Federal and State Laws That Help Protect Pattee Creek
| Federal laws | Purpose (and implementing agency) |
| Clean Water Act | To restore and maintain the physical, chemical and biological integrity and beneficial uses of national water resources. (Environmental Protection Agency). Requires restoration of streams that don't meet standards or support uses. |
| Endangered Species Act | To protect endangered plants, animals and their habitats. This Act prohibits any action that harms or kills a listed species, or any action that damages its habitat. (US Fish&Wildlife Service) |
| Safe Drinking Water Act | To ensure safe drinking water by setting federal standards for maximum levels of contamination by toxic chemicals and bacteria. (Environmental Protection Agency) |
| National Environmental Policy Act | NEPA requires federal review of major federal activities that may degrade the environment. (all federal agencies) |
| Federal Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act (Farm Bill) | The Farm Bill provides financial incentives to American farmers to remedy environmentally degrading farming practices. Natural Resource Conservation Service of the USDA. |
| National Forest Management Act | To protect biodiversity in National Forests and the public's right to participate in forest planning and management. The NFMA specifies that timber is only to be harvested in ways and in areas that do not compromise the condition of a watershed. (US Forest Service) |
| Montana laws | |
| Stream Protection Act | The purpose of this act is to protect and preserve fish and wildlife resources within the state, and to maintain streams and rivers in their natural or existing condition. (Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks) |
| Streamside Management Zone Law | This law prohibits the following timber harvest activities within 50 feet of any waterbody: broadcast burning; off road operation of wheeled or tracked vehicles; clear-cutting; road construction unless to cross a stream; handling, storing, applying or disposing of hazardous or toxic materials; casting road material into a stream, etc. (Department of Natural Resource Conservation) |
| Floodplain and Floodway Management Act | To restrict floodplain and floodway areas to uses that will not be seriously damaged, or present a hazard to life, if flooded. Administered by the local floodplain administrator or DNRC. |
| Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act | Minimize soil erosion and sedimentation of waterbodies, and protect and preserve streams and rivers in their natural or existing state. (Conservation Districts) |
| Water Use Act | To provide a permitting system for water rights administration; to record, maintain and adjudicate water rights. (Department of Natural Resource Conservation) |
| Note: According to these laws, state/federal permits are required for activities that impact waterbodies. Contact the county Conservation District wherein the action is proposed for required permit applications and assistance. | |