85-2-338. Upper Clark Fork River basin steering committee -- membership and duties -- comprehensive management plan. (1) There is an Upper Clark Fork River basin steering committee. The department director shall appoint the members of the committee, selecting them on the basis of their knowledge of water use, water management, fish, wildlife, recreation, water quality, and water conservation. Representation on the committee must include but is not limited to representatives from affected:
     (a) agricultural organizations;
     (b) conservation districts;
     (c) departments of state government;
     (d) environmental organizations;
     (e) industries;
     (f) local governments;
     (g) reservation applicants;
     (h) utilities; and
     (i) water user organizations.
     (2) The steering committee, consistent with the Upper Clark Fork River basin comprehensive management plan, shall:
     (a) review the Upper Clark Fork River basin closure and exceptions as provided in 85-2-336 no less than every 5 years after April 14, 1995, and make recommendations to the legislature regarding necessary changes;
     (b) make recommendations to the 1997 legislature concerning representation, terms, and the method of appointing members to the steering committee;
     (c) prepare and submit a report evaluating the Upper Clark Fork River basin instream flow pilot program as provided in 85-2-439;
     (d) prepare and submit a report concerning the relationship between surface water and ground water and the cumulative impacts of ground water withdrawals in each subbasin;
     (e) provide a forum for all interests to communicate about water issues;
     (f) provide education about water law and water management issues;
     (g) identify short-term and long-term water management issues and problems and identify alternatives for resolving them;
     (h) identify the potential beneficiaries of and a funding mechanism for new and expanded water storage sites;
     (i) assist in facilitating the resolution of water-related disputes;
     (j) provide coordination with other basin management and planning efforts;
     (k) advise government agencies about water management and permitting activities;
     (l) consult with local governments within the Upper Clark Fork River basin; and
     (m) report periodically to the legislature.

     History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 741, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 487, L. 1995.