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JUNE 13, 2000

Clifford Birdinground, newly elected Crow Chairman, has been critical of the compact and negotiation process between the Crow Nation and the state of Montana. The compact was approved last year with the support of then-Chair Clara Nomee.

At the time, a June 17 deadline was set for the tribe and state to approve a management plan for water flows on the Bighorn river and reservoir levels in Bighorn Lake. That plan will be presented to the public on Thursday.

But Birdinground, who takes office July 1, has voiced his concerns about the compact. The Montana Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission has met with the Birdinground and says they will not proceed unless the tribe agrees to it.

Congress must also approve certain aspects of the plan.

Get the Story:
Changes endanger water agreement (The Bilings Gazette 6/13)