i^pendix C 

 Proposed Statutory Fmmewoik and Administrative Rule 



1, Gatify in statute the role of Montana State Paiks. 



In Montana, a range of federal, state, and local governments and private organizations and business provide 

 opportunities for outdoor recreation and the enjoyment and preservation of natural, cultural, and historical 

 resources. "Within this range, the role of the Montana State Parks s)«tem is to: 



• Protect, maintain, and interpret natural, cultural, historical resources of statewide significance, and 

 recreational resources of at least regional significance. 



• Provide recreational opportunities in primarily rural, rustic, minimally developed settings, including 

 campsites without utility hook-ups. 



Most if not all state parks, therefore, will have s^nif icantly more facility development than federally 

 des^nated wilderness and recreation areas but less development than is common in city and county parks or 

 private recreation facilities. 



2. Clarify in statute legislative intent for the management of the State Paries system. 



FWP and the Parks Division shall manage the state park system to preserve, enhance, and interpret a diverse 

 representation of Montana's most outstanding natural, cultural, historic, and recreational resources, for the 

 spiritual, social, and economic benefit of present and future generations, and to ensure that: 



• Natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources are protected and mamtained to prevent 

 their degradation over time; 



• Long-range stewardship is achieved through management policies and plans developed with 

 professional and public input; 



• Public use facilities are appropriate, safe, clean, and, as far as possible, accessible; 



• The parks remain affordable to Montanans; and 



• Development is not increased incrementally without public input and legislative approval after 

 review of: 



(a) the desires of the public as expressed to the department; 



(b) the stated need for the improvements, based on: 



I. the need to meet minimum public health standards regarding sanitation, which 

 may include necessary access to outhouses, vaults, and water, 



ii. the need to ensure the safe public use of existing facilities; 



Hi. the need to ensure safe public access through the addition of gravel to existing 

 unpaved roads and the resurfacing of paved roads; 



Iv. the need to establish new hiking trails or improve existing hiking trails; and 



V. the need for directional, regulatory, and Interpreuve signage to preserve the park's 

 resources and enhance visitor experience; 



(c) the capacity of the park for development; 



(d) enviroiunental impacts associated with the improvement or development; 



(e) the capital costs of the improvements; 



(f) the long-term maintenance and operation costs of the improvements; 



(g) the protection of natural, cultural, and historical park features; 

 (h) potential impacts on tourism; and 



(I) site-specific modifications as they relate to the park system as a whole. 



20 

 State Parks Futures Contrittee, Decembers, 2002 



