In this evening's feature interview with Edward O'Brien, Michael Downey with Montana's Department of Natural Resources and Conservation explains why it's taken over 20 years to update Montana's water plan:
The existing Montana State Water Plan is long overdue for an update.
The existing plan guides the conservation and management of Montana's water resources.
It is currently over 20 years old and fails to address contemporary issues and challenges faced by water users today.
An updated draft, titled the "Montana State Water Plan," is in the works and will eventually guide water policy for at least the next two decades.
The final round of public comment on the plan starts in just a few weeks. Click here to find out how to comment on the plan.
Michael Downey says if passed, it will help managers adjust to seasonal water supply and demand in real time. Downey says it will also better protect existing and senior water rights holders and help managers respond to new and growing demands.
Public Meetings for Western Montana:
Clark Fork and Kootenai Basins:
- Stevensville: October 1st, at the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge in the Oke Room, 7pm- 9pm
- Drummond: October 2nd, at the Drummond School- Community Library, 7pm- 9pm
- Pablo: October 8th, at the Salish Kootenai College, 7pm- 9pm
- Libby: October 9th, at City Hall in the Ponderosa Room, 7pm- 9pm
Upper Missouri Basin
- Great Falls: September 30th, at the LaQuinta Inn, 7pm- 9pm
- Bozeman: October 1st, at the Holiday Inn, 7pm 9pm
- Dillon: October 2nd, at UM Western in the Lewis and Clark Room, 7pm- 9pm