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 is designed to help agricultural water users, ranchers, landowners, and water right holders better understand Montana’s water system and the issues that could affect water rights and agricultural operations. Registration information for the webinars is available through MSGA at www.mtbeef.org.
“Water is fundamental to Montana agriculture, and understanding how Montana’s water system works is increasingly important for anyone who holds or depends on a water right,” said Raylee Honeycutt, MSGA Executive Vice President. “This series will give ranchers an opportunity to build a strong foundation in water law and prepare for the policy discussions that will be important heading into the 2027 legislative session.”
The four-part series will include:
- Montana Water Law 101
- October 7 | 7:00 p.m.
- Presenter: Abby Brown, Attorney at Law, Parsons Behle and Latimer PC
- 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.
- Adjudication, Permitting, and the District Court
- 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
- 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
- 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.
“Water policy can be complicated, but producers do not have to be water law experts to understand the issues that affect their operations,” Honeycutt said. “Our goal with this series is to provide Montana ranchers and agricultural water users with useful information they can take back to their operations and use as they make decisions about water policy.”
MSGA encourages producers and water right holders to participate in the full series to develop a better understanding of Montana’s water policy.
About the Montana Stockgrowers Association
The Montana Stockgrowers Association is a grassroots membership organization and is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers. With over 140 years of history, MSGA advocates and ensures cattle ranching remains relevant, safe and a sustainable way of life for generations to come.
MEDIA CONTACT
Keni Reese Lairy
Director of Marketing & Communications
(406) 442-3420
To view more MSGA news, visit https://mtbeef.org/news/
