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Irrigators deserve vote on compact

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Editor,

I am running for the Flathead Joint Board of Control.  Last week in a paper I was identified as “Lake, of Lake’s Glacier View.” I am “Lake of Lake Farms, Inc.” and was sharing my views as a candidate for the board. Lake’s Glacier View is an entirely separate entity. I do not speak for them. 

Another falsehood that needs to be addressed is that there are deals being cut for supporting the compact. There are no special deals. We really feel the compact offers the most certainty for the future of farms on the reservation and for all residents of Western Montana.   

Having said that, I believe that all irrigators should be given the opportunity to vote on the Water Use Agreement.  Because of Montana state water adjudication, status quo is not an alternative. Change is coming. The WUA is out in black and white and can be critiqued for its strengths and weakness. To be fair to irrigators, the opposition must present their alternative, in detail, so it too can be critiqued.  

I care about what is happening as a water user and as a community member. The joint board itself isn’t functioning as an open place to discuss issues and solve problems. We can do better than that. Whether the compact is ratified or not, this water district has to have a functioning board that knows what and where the problems are and find the solutions. I have put in considerable time and am willing to put more time to inform myself of the issues. 

If the compact is ratified there is still serious work to be done. There are components that have been left open that need to be completed. The measured water use allowance and the measurement process to create water quotas needs work, there are water concerns in areas that must still be addressed.  

If the compact is not ratified we must be ready to deal with the reality of higher water fees, higher power costs, maintenance issues, probable return to BIA management and the endangered bull trout. We will also be litigating in the state water court to establish our project water right.  

With or without the compact the joint board must be vigilant in representing all irrigators and willing to tackle tough issues. There is much work to be done. 

Susan Lake

Ronan

 

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