“Water acts as the master regulator and lifeblood of all other natural resources. It sustains biodiversity, drives plant growth via soil, regulates regional climates, and provides the lifeblood for our subsistence fisheries and cultural resources. Without it, forests, wildlife, fisheries, and agricultural systems would collapse.”
— Rich Janssen Jr.
Department Head, Natural Resources Department
About DEWR
The Division of Engineering & Water Resources (DEWR) was established to implement the CSKT-Montana Water Compact and support long-term stewardship and administration of Tribal water resources.
The mission of the Division of Engineering and Water Resources is to protect Tribal water resources and water rights, maintain the safety and integrity of critical infrastructure, and advance sound science, engineering, and resource management to preserve the natural and cultural resources of the Flathead Indian Reservation for current and future generations.
CSKT-Montana Water Compact
The CSKT-Montana Water Compact is a Tribal-State Federal agreement that quantifies and protects the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ federally reserved water rights under the 1855 Hellgate Treaty. The Compact was approved by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the Montana Legislature, and the United States Congress, and became effective on September 17, 2021, following approval by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior.
On May 12, 2026, the Montana Water Court approved the CSKT-Montana Water Compact, marking the completion of decades of negotiation and legal proceedings. The final decree confirms the Tribes’ water rights and establishes the legal framework for administering the water rights recognized under the Compact.
Our Work
DEWR works to implement the CSKT-Montana Water compact though 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.
This website provides information about DEWR’s programs, current projects, public meetings, educational resources, and opportunities for community involvement. Whether you are a Tribal member, irrigator, landowner, partner agency, or community member, we invite you to explore our work and stay informed about the ongoing implementation of the CSKT-Montana Water Compact.
Our Programs
- Monitoring & Measurement
- Water Management & Planning
- Water Rights
- Environmental Restoration
- Irrigation Infrastructure
- Safety of Dams
- Roads
- Information & Education
Our Projects
DEWR’s work includes engineering, restoration, irrigation infrastructure, water management, and other initiatives that support implementation of the CSKT-Montana Water Compact. Explore our completed, current, and upcoming projects below.
Completed
- Jocko Valley Canal Pipeline Phases 1–4
- Jocko K Headworks
- North Fork Jocko Access Bridge
- Crow Creek Wetland Mitigation
- Crow Dam & Spillway
Current
- Crow Pumping Plant
- Bison Range Reach Restoration
- North Fork Jocko and Tabor Diversion
- Jocko Valley Pipeline Conversion
- Kicking Horse Dam Modification
- Upper S Fish Ladder
- South Fork Bridge Replacement
- Wild Plum Landing Recreation Access
- Crow Creek Wetland Restoration
- Revais Creek Bridge Replacement
- Dixon Homesite Street Improvement
Upcoming
- Future Fish passage projects
- Planned irrigation modernization projects
- Dam Safety improvements in design
- Restoration projects
Highlighted Projects
Explore featured projects that highlight how DEWR is improving water infrastructure, restoring natural resources, and implementing the CSKT-Montana Water Compact across the Flathead Indian Reservation.
Kicking Horse Dam & Outlet Works Modification
Modernizing aging infrastructure to improve dam safety, water management, and irrigation reliability.
Jocko Valley Canal-to-Pipeline Conversion
Converting aging open canals to buried pipelines to improve water delivery efficiency, reduce water loss, and modernize irrigation infrastructure.
Jocko K Diversion
Replacing aging diversion infrastructure to improve irrigation operations, enhance fish passage, and support long-term water management.
North Fork Jocko Diversion
Constructing a new rock ramp fishway, fish screen, and diversion structure to improve fish passage while maintaining reliable irrigation deliveries.
Bison Range Reach Restoration
Restoring the 2.8 miles of the Jocko River to improve fish habitat, reconnect the floodplain, and support healthier riparian and wetland ecosystems.
Upper S Fish Ladder (2027)
The project would modernize the facility with volitional fish passage infrastructure, allowing fish to move more freely upstream and downstream through the river system, along with sediment transport features designed to support more natural river conditions while continuing to provide irrigation delivery.
