The draft plan was prepared with guidance from the Montana State Parks & Recreation Board to address longstanding resource challenges and propose solutions to moving the park system forward given the available resources.

The plan proposes a number of targets and actions to develop diversified and sustainable funding for the Parks system and statewide recreation programs. It will also seek to foster strategic partnerships and build an engaged constituency to ensure the success of Montana State Parks and outdoor recreation across the state.

Throughout the planning process, the Parks Division conducted internal and external outreach; including a staff survey, evaluation of statewide recreation trends, and a series of 8 community listening sessions around the state which engaged over 117 Montanans, organizations, and partners. 

Montana State Parks provides diverse, family-friendly, affordable, and enriching recreational opportunities to more than 2 million park visitors each year. Additionally, the Division supports community recreation through its four grant programs, and is an essential component of Montana’s multi-billion dollar tourism and recreation industries. The plan outlines five goals designed to enhance the park system  and uphold the Montana State Parks brand promise; providing significant, relevant and accessible parks that preserve and protect our historic, cultural, and recreational resources for the future of Montana and all people.

On October 15, 2014, the Montana State Parks & Recreation Board proposed that the draft strategic plan be made available for a 30-day public comment period.

The draft strategic plan can viewed on the Montana State Parks website, public comment page, direct link here: http://stateparks.mt.gov/news/publicNotices/board/pn_0007.html

We invite the public to review the draft plan and provide comments to Montana State Parks by Wednesday, November 19 at 5pm. Comments must be received in writing.

The public is asked to comment online at stateparks.mt.gov – click on ‘submit comments’ on the right hand task bar - or by direct link: http://stateparks.mt.gov/news/publicNotices/board/pn_0007.html

The public can also send comments by mail to: Montana State Parks Draft Strategic Plan, PO Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701.