Water Webinar Series: Water Right Administration and Water Commissioners

October 28 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.

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.

Presenter: Julie Nordlund, Attorney at Law, Jardine, Stephenson, Blewett & Weaver, P.C

Julia (Julie) Nordlund is an associate attorney at Jardine, Stephenson, Blewett & Weaver, P.C. in Great Falls, Montana. She brings nearly a decade of judicial and litigation experience to her practice, with a focus on water law, natural resource disputes, and administrative proceedings. Prior to joining the firm, Julia served as a Senior Water Master at the Montana Water Court, where she adjudicated thousands of water right claims, mediated contentious disputes, and oversaw commissioner and water enforcement across the state.

A native Montanan with agricultural roots, Julia offers clients both legal precision and practical insight. Her background includes clerking for the Thirteenth Judicial District Court and working in private practice, where she represented clients in litigation and appeals. She earned her J.D. from the University of Montana School of Law and her B.A. in Political Science from Montana State University.

When she isn’t working, Julia spends time with her husband and their two daughters on the family ranch. Julia also volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), advocating for children in dependency and neglect cases

Other Water Policy Webinars

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.