Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.2 - OVERALL DEPARTMENT RULES › Subchapter 12.2.3 - Guidelines for Citizen Participation › Rule 12.2.302 - GUIDELINES FOR DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) A
				continuing departmental program for public participation shall contain
				mechanisms of activity for each of the elements listed in this rule. The exact
				mechanism and extent of activity may vary in relation to resources available,
				public response, and the nature of issues involved.
(2) Informational materials. Each division
				and region of the department shall provide continuing policy, program, and
				technical information at the earliest practicable times and at places easily
				accessible to interested or affected persons and organizations so that they can
				make informed and constructive contributions to department decision making.
				News releases and other publications may be used for this purpose as well as
				information discussions and meetings with interested citizens' groups. Special
				efforts shall be made to summarize complex technical materials for public and
				media use.
(3) Assistance to
				public. Each region shall have a procedure for providing technical and
				informational assistance to public groups for citizen education, committee
				workshop training, and dissemination of information to concerned groups and
				individuals. Requests for information shall be handled promptly.
(4) Consultation. Each region of the
				department shall have a procedure for early consultation and exchange of views
				with interested or affected persons and organizations on development or
				revision of plans, programs, or other significant activity prior to decision
				making. Advisory groups, ad hoc committees, or workshop meetings may serve this
				purpose.
(5) Demonstrations. Field
				demonstrations and public show-me field trips may be used when there is
				sufficient public interest concerning wildlife management techniques or
				problems in wildlife management.
(6) Notification. Each division for its
				appropriate area of responsibility shall maintain a current list of interested
				persons and organizations including any who have requested inclusion on such
				list for the distribution of information such as that listed in paragraph (2)
				of this rule. This shall be in addition to the lists now maintained as required
				by the Montana Administrative Procedure Act. The department shall in addition
				notify any interested persons of any public hearing or other decision making
				proceedings prior to decision making and wherever possible shall supplement
				this notification with informal notice to all interested persons or groups
				having requested such notice in advance.
(7) Access to information. The department
				files, other than personnel files and those files required by law or
				requirements of personal privacy to remain confidential, are open to public
				inspection in accordance with already established Fish, Wildlife, and Parks
				Commission policy. These files are located at the department office in Helena
				and at the seven regional offices throughout the state and listed in ARM
				12.1.101(8).
				Copies of specific documents are available either free or for a reasonable
				copying charge plus employee time.
(8) Enforcement. Each region shall develop
				internal procedures for receiving and ensuring proper consideration of evidence
				and information submitted by citizens. Public effort in reporting violations of
				fish and game laws or regulations shall be encouraged. Alleged violations shall
				be promptly investigated by the department.
(9) Rulemaking. In addition to any other
				requirements, the department shall comply with the requirements of the Montana
				Administrative Procedure Act.
(10)
				Contact person. When the department or commission determines that a proposed
				decision or action is of significant interest to the public, one person shall
				be designated as contact person with the public on the proposed decision or
				action. This person should be a departmental employee familiar with the
				proposed decision or action. Upon completion of the proposed decision or
				action, this person shall assess the influence citizen participation had on the
				decision or action, and report that assessment to the director.
(11) Other measures. The listing of specific
				measures in this section shall not preclude additional techniques for
				obtaining, encouraging, or assisting public participation.
2-3-103, MCA; IMP,
					 2-3-103,
					 MCA;