Water Webinar Series: Montana Water Law 101

October 7 at 7:00 p.m.

The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) will host a four-part webinar series this fall focused on Montana water law, water right administration, and the water policy issues expected to shape the 2027 Montana Legislative Session.

The series will begin with the fundamentals of Montana’s water rights system and the laws that shape how water is used across the state. Topics will include types of water rights, priority dates, and basic concepts of Montana water law. Participants will gain a better understanding of how water laws may affect agricultural water users and why staying informed is important for protecting water rights and planning for the future.

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Presenter: Abby Brown, Attorney at Law, Parsons Behle and Latimer PC

Abby is a member of Parsons Behle & Latimer’s environmental and natural resources team and the firm’s water law and real estate practice groups. She has more than a decade of experience representing a diverse range of water users, from small individual family farms to large irrigation districts, in water law and real property matters. Abby holds an L.L.M. in Water and Environmental Law from McGeorge School of Law, where she focused on contemporary water law and environmental issues facing the greater Intermountain West region.

In her water law practice, Abby represents water users through all stages of water rights adjudication proceedings in the Montana Water Court, water rights distribution and enforcement conflicts in state district courts and administrative permitting in state agencies.

Abby also concentrates her practice on real estate transactions, including water rights and real property due diligence investigations. Abby has particular experience with large-scale ranch transactions.

Other Water Policy Webinars

Adjudication, Permitting, and the District Court on October 14 | 7:00 p.m.
Presenter: Abby Brown, Attorney at Law, Parsons Behle and Latimer PC

This webinar will provide an overview of three important components of Montana’s water rights system. The presentation will explain the adjudication process in the Montana Water Court and what it means for existing water rights, provide an overview of the permitting process for new or changed water uses and exceptions to the permit process, and discuss the role of District Courts in Montana water law. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how these processes work together and what they may mean for agricultural water users and water-right holders.

Water Right Administration and Water Commissioners on October 28 | 7:00 p.m.
Presenter: Julie Nordlund, Attorney at Law, Jardine, Stephenson, Blewett & Weaver, P.C.

This session will focus on how Montana’s water rights are administered and enforced. The webinar will explore the roles of the Montana Water Court, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), and District Courts, as well as how water rights are administered on the ground. Participants will also learn about the responsibilities of water commissioners in managing water use among water right holders, how water disputes are addressed, and what water users should know about protecting and exercising their water rights.

Water Policy and the 2027 Legislative Session on November 4 | 7:00 p.m.
Presenters: Raylee Honeycutt, MSGA Executive Vice President, and Abby Brown, Attorney at Law, Parsons Behle and Latimer PC

The final webinar will look ahead to the 2027 Montana Legislative Session and the key water policy issues expected to be considered by the Montana Legislature. The discussion will explore proposed changes to Montana’s water laws, potential impacts on water rights and agricultural producers, and the policy discussions shaping the upcoming session. Participants will gain a better understanding of the legislative process, key water policy proposals, and ways to stay informed and engaged as the session approaches.