22-3-433. Environmental review process. (1) Each state agency responsible for the preparation of an environmental impact statement in accordance with the Montana Environmental Policy Act shall, as a part of its evaluation and study process, consult with and obtain the comments of the historic preservation officer concerning the identification and location of heritage properties and paleontological remains on lands owned by the state that may be adversely impacted by the proposed action. However, where the grant of an interest in state land requires the preparation of an environmental impact statement under the Montana Environmental Policy Act, the environmental impact statement shall be limited to an evaluation of the heritage properties and paleontological remains located in, on, under, and within only the affected state land.

(2) When heritage properties and paleontological remains are located and identified as described in subsection (1), the responsible state agency, in consultation with the historic preservation officer and the preservation review board, shall include as part of its environmental impact statement a plan for the avoidance or mitigation of damage to heritage properties and paleontological remains to the greatest extent practicable. Whenever necessary or appropriate, the state agency may require an applicant for a lease, permit, license, or other approval for use of land owned by the state to develop an avoidance or mitigation plan in consultation with the historic preservation officer and the preservation review board.