"Here in Montana the primary current risk is water which may become managed and controlled by the federal government through administration of the upcoming water use compact soon to be voted on by the state Legislature.

The decision would affect some 350,000 people living both on the reservation as well as throughout 11 western counties from the Canadian border down to Butte, and to the western border.

The proposed reserved water rights compact for the Salish and Kootenai tribes has experienced 12 years of planning by numerous high salaried attorneys, hydrologists and other professionals (funding source and ultimate objectives undisclosed)."

Get the Story:
Clarice Ryan: Water compact changes warrant exploration (The Montana Standard 11/29)

Also Today:
Debate over water rights developing into cultural clash (KBZK-TV 11/28)
Tribal water deal not expected to have local impact (The Whitefish Pilot 11/18)