Be Prepared Before You Apply

Gilly guides you through the application process, but being prepared makes the process smoother and more efficient for you and the Conservation District or agency reviewing your application.

Before starting your application in Gilly, take a moment to get organized.

Gilly walks you through each step and connects your information to the right agencies. Having your project details ready and understanding what’s expected makes the process smoother—and helps your Conservation District or agency review your application more efficiently, keeping your project on track.

Start with the checklist below—key things to know before you apply.

The responsibility for a complete and accurate application ultimately lies with you.

Key Things to Know Before You Apply

  • Know your Conservation District

    Every Montana property falls within one of the state’s 58 local Conservation Districts.

    These local governments help landowners protect soil, water, and habitat and often review 310 applications first.

    Find Your Conservation District →

  • Understand the 310 Joint Application

    Most projects start with the 310 Permit, applied for through the 310 Joint Application.

    The Joint Application was developed to simplify the permitting process for projects that may require review by more than one agency.

    Rather than submitting separate forms to different state or federal offices, applicants can use a single application that satisfies the initial requirements of multiple regulatory partners.

    Understanding the Permit Process →
    View all Permits →

  • Have Your Project Information Ready

    Gather the basic details you’ll need before you begin your application:

    • A simple plan or drawing showing what you’ll do and where

    • The project location, including a legal land description or site map

    • Photos of the site (optional, but helpful for reviewers)

    For a more complete checklist—including plans, materials, and construction details

    Preparation Checklist (DNRC Guide)→

  • Design Your Project to Minimize Impacts

    Design your project to protect streambanks, limit bare ground, and reduce erosion.

    Keep as much natural vegetation as possible, and make sure any equipment used in or near water is clean to prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS).

    Learn About AIS Prevention →

  • Timing Matters

    Every permit has its own review timeframe.

    Submitting complete information and clear drawings helps reviewers move your application forward more quickly.

    Start early—some permits may take 30 to 90 days depending on the project.

    Permit review timeframes →

  • Wait to Buy Materials

    Hold off on purchasing construction materials until all permits are approved.

    Permit reviews sometimes result in design changes that can affect what you need to order.

Think of Gilly as your digital assistant for the permitting process — it helps applicants save time, reduce confusion, and avoid costly mistakes. Conservation Districts get fewer incomplete applications, faster reviews, and a cleaner digital trail.

  • APPLY ONLINE

    Speed up the permitting process and submit documents in one secure place.

  • SAVE TIME

    Save time by centralizing the permit application and reviewal process.

  • ORGANIZE

    Keep your permit info in one place, save and print permit pdfs

  • STAY CONNECTED

    Communicate directly with your CD through Gilly