What DEWR does
Programs
DEWR works to implement the CSKT-Montana Water Compact through engineering, science, planning, construction, operations, resource management, and public engagement. Our work includes irrigation modernization, fish passage and habitat restoration, dam safety, road improvements, water rights implementation, hydrologic monitoring, and community outreach.
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Monitoring & Measurement
The CSKT Water Monitoring and Measurement Program quantifies snow, surface water, and groundwater resources on the Flathead Reservation. The Program also provides technical support to other Tribal programs as well as partner agencies to preserve, protect, and enhance the Reservation’s resources and ecosystems for future generations.
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Water Management & Planning
Water is a sacred and essential resource to the inhabitants of the Flathead Indian Reservation. With many competing demands, as well as climate-related impacts, it is vital to properly manage these resources to meet the various beneficial uses. Using data-driven approaches, CSKT Water Management and Planning Program staff develop solutions to these challenges, ensuring a balance between the many water needs.
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Water Rights
The Water Rights Program Mission is to protect the Tribes' inherent water rights and ensure that these rights are recognized, quantified, and preserved for future and current generations.
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Environmental Restoration
The Restoration Program oversees and implements restoration and mitigation for historical and contemporary natural resources impacts due to the construction and operation of the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project, as specified in Section 7 of the Montana Water Rights Protection Act. The program also ensures compliance with mandatory federal and Tribal environmental regulations, such as NEPA and permitting.
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Irrigation Infrastructure
The program organizes, plans and executes rehabilitation and restoration of various elements of the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project with the goal of making the project more efficient with modernized control systems.
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Safety of Dams
SOD oversees the Reservation’s 15 high-hazard dams with regular instrumentation data collection, inspections and performance evaluations to identify and implement maintenance activities as well as address necessary improvements leading to rehabilitation and betterment projects associated with the CSKT Water Compact.
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Roads
The Roads Program is responsible for the maintenance and construction of certain BIA roads within the reservation boundary. The program administers a Tribal Transportation Program in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration which includes a Long and Short Range Tribal Transportation Plan. The BIA Road Maintenance program maintains main BIA roads and Homesite roads.
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Information & Education
The Information and Education Program promotes the projects and initiatives of the Division of Engineering and Water Resources. The program offers support through multimedia resources including Geospatial data analysis, map making, public outreach and recruitment. The program engages with local schools, summer youth programs, colleges, universities, local organizations, working groups and committees.