About The Flathead Reservation Water Management Board

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.