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Montana Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act: 310 Law

Montana Code Annotated (MCA) Title 75 / Chapter 7 / Part 1

The Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act is intended to protect and preserve streams and rivers and the lands adjacent to them. The law requires any individual or business proposing work in or near a perennial stream to apply for a 310 permit through their local conservation district.

If you are planning a project in or around a stream, this law pertains to you.

The Flathead Conservation District administers 310 permits on over 600 streams within Flathead County. Because each of these streams are unique, they require their own special considerations for maintaining health and function. 310 permits are required to ensure wise use of our natural resources and prevent degradation of our streams. Any project that will physically alter or modify the stream, its bed, or immediate banks must have a a permit. Since each stream and each project is different, permits are assessed on the ground during a site visit by District Supervisors and Fish Wildlife and Parks staff.

To learn more:

Profile of a stream depicting common hydraulic features
Cross section of a stream depicting different hydraulic features used by the Flathead Conservation District to determine when a project will require a 310 permit. This graphic may not apply to all situations. 

Still have questions about stream permits?
Contact our office at 406-752-4220 or streampermits@flatheadcd.org!

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