About The Flathead Reservation Water Management Board
![](https://www.frwmb.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/About-River.png)
ABOUT THE COMPACT
The Flathead Reservation Water Management Board is an independent board created by the CSKT- Montana water rights compact (MCA 85-20-1901) and the Unitary Administration and Management Ordinance (MCA 85-20-1902 and CSKT Ordinance No. 111-A) to be the exclusive regulatory body for water rights administration on the Flathead Indian Reservation, including the issuance of new water rights and change applications. The Compact became effective on September 17, 2021 which triggered the process laid out in the compact for appointing members of the board. The Governor of the State of Montana, in consultation with county commissioners of counties overlapping the reservation, appoints two members; the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Tribal Council appoints two; and the four appointed members select a fifth. The Secretary of the Interior appoints a sixth, non-voting ex officio, member.
COMPACT TIMELINE
April 24, 2016
State Ratified Compact
(85-20-1901, MCA)
December 21.2020
Congress Passed
Montana Water
Rights Protection Act,
Signed Into Law
December 27, 2020
(H.R. 133, 116t, Congress)
December 29.2020
CSKT Tribal Counsel
Approved the Compact and
the Ordinance
September 17,2021
Compact Effective Date
enacted by Secretary of the Interior
180-day registration period begins
January 20, 2022
First Meeting
of the Board
January 11, 2020
Original 4 Board Members
Appointment Complete
![](https://www.frwmb.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Artboard-21@2x-536x1024.png)
April 24, 2016
State Ratified Compact
(85-20-1901, MCA)
December 29.2020
CSKT Tribal Counsel
Approved the Compact and
the Ordinance
January 11, 2020
Original 4 Board Members
Appointment Complete
![](https://www.frwmb.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Artboard-21@2x-536x1024.png)
December 21.2020
Congress Passed
Montana Water
Rights Protection Act,
Signed Into Law
December 27, 2020
(H.R. 133, 116t, Congress)
December 21.2020
Compact Enacted by
Secretary of the Interior
& 180-day Registration
Period Begins
January 20, 2022
Forst Meeting
of Board