Permit Process


1. Complete and submit the Joint Application Form

Forms can be submitted via email to info@rvcd.org or in person at the RVCD office. Applications will be reviewed at RVCD Advisory Board Meetings, held the 1st Wednesday of every month. Submit your application as soon as possible prior to the next upcoming meeting to ensure it will be placed on the agenda. All RVCD meetings are open to the public, and applicants are strongly encouraged to attend.

2. Site Inspection

Upon receipt of each 310 application, an on-site inspection with a Conservation District representative and a Montana FWP representative is scheduled. The team will review and discuss the project on site during the scheduled time. After the inspection is conducted, team members make recommendations to the District at the next board meeting. You may wish to review the Team Member Report form to familiarize yourself with the criterion your project will be evaluated on.  If no inspection is required, the District may proceed with the application and the applicant will be notified of its decision.

3. Decision

After findings and recommendations are presented at the board meeting, applications are approved, modified, or denied for a permit. This process may be extended if the RVCD determines it necessary to collect further information. Once a decision is made, the District will mail the applicant a Permit Package containing several important forms. The applicant has 15 days to sign and return the Board’s Decision Form (green Form 273) to indicate agreement.
(Please note: Permit letters may take up to two weeks to be sent out.)

Unless otherwise stated on the Conservation District’s decision form, the applicant must wait 15 days before proceeding with the project. If the applicant does not return the signed Decision Form, the permit is automatically null and void.
Important: The RVCD has 60 Days upon receipt of an application to approve, modify or deny a permit.

The District considers these factors:

  • The effects on soil erosion and sedimentation, considering the methods available to complete the project and the nature and economics of the various alternatives.
  • The effects of stream alteration.
  • The effects on stream flow, turbidity, and water quality caused by materials used or by removal of ground cover
  • The effects on fish and aquatic habitat.
  • Whether there are modifications or alternative solutions that are reasonably practical that would reduce the disturbance to the stream and its environment and better accomplish the purpose of the project.
  • Whether the proposed project will create harmful flooding or erosion problems upstream or downstream.