News Summary
The Crazy Mountain Ranch has acknowledged its violation of Montana water law by irrigating its golf course without necessary permits. This admission leads to ongoing legal actions and scrutiny from state regulators. The ranch’s manager stated that irrigation began last June, prompting a temporary restraining order from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Local irrigators raise concerns about the impact on water availability. A recent court agreement allows the ranch to irrigate with purchased water rights while awaiting permit approval, but legal penalties loom if violations continue.
Livingston, Montana – July 26, 2024
The Crazy Mountain Ranch in Park County has publicly admitted to violating Montana water law by irrigating its golf course without securing the required permits. This disclosure comes amid ongoing legal proceedings and increased scrutiny from state regulators and local water users.
Allegations of Unauthorized Water Use
The ranch’s general manager, David Hardwick, acknowledged the violation through a court filing, stating that the ranch began watering its 112-acre golf course, which includes 35 acres of newly installed turf, last June. The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) responded by seeking legal remedies, including a temporary restraining order, to address these alleged violations.
Legal Actions and Court Proceedings
A District Court scheduled a hearing for July 28 in Livingston to consider the DNRC’s requests. On July 18, Judge Matthew Wald issued a temporary order, prohibiting the ranch from continuing to irrigate the golf course until further notice. The court’s intervention came after authorities discovered that the ranch had begun irrigation activities without holding the necessary water rights permits, violating the Montana Water Use Act.
Ranch’s Justification and Response
Representatives of Crazy Mountain Ranch argued that the irrigation was essential to protect their investment in high-value turf, which was imported from Idaho. They contended that delays in permit issuance and additional bureaucratic requirements from the DNRC hindered their ability to obtain approval in a timely manner.
Water Diversion and Local Concerns
In an effort to irrigate the golf course legally while pursuing proper permits, the ranch announced plans to truck in as much as 100,000 gallons of water weekly from a local water plant. However, the illegal diversion of water from Rock Creek had already caused unrest, prompting at least 15 complaints from local irrigators who are concerned that the ranch’s activities are depleting their water supply and impacting agricultural operations in the region.
Settlement and Regulation
On July 25, a consent decree was filed in court, under which the ranch agreed not to divert water directly from Rock Creek for irrigation purposes. Instead, it can continue irrigating its golf course using purchased water rights while awaiting formal approval from the DNRC. The decree mandates that the ranch submit weekly reports on water usage and allow inspections by DNRC officials.
Potential Penalties and Future Actions
Under the terms of the agreement, the DNRC has waived penalties unless the ranch breaches the consent decree. Should the ranch violate the conditions, penalties could include fines of up to $1,000 per day. The state has indicated that if the DNRC approves the ranch’s water rights applications, the existing injunction against the ranch will be lifted. Conversely, if applications are denied, the injunction will remain in place, preventing further illegal use of water rights.
Background on Regional Water Issues
The Shields River Valley has experienced longstanding tensions related to water rights and resource management. The region’s limited water supply has historically been a contentious topic among agricultural users, ranchers, and development projects. The ongoing dispute involving Crazy Mountain Ranch adds to this complex landscape, with local residents expressing concerns that the luxury recreational development compromises the water availability for traditional farming and ranching families.
Investigation and Regional Impact
The DNRC is actively investigating multiple complaints filed by local irrigators alleging unauthorized water diversion. The authorities aim to determine the extent of the ranch’s water use and ensure compliance with Montana law. If the ranch’s permit applications are ultimately approved, the state has committed to dropping the injunction, potentially allowing full legal use of the contested water rights. Should approval be denied, the ranch’s continued use of water without permits could result in continued legal restrictions and financial penalties.
Summary
The situation at Crazy Mountain Ranch reflects ongoing conflicts over water rights in Montana, especially in regions where water is scarce and contested. The ranch’s admission of violations, combined with legal proceedings and negotiations, underscores the importance of proper permitting and compliance with state water laws. As authorities continue their investigation and review, the outcome will likely influence future water management practices and development projects in the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KBZK: DNRC Files Lawsuit Against Crazy Mountain Ranch
- Wikipedia: Water Law
- NBC Montana: Golf Course Sparks Water Rights Clash
- Google Search: Montana Water Rights
- KBZK: Rising Tensions at Crazy Mountain Ranch
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Right
- NBC Montana: DNRC Files Cease and Desist Against Crazy Mountain Ranch
- Google Scholar: Montana Water Law
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