Weigh in on water rights while there’s still time
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
Editor,
The Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribes, and non-Indian water users in Wyoming have been in court since the 1980s fighting over water rights on the Wind River Reservation. Untold millions and millions of dollars have been spent, and though some issues have been resolved, many are still to be resolved. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, along with state and local entities, have been involved in a complex negotiation to try to avoid this costly and contentious litigation process. After sitting in on informational meetings, I can’t help but be impressed with the amount of care that has been taken to ensure that everyone’s water rights are protected and that the economic viability of a place we all call home can flourish.
It has been a best-faith effort of a diverse group of people working together to make sure that tribal and non-tribal interests are protected. I encourage everyone to get informed on the good work that has been done. Make constructive comments on the process if you have concerns so they can be addressed. You will find that most of them have already been addressed.
I attended such a meeting Monday night presented by the compact commission, only to be invited to another meeting by a resident realtor of less than a year, David Passieri, at which Brian Shuck, an attorney involved in the lengthy Wind River litigation retained by Buffalo Wallow Ranch, would be presenting. The owner of the ranch, Steve Killhorn, a recent valley resident, is organizing a group to oppose the current agreement.
The attorney for the irrigators’ joint board of control asked Mr. Passieri if members of the negotiating team were present, would they be allowed to answer questions about the agreement during this meeting? This was something many in the audience thought would be a good idea. Mr. Passieri said he couldn’t answer that question, but time would probably not allow it.
Take time to get informed on this important issue. Make constructive comments and help move this process forward. Comments and concerns from irrigators are being addressed, and changes are being brought forward. Attend the FJBC meeting on the revised draft document in the Ronan Auditorium Aug. 20th at 6 p.m. to find out more.
Susan Lake
Ronan
