NAVIGABLE RIVERS LAND USE LICENSE / LEASE / EASEMENT

A Land Use License, Lease or Easement may be required for projects in, on, under or over a state navigable waterway.

AGENCY: Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC)

WHO IS THIS PERMIT FOR?

This authorization may apply to landowners, businesses, utilities, agencies or contractors proposing work in, on, under or over a state navigable waterway.
DO I NEED A LAND USE LICENSE, LEASE OR EASEMENT?

You may need DNRC authorization if your project is in, on, under or over a state navigable waterway.
DNRC determines whether a waterway is navigable and whether a license, lease or easement is appropriate for the proposed use.
Contact Your Local DNRC Land Office →
See Examples of Navigable Water Projects →

APPLY & SUBMIT

1. BEFORE YOU START

See what information, photos, plans and project details you may want to have ready.

Prepare Before You Apply →
2. COMPLETE THE JOINT APPLICATION FORM IN GILLY

Create an account, start your application and work through the required project information. Gilly saves your progress as you go.
3. SUBMIT TO MONTANA DNRC

After completing the Joint Application Form in Gilly, download it and submit a copy to the appropriate DNRC land office with the required application fee.
Navigable Rivers Land Use applications are NOT submitted through Gilly.
Contact Your Local DNRC Land Office →

REVIEW:

DNRC reviews the application and determines whether a Land Use License, Lease or Easement is appropriate for the proposed use.
REVIEW TIME:

License: up to 60 days
Lease or Easement: up to 90 days
FEE:

$50 application fee, plus additional fees that may apply.
ADDITIONAL PERMITS NEEDED:

Other local, state or federal permits may also be required depending on the project.

NAVIGABLE WATER PROJECT EXAMPLES MAY INCLUDE:

Utilities & Crossings

Utility Crossings: Installing pipelines, cables or other utilities beneath or across a navigable river.
Bridges & Structures: Constructing or modifying structures that occupy or cross the riverbed.
Water Access & Infrastructure

Docks & Access Structures: Installing structures that extend into or over a navigable waterway.
Intakes & Outfalls: Installing water intake, discharge or similar infrastructure involving the riverbed.
Streambank & Riverbed Work

Bank Stabilization: Placing riprap or other stabilization materials where the work extends onto the state-owned riverbed.
Temporary Construction Use: Temporary access, equipment or construction activity involving the bed of a navigable river.