SPA 124 PERMIT (Stream Protection Act)

AGENCY: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

WHAT IS A SPA 124 PERMIT?

The Stream Protection Act, commonly called an SPA 124 Permit, helps protect fish, wildlife and Montana streams when a government project may alter or affect a stream or its banks.

  • WHO IS THIS PERMIT FOR?

    SPA 124 is for government agencies and contractors working on behalf of a government agency.

    This may include a:

    • City

    • County

    • State agency

    • Federal agency

    Private individuals do not apply for an SPA 124 Permit directly. If a private contractor is doing the work, the government agency responsible for the project manages the permit.

  • DO I NEED SPA 124 PERMIT?

    You may need an SPA 124 Permit if a government agency, or a contractor working for that agency, plans to:

    • Construct a new structure in a stream or river

    • Modify an existing structure

    • Perform maintenance that may affect the bed or banks of the stream

    Examples could include work on bridges, culverts, crossings or other structures in or near the stream.

    Not sure? If your project is private and is not being completed for a government agency, SPA 124 likely does not apply. Other stream permits may still be required. SEE ALL PERMITS

HOW TO APPLY

  • 1. COMPLETE JOINT APPLICATION IN GILLY

    • Create an account or log in

    • Start a new application

    • Select SPA 124 Permit under the permits that apply to your project

    • Complete the required application information

    • Save your progress and return as needed

  • 2. DOWNLOAD FROM GILLY

    • Download your completed Joint Application

  • 3. SUBMIT TO MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE & PARKS

    After you complete it in Gilly, download the Joint Application and submit it directly to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

    Find your regional FWP office:

    https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/contact-us

OTHER DETAILS

  • FEE:

    NO FEE for application

  • REVIEW TIME:

    Each regional office varies, depending on project complexity and completeness of application.

  • ADDITIONAL PERMITS NEEDED:

    Project depending

SPA 124 Permits Project Examples include:

  • Infrastructure & Transportation Projects:

    Bridge Work: Construction, structural repairs, or full replacements of public highway and county road bridges.

    Roadway Culverts: Installing, cleaning, or completely removing road culverts that cross moving water

    Utility Line Crossings: Boring or trenching beneath a streambed to install public sewer, water, or electric lines.

  • Habitat & Water Resource Management:

    Stream Restoration: Large-scale projects by the U.S. Forest Service to fix historical bank erosion.

    Water Treatment Intakes: Renovating or expanding municipal drinking water intake structures situated within a river bank.

    Irrigation Diversions: Modifying public or irrigation district headgates that alter natural stream flow

  • Recreation Projects:

    Public Boat Ramps: Minor excavation of a river bank to lay geotextile fabric and gravel aggregate for new Fishing Access Site (FAS) boat launches.

    Retaining Walls: Constructing rock riprap walls to protect public parks or county fairgrounds from active flooding