Fish and Wildlife Commission proposes to repeal some administrative rules on the Madison River

At its Oct. 28 meeting, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission proposed to repeal two administrative rules regarding the recreational use of the Madison River.  

On Dec. 24, 2020, the commission adopted the Madison River Recreation Management Rules. One of the rules creates walk/wade sections on the Madison River. A second rule provides for rest rotation sections on the river. These rules would have been implemented Jan. 1, 2022.  

Another rule established a Madison River work group with the charge to make recommendations on the Madison River Recreation Management Rules to the commission. At a meeting on Sept. 22, the work group unanimously decided to recommend the commission repeal administrative walk/wade and rest rotation rules. The work group's rationale for the recommended repeal was due to lack of support for either rule. 

The commission's approval of the repeal begins the Montana Administrative Procedure Act (MAPA) process. A public comment period will begin upon publication by the Secretary of State in the Montana Administrative Register, which is scheduled for Nov. 19. A public hearing will be held during the public comment period.