Montana Faces Pond Permitting Challenges

[Nomad]

Montana's Fish, Wildlife and Parks is dealing with a big increase in requests for permits for new and renewed private fish ponds. They are now receiving about 200 permit requests each year. The primary reason behind this this surge is cheaper license fees. People can now have license for a private pond for just $10 for ten years. Now, some state lawmakers are examining the pond permitting system and considering raising the fees. Another reason for reevaluation of pond permits is because lawmakers are also worried about the spread of aquatic invasive species through these private ponds. They are thinking about making the permit process strict.

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[Cass]

Why is it a problem to have an increase in applications for pond permits? I don't believe that Montana has been short on rainfall, so I can't imagine that a lack of resources is the driver behind the possible fee increase. Then again, I think the pond permit at its current price is unrealistically cheap, and I can imagine that the state wants to cash in on a popular revenue stream.

 

[sonata11]

I think people won't complain if the offices raise the fees for administrative purposes as long as the numbers make sense. Maybe the extra money can be used for regular inspections to check for invasive species if that's what they are worried about. At least the fish ponds are environmentally friendly and can help push the economy.