Montana Water Court issues first final decree

The Montana Water Court met a critical milestone this week with the issuance of the first final decree in the decades-long adjudication of water rights. The decree covers rights claimed by the United States on behalf of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. The decree includes 12 water basins and is the first decree issued that addresses tribal reserved water rights outside of a negotiated compact.

“This marks the start of the next step in Montana’s water rights process. We look forward to issuing additional final decrees in other basins and providing stability to Montana’s water users...