that would place on hold a maximum of 9 launches per week May through July, for launches not already reserved by an outfitter, and allow authorized Smith River outfitters to reschedule their launches no less than 29 days in advance of an available date. Then, within the 28 day period, unscheduled launch dates would become available to the public via the Smith River Reservation System. The proposed rule change is intended to provide outfitters flexibility to accommodate client needs and changing river conditions. The rule change would not result in an increase in the number of allocated outfitted launches.
(ARM Rules - 11/17/2011)