SENATE BILL NO. 286
INTRODUCED BY E. STONINGTON
AN ACT ALLOWING CERTAIN MODIFICATIONS TO HEADWATERS STATE PARK IN ANTICIPATION OF THE LEWIS AND CLARK BICENTENNIAL; AMENDING SECTION 23-1-117, MCA; AND PROVIDING AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE AND A TERMINATION DATE.
WHEREAS, the bicentennial celebration of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 2005 will make Montana a national destination; and
WHEREAS, Headwaters State Park, which marks the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers into the Missouri River, was a primary destination of the Expedition and will also be a destination of many visitors during the bicentennial; and
WHEREAS, Headwaters State Park, with its particular historical and cultural significance, extensive and rich Native American history, and natural beauty, will provide an opportunity for visitors to engage in the history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in a setting that remains mostly primitive, allowing people to see the area in much the same way that it was viewed by the Corps of Discovery; and
WHEREAS, some limited modifications to the park are advisable for purposes of public education, safety, and convenience, given the anticipated influx of visitors, while still retaining the primitive character of the remainder of the park in keeping with the spirit of the Montana Primitive Parks Act.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
Section 1. Section 23-1-117, MCA, is amended to read:
"23-1-117. Limit on development of primitive parks. (1) As of October 1, 1993 Except as permitted in Headwaters
state park for the limited purposes provided in subsections (3) through (5), the only development allowed in primitive parks
designated in 23-1-116 is:
(a) necessary improvements required to meet minimum public health standards regarding sanitation, which may include necessary access to outhouses, vaults, and water;
(b) improvements necessary to ensure the safe public use of existing boat ramps;
(c) addition of gravel to existing unpaved roads and the resurfacing of paved roads when necessary to ensure safe public access;
(d) establishment of new hiking trails or improvement of existing hiking trails; and
(e) installation of minimal signage indicating that the park is a designated primitive park in which development has been limited and encouraging the public to help in maintaining the park's primitive character by packing out trash.
(2) The following development of designated primitive parks is prohibited:
(a) installation of electric lines or facilities, except when necessary to comply with subsection (1)(a);
(b) installation of recreational vehicle sanitary dumpsites where they do not presently exist; and
(c) creation of new roads and paving of existing but previously unpaved roads.
(3) The orientation area at Headwaters state park may be rebuilt and expanded in order to prepare for and manage increased visitation expected for the Lewis and Clark bicentennial, to include:
(a) an unstaffed information kiosk;
(b) sanitation facilities;
(c) additional parking; and
(d) additional signage to inform visitors about the history and uses of the park and services in the surrounding area.
(4) The existing parking area at the confluence of the Madison and Jefferson Rivers in the Headwaters state park may be improved, but not enlarged, using parking features that can be removed. Low-profile interpretive signs may be installed in place of existing signage.
(5) Interpretive and directional signage may be installed at Headwaters state park to educate visitors about the history and significance of the site and to orient visitors to the features of the park and the surrounding area."
Section 2. Effective date. [This act] is effective on passage and approval.
Section 3. Termination. [This act] terminates December 31, 2003.
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Latest Version of SB 286 (SB0286.ENR)
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