Water Forum H2O 2009

Water is our most fundamental natural resource but an increasingly limited one.  Growing populations and changing values have increased demands on water supplies and river systems, resulting in water use and water management conflicts throughout the West.  Agricultural needs often conflict with urban needs, as well as with water demand for threatened and endangered species, hunting, fishing, and scenic enjoyment. 

In this area of Montana, the Yellowstone River affects every aspect of our lives, from our homes to our businesses, agriculture, conservation, industry and recreation. It is essential for us to consider the challenges we face in keeping the Yellowstone viable for future generations in all these important areas.

Because change can happen quickly, it is important that we address these issues immediately, and on a continuing basis. The Urban Institute of Montana State University in Billings understands this urgency and is sponsoring its second Water Forum to help identify conflicts related to water. The agenda includes educational presentations, top speakers, panel discussion, and a professionally facilitated stakeholder conversation.

On August 10 the Water Forum will start with a brief presentation on the history of development in this part of the Yellowstone Valley.  Next on the agenda is a presentation on water rights in Montana by hydrogeologist Tom Osborne, President of HydroSolutions Inc, and an expert on Montana water issues.

Next will be a panel made up of representatives from agriculture, industry, local government, recreation, and conservation.  Each panelist will provide his/her take on how their issues relate to the water rights discussion from the first segment.

After the panel discussion we will break for lunch.  We are very pleased that our keynote speaker at the luncheon will be The Honorable Mary Sexton, Director of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, who will talk about the future of water in Montana.

The afternoon hours will be invested in a stakeholders’ conversation. Using the information developed from Mr. Osborne, Ms. Sexton, and the panel discussion, water forum participants will engage in a facilitated conversation with the purpose of listening to the issues of all parties, finding common ground, and possibly creating a structure for ongoing work.