Compact relinquishes water rights
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Editor,
If one actually reads the CSKT Water Compact, how could anyone, especially a reservation irrigator, be willing to relinquish their water rights? We are not talking junior water rights here, we are talking relinquishment of water rights.
The word relinquishment means to “voluntarily cease to keep or claim; give up.” Article III part 3 of the Water Use Agreement states:
“This Agreement and the Compact specify the terms under which the United States and the FJBC agree to withdraw and cease prosecution or defense of all claims to water, whether arising under Federal or State law, held in their names and filed in the Montana General Stream Adjudication, and whatever permits and other rights to the use of water recognized under State law that are held in their names for use on lands served by the FlIP. In exchange for withdrawal of all such water rights and claims, the CSKT commit to the use for irrigation and Incidental Purposes of the water right.”
Wake up irrigators and water users. Don’t let the threat of litigation blind you. The CSKT doesn’t want to litigate, but they keep that threat over your head to make you think you need to accept a bad compact. This compact needs to be renegotiated. I really do not have a dog in this fight, as I am not an irrigator, or property owner. I am a retired farmer and live on my niece’s rural property. I may be old, however I do understand water use, and I understand what is right and fair. Read the above paragraph again and let it soak in.
Merle Stephenson
Ronan
