Lawsuit costs born by irrigators
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Editor,
To Flathead, Mission and Jocko District Irrigators: You received a letter last week, “We’ll Reap What You’ve Sown,” explaining the consequences of the legal actions of the Western Water Users, LLC, the Flathead Joint Board of Control and the Flathead Irrigation District. There are at least six lawsuits instigated by the above parties that require attorney fees to respond to; these costs are being born by you, the irrigators.
We (the Montana Water Stewards) have received some phone calls from irrigators asking what can we do to counteract all these actions. Here are a few things people can do make sure the Compact is passed:
• Learn the points in the Compact. At montanawaterstewards.com there is a three-page summary of the key points of the Compact.
• Contact your legislator, County commissioners, Chamber of Commerce, Farm Bureau, and any organizations that you belong to and tell them you are for the Compact.
• If you have irrigated acreage, sign the Governor’s letter saying you support the Compact. The letter can be seen at montanawaterstewards.com.
• Write letters to the editors.
If you are in the Flathead Irrigation District: ask your commissioners some of these questions: What is your budget for legal expenses? What is the reasoning behind saying that the state will pay for any of your litigation costs if the Compact does not pass and you have to defend your water claim against the Tribes claims?
If you are in the Mission or Jocko Districts there is an election coming up in May to elect district commissioners. Montana Water Stewards encourages you to ask your candidates what their stance is on the Compact. Are they promoting litigation or the Compact?
Mary Stranahan
Arlee
