Administrative Rules of Montana Department 36 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION
Here’s a refined overview of the Administrative Rules of Montana – Department 36: Natural Resources and Conservation (ARM Title 36), outlining its major chapters and their content based on official sources (law.cornell.edu):
🗂️ Department 36 – Natural Resources & Conservation
Chapter Breakdown (per ARM Title 36)
Chapter
Title
Key Focus Areas
36.1
Organizational Rule
Defines the structure, authority, and functions of DNRC (archive.legmt.gov).
36.2
Procedural Rules
Procedures including fee requirements, environmental assessments, subdivisions, permits .
36.3 – 36.5
Reserved
Currently not in use .
36.6
Soil Conservation Districts
Standards and oversight for soil conservation activities .
36.7 – 36.8
Major Facility & Renewable Energy
Transferred to Montana Environmental Quality (Title 17) .
36.9
Forestry
Forest management rules, timber harvesting standards .
36.10
Fire Management
Wildfire prevention and fire control policies .
36.11
Forest Management
Licenses, streamside zones, timber rules under DNRC .
36.12
Water Rights Bureau
Water rights permitting, changes to points of diversion .
36.13
Water Measurement
Standards for measuring water under appropriation systems .
36.14
Dam Safety
Classifications, design, permits, inspections, and emergency guidelines .
36.15
Floodplain Management
Permitting and regulations to protect floodplains .
36.16
Water Reservations
Establishes water reservations, definitions, application processes .
36.17 – 36.19
Resource Grants & Water Programs
Renewable resource grants, development, and water development funds .
36.20
Weather Modification
Licensing and permitting for weather alteration activities .
36.21
Board of Water Well Contractors
Licensing, oversight of well contractors .
36.22
Oil & Gas Conservation
Conservation regulations, permitting, exploration rules .
36.23 – 36.24
Water Pollution & Drinking Water Funds
State Revolving Fund programs .
36.25
State Land Leasing
Rules for leasing public land—forestry, minerals, grazing .
36.26
Yellowstone River Compact
Interstate compact rules governing that watershed .
36.27
Land Administration
Management of state lands and related administrative procedures .
36.28 – 36.29
Reserved
Not currently used .
36.30
State Water Projects
Oversight and administration of state water infrastructure .
36.31
Rangeland Resources Program
Rangeland stewardship and related rules under DNRC .
🔍 Spotlight on Chapter 36.16 – Water Reservations
Chapter 36.16, Subchapter 36.16.1, defines the policy, purpose, and application process for reserving water rights under MCA statutes (85‑2‑316, 85‑2‑331). It covers:
Policy & Purpose (§36.16.101): Emphasizes water conservation, protection of existing rights, instream flows, and ecosystem health (law.cornell.edu).
Definitions (§36.16.102): Clarifies terms like “Department,” “Applicant,” “water use,” and more (regulations.vlex.com).
Remaining sections outline application procedures, fees, environmental reviews, transfers, and compliance standards.
✅ How to Access the Complete Text
Browse each chapter/subchapter directly on the Montana Administrative Code site (e.g., Chapters 36.16, 36.14).
Use Justia Regulations or LII.org for organized access with cross-references to underlying statutes (archive.legmt.gov, law.cornell.edu, regulations.justia.com).
📌 Next Steps
Let me know if you'd like:
Full text or summaries for a specific chapter (e.g., Dam Safety, Water Rights, Land Leasing).
Effective dates or recent amendments for a rule.
Links to forms or application procedures for grants or permits.
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