Montana’s State Trust Lands Recreation Survey Opportunity

Like many of our members, we here at PCEC often seek out public lands for recreation, hunting, running our dogs, or simply for some solace. We often find ourselves on State Trust Lands when we do. Right now, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is seeking input from all of us on how we use State Trust Lands.

The DNRC has launched a short public survey to learn what matters most to Montanans when it comes to recreation on State Trust Lands, and to see whether the current rules still align with today’s needs. If you hunt, fish, camp, hike, or explore on Montana’s State Trust Lands, the DNRC wants to hear from you.

Help us show the DNRC that recreational use—like that on Section 22 in Emigrant—is a priority. The survey will close on March 31, 2026.

The survey will help DNRC understand public priorities and guide potential updates to recreation rules. All State Trust Land users are encouraged to fill out the survey.  

State Trust Lands support important riparian corridors, grasslands, forests, and wetlands. Management decisions of these lands will impact these important ecosystems. Let the DNRC know that we care about these lands. Help shape the future of recreation use on State Trust Lands!

A quick reminder: don’t forget to purchase your conservation license if you use State Trust Lands, this includes fishing access sites! It’s bundled with your fishing and hunting license purchase, but if you don’t hunt or fish be sure to get a standalone conservation license every year, beginning on March 1st.