The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Trust Land Management Division is responsible for over 5 million Montana State Lands. The Department is also responsible for seven state forests, as well as various other forest tracts, crop land, scenic badlands, urban tracts, and navigable waters scattered throughout the state. Much of the revenue generated from the leasing and licensing of these properties goes into the School Trust Fund which helps to educate Montana's children both today and for generations to come.

A Land Use license, fee and bond may be required for filming on state lands.

Dpt. of Natural Resources & Conservation
Trust Land Management Division 
PO Box 201601 
1625 11th Avenue 
Helena, MT 59620-1601 
(406) 444-2074 
(406) 444-2684 -fax

Central Land Office
Gary Williams, Area Manager 
8001 N. Montana Avenue 
Helena, MT 59602 
(406) 458-3500

Eastern Land Office
Rick Strohmyer, Area Manager 
PO Box 1794 
Miles City, MT 59301-1794 
(406) 232-2034

Northeastern Land Office 
Clive Rooney, Area Manager 
PO Box 1021  
Lewistown, MT 59457-1021 
(406) 538-7789

Northwestern Land Office 
Bob Sandman, Area Manager 
2250 Hwy 93 North 
Kalispell, MT 59901 
(406) 751-2240

Southern Land Office
Dick Moore, Area Manager 
Airport Industrial Park  
Billings, MT 59105-1978 
(406) 247-4400

Southwestern Land Office
Tony Liane, Area Manager 
1401  27th Avenue 
Missoula, MT 59804 
(406) 542-4200

Montana State Parks allow and encourage commercial filming when and where possible. However, it also requires that primary consideration be given to potential resource damage and to anticipated disruption of normal public use.

A fee, performance bond and liability insurance may be required. The amounts for each will be set by the Department on a case by case basis.

A permit is required for any filming or photography intended for public viewing or commercial advertising (includes motion picture, video, and still).  A minimum of ten working days advance notice is required to process requests and to determine feasibility.  Depending on the location, an environmental assessment may also be necessary. Permits are granted on a case by case basis.  Initial contact should include: the nature of the project, shooting dates and times, the type of equipment, and the number of vehicles.  For best results notify the appropriate regional parks manager (phone numbers are listed on this page) or the Film Office as soon as you think you may want to shoot in the area even if you do not have complete information.

Click here to view Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Park's Reference Guide for Still Photography and Filming.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
1420 E. 6th Avenue 
Helena, MT 59620-0701 
(406) 444-3750 
(406) 444-4952 - fax
www.fwp.mt.gov/parks/permits/commercialuse.html