News Summary
Crazy Mountain Ranch in Park County has admitted to violating Montana water laws by irrigating its golf course without the necessary permits. The Montana DNRC has initiated legal action against the ranch to halt the unauthorized water use, addressing concerns from local irrigators about the impact on regional water supplies. The ranch has entered a consent decree restricting water use while it seeks proper permissions, amid ongoing litigation and community concern over water resources.
Livingston, Montana — Crazy Mountain Ranch Admits Water Law Violations Amid Ongoing Litigation
The Crazy Mountain Ranch in Park County has formally acknowledged violating Montana water laws by irrigating its golf course without securing the necessary permits, according to a recent court filing. This admission comes as the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) pursues legal action to prevent further unauthorized water use and to seek civil remedies.
Key Details of the Water Law Violations
The ranch’s illegal irrigation activities began last June, when it started watering its 112-acre golf course, which includes 35 acres of newly laid turf. The DNRC confirmed that the ranch diverted water from Rock Creek illegally during this period. This diversion was conducted without obtaining the appropriate water rights or permits, breaching the Montana Water Use Act. As a result, the department has initiated legal proceedings, including seeking a temporary restraining order and other civil remedies to halt the activity.
Court Proceedings and Orders
On July 18, Judge Matthew Wald issued a temporary order that prohibits the ranch from continuing to irrigate the golf course. A scheduled court hearing set for July 28 in Livingston aims to address the DNRC’s requests and determine the next legal steps. The legal actions stem from multiple complaints—more than 15 in total—filed by local irrigators concerned about the illegal water diversion impacting regional water supplies and their own agricultural practices.
Ranch Response and Justifications
Representatives of Crazy Mountain Ranch stated they initiated irrigation to protect their investment in high-cost turf, which was shipped from Idaho. The ranch argued that permit delays and the bureaucratic process of obtaining water rights have hampered their ability to formalize proper authorization. To continue maintaining their golf course while permits are processed, the ranch announced it planned to truck in up to 100,000 gallons of water weekly from a local water treatment facility.
Legal Agreements and Mitigation Measures
Faced with legal pressure, the ranch entered into a consent decree filed July 25, which restricts the use of Rock Creek water for irrigation. Under this agreement, the ranch agreed to cease diverting water directly from Rock Creek. Instead, it is permitted to irrigate using purchased water, provided it obtains the necessary permits from the DNRC. The decree mandates weekly reporting of water usage and allows the DNRC to inspect the golf course to ensure compliance.
Potential Penalties and Enforcement
The DNRC agreed to waive penalties initially, but the agreement specifies that violation of the consent decree could result in fines of up to $1,000 per day. The department retains the authority to enforce penalties should the ranch breach the conditions of the agreement or fail to comply with permits once they are issued.
Background and Local Concerns
The 18,000-acre Crazy Mountain Ranch development is a members-only recreational facility. Its golf course and associated water management activities have heightened tensions within the region, particularly among local ranchers, who are concerned about the potential adverse effects on their water rights and livelihoods. Many believe the ranch’s diversion of water might compromise regional water availability in the Shields River Valley, an area known for its limited water resources and historical disputes over water rights.
Future Legal Outcomes and Water Rights Applications
If the DNRC approves the ranch’s application for water rights, the state has agreed to dismiss its legal injunction, permitting the ranch to continue water use legally. Conversely, if the applications are denied, the current restraining order will remain in effect, prohibiting the ranch from further water diversion activities without proper authorization. The ongoing investigation into the tea disputes underscores the region’s complex water management landscape, balancing development interests with agricultural needs.
Summary
The case against Crazy Mountain Ranch highlights the ongoing challenges of water management in Montana, especially in areas where development projects and traditional agriculture intersect. It also exemplifies the state’s enforcement efforts to ensure compliance with water laws and protect regional water supplies amid growing development and competing interests. The legal process proceeding over the coming weeks will determine whether the ranch can continue its golf course operations under the framework of proper water rights or face further penalties and restrictions.
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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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