(1) BMA cooperators or hunters may make complaints to the department of problems they have encountered on a BMA. The department shall use the following procedure to investigate and resolve complaints.

(a) Block management personnel are encouraged to work on-site to address problems before they reach the complaint stage.

(b) Formal complaints must be in writing, signed by the complainant and may be presented to any department employee. Complaints need to include information describing the events that transpired, the BMA involved, and the names, addresses and, if possible, phone numbers of all individuals involved.

(c) Complaints will be turned in immediately to the regional supervisor of the region in which the problem occurred and documented for tracking purposes.

(d) The regional supervisor is responsible for assessing complaints and initiating the appropriate level of investigation. If the complaint involves state lands or federal lands, the supervisor will involve the appropriate management agency in resolving the complaint.

(e) At the conclusion of the investigation, the regional supervisor will provide written notification to the complainant and the department field services administrator of the results of the investigation as well as any action taken as a result of the investigation. Other parties directly involved with the complaint (cooperator, land management agencies, etc.) will also be notified.

(f) A complainant may appeal the action taken by a regional supervisor to the director. The director will review the complaint and investigation and issue a written decision.

(g) Following the close of the hunting season, the field services division of the department will review and summarize all complaints lodged during the preceding hunting season. Each regional office will get a copy of this summary as well as identification of problem areas and suggested solutions.

(h) For BMAs with any complaints which remain unresolved on March 1 annually after having been investigated through this process, the complaints will be reviewed as set forth in ARM 36.25.167 to determine if a public review is necessary to assess if continued enrollment in the program is appropriate.