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Montana politics, elections and legislative news

Montana's DC Delegation Opposes Forest Service Photo Permits

The U.S. Forest Service has proposed  requiring permits for still photography and commercial filming in designated wilderness areas, making permanent an interim rule in place since 2010.

According to The Oregonian, permits would cost up to $1,500, with a $1,000 fine for failure to get a permit.

Montana's entire congressional delegation has written to the Forest Service expressing concerns with the proposal.

Rep. Daines cites vagueness in the directive, possible First Amendment issues, and a concern for "excess fees typically associated with special use permits" in his letter to the Forest Service.

In a joint letter to the Forest Service, Senators Tester and Walsh focus on First Amendment concerns: "We have grave concerns and are deeply skeptical of the government putting limits on activity protected under the first amendment."

The public can comment on the proposed directive here.

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