Did YOU or SOMEONE ELSE take emergency action in a stream or river?
If you see work being done in or near a Montana stream, wetland, floodplain, and other water body, Montana law provides two ways to notify your local Conservation District:
Emergency 310 Notification Form - if you did the work yourself
Complaint 274 Form - if you are reporting someone else’s activity
If you did the work yourself
310 Notice of Emergency Form 275
The 310 Law allows landowners to take immediate action to protect life, property, or crops during an emergency—such as a sudden bank collapse or flooding.
If you take emergency action, you must notify your local Conservation District within 15 days and describe the work that was done.
HOW TO FILE AN 310 NOTICE OF EMERGENCY FORM 275
Fill out an Emergency 310 Notification form - (button below)
This is a NOTIFICATION ONLY form - not an application for a permit
Submit the Form:
Send the completed 310 Notice of Emergency Form to your local conservation district (CD).
Find my CD
You performed emergency work in or near a perennial stream.
The action was necessary to safeguard life, property, or crops.
WHEN TO USE IT
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Your Conservation District will review and inspect the emergency work. They may decide that the action:
Was appropriate,
Must be modified, or
Must be removed and/or replaced.
Not sure of your Conservation District? (FIND IT)
IMPORTANT LIMITATIONS
The emergency provision only covers the 310 Law. You may still need other permits or approvals for your work.
Filing an emergency notification does not give you landowner permission—you are responsible for securing permission from the property owner.
You are also responsible for obtaining any additional authorizations needed for your project.
If You Are Reporting a Violation
Complaint 274 Form
If you believe work has been done in or near a stream without a 310 Permit, you can file a Form 274 with your Conservation District.
This helps ensure Montana’s rivers and streams are protected and projects stay in compliance with the 310 Law.
WHEN TO USE IT
You see work being done in a stream without a permit. (see instructions below to determine if a permit is in place)
Stream alterations appear harmful or unlawful and is outside the scope of permit.
Activity violates emergency procedures.
IMPORTANT: FIND OUT IF THERE IS A PERMIT IN PLACE BY USING THE INTERACTIVE MAP TOOL
If there is not a current permit in place or pending…
FILE A COMPLAINT 274 FORM
Gather Supporting Information to submit with your Complaint 274 Form:
Provide specific written information (if available) about the alleged violation, including the location, the parties involved, and the nature of the activity.
Draw a sketch of the site, and if possible, attach photos or other evidence to support your complaint.
Fill out the Complaint 274 Form - (button below)
Submit online or Send the completed Complaint 274 Form to your local conservation district (CD).
Find my CD
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Department of Natural Resources and Conservation workflow goes through the following steps:
Complaint
Verifying Violation
Corrective Action
Judicial Enforcement