Navigate Preservation Laws
In general, projects, activities, or programs funded by or under the jurisdiction of a federal agency, or projects on state-owned property require consultation with SHPO. If you are unsure if consultation is needed for your project, or if you are unfamiliar with Montana SHPO’s compliance review process, contact a Compliance Officer.
New to Project Review & Compliance?
Read an overview of Preservation Laws, Rules & Regulations in Montana
Learn about the Section 106 consultation process from the ACHP website.
Read Montana SHPO's Consultation Guide and access required forms.
Contact our office early and often during the consultation process.
Consult with Montana SHPO
Prepare for Your Project
Before carrying out the following steps, be sure you’ve read the Montana SHPO Consultation Guide. This document establishes Montana SHPO’s expectations on consultation procedures, preparing cultural resource inventory reports, and all aspects of compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA and the MTAA. This guide and associated forms and templates are dynamic documents subject to ongoing review, amendments, and updates. Ensure that you are using the most current versions before each new undertaking.
Download the Montana SHPO Consultation Guide & Forms
Upload Files to the MCRD Portal Check Consultation Status* Pay an Invoice*
*Reference your confirmation "SHPO Project Number" when tracking progress on your case or paying an invoice.
File Search and Data Requests
To get started, consulting parties and SHPO need to agree on the definition of the undertaking, the area potentially impacted by the project, and what parties need to be involved. Then, the consulting party requests a “File Search” from SHPO. After a file search is complete, professionals with Data Use Agreement on file with Montana SHPO can order additional cultural resource data. Review sections on File Searches and Data Requests in the Montana SHPO Consultation Guide.
FILE-F form and project map. Upload as submittal type: File Search.
DATA-F form and DUA (Data Use Agreement). Upload as submittal type: Data Request.
Site Records & Smithsonian Number Requests
If a survey is recommended, you may need to hire a professional who meets certain standards to determine if historic buildings or archaeological sites occur in the area of potential effect. Discovered sites must have a Smithsonian number issued before eligibility or effect determination concurrence. Review standards for creating a complete site record for Smithsonian numbers in the Montana SHPO Consultation Guide.
CSR, AER, or CUR Site Record PDF* and GIS Shapefiles ZIP. Upload as submittal type: Smithsonian Number Request.
*Site Record PDF includes a CSR, AER, or CUR form with photos and maps.
Submit Documentation: e-Consultation
SHPO’s compliance team will review cultural resource inventory reports and associated documentation for your project. Remember, the 30-day review period begins once complete documentation is received. Review documentation requirements for various findings in the Montana SHPO Consultation Guide.
META-F Report Submittal Form. Upload as submittal type: e-Consultation.
Include the following documentation:
- Consultation Letter PDF
- Inventory Report PDF
Single file with report, appendices, maps, photos, etc. - Site Record PDFs*
Name with the Smithsonian trinomial. Combine multiple site record PDFs into one ZIP file. - GIS shapefile ZIP
Include inventory area, cultural resource boundaries, and changes to site boundaries.
*Site Record PDF includes a CSR, AER, or CUR form with photos and maps.
