Montana FWP Proposes First Major Fee Overhaul in Years
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is proposing fee increases across all FWP-managed lands and waters, including state parks, fishing access sites, wildlife management areas, and fisheries conservation areas. The agency says the current fee structure has not been “thoroughly updated in many years” and no longer reflects the cost of maintaining public sites.
“The current fee rules have not been thoroughly updated in many years and have become difficult to administer and understand.”
Renee Lemon, FWP Parks and Outdoor Recreation Division Administrator, June 25, 2026
FWP adjusted the proposed fees using the Consumer Price Index for inflation and by comparing rates in neighboring states. Resident Montanans will see no change: their state park entrance is covered through annual vehicle registration. Nonresidents will see the largest increases.
Nonresident Fees Would Rise Across Every Category
The proposed changes for nonresidents are specific. Daily vehicle entrance would increase from $8 to $10. The 7-day pass would go from $35 to $50. The annual vehicle pass would jump from $50 to $70. Daily entrance on foot or bike would go from $4 to $5.
Commercial users would also pay more. Most guided services would see client fees increase from $5 to $8 per person. Commercial event fees would increase as well, though the full commercial fee schedule is published separately on the FWP website.
Some fees are proposed to stay the same: reservation fees for all sites, horse fees, and firewood cutting permits.
The Public Comment Window Closes July 24, 2026
FWP is accepting public comments on the proposed fee schedule through July 24, 2026. Comments submitted during this window will directly inform the final fee structure before it goes to rulemaking. This is the public’s formal opportunity to weigh in before fees are set.
What You Can Do Now
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Submit a comment directly to FWP at fwp.mt.gov. The public comment portal for the proposed fee schedule is open now. Deadline is July 24, 2026. Say whether you support or oppose specific increases, and explain the practical impact on your access to public lands.
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Contact the FWP Parks Division directly. Email or call Renee Lemon’s office through the FWP contact directory at fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/contact. Ask for a breakdown of how fee revenue is currently spent and what specific maintenance improvements are tied to these increases.
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Contact your Montana state legislators. FWP fee rules go through the Montana administrative rulemaking process. Your state house and senate members can ask FWP to hold public hearings. Find your legislators at leg.mt.gov/legislator-information/.
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Share the comment link with nonresident users. Outfitters, fishing guides, photographers, and out-of-state park visitors will be affected most. The comment deadline is July 24 and FWP has stated comments will inform the final proposal.
Sources
Daily Montanan: Montana FWP Seeks Public Input on Proposed Fee Increases for State-Managed Lands Montana FWP: Fee Regulation Proposals and Public Comment Portal Montana FWP: State Parks Overview and Entrance Fee Information Montana Legislature: Find Your Legislator Tool