85-2-350. (Temporary) Clark Fork River basin task force -- water management plan. (1) The governor's office shall designate an appropriate entity to convene and coordinate a Clark Fork River basin task force to prepare a water management plan for the Clark Fork River basin pursuant to 85-1-203. The designated appropriate entity shall:
     (a) identify the individuals and organizations, public, tribal, and private, that are interested in or affected by water management in the Clark Fork River basin;
     (b) provide advice and assistance in selecting representatives to serve on the task force;
     (c) develop, in consultation with the task force, appropriate opportunities for public participation in the development of a water management plan; and
     (d) ensure that all watershed and viewpoints within the basin are adequately represented on the task force, including a representation from the following:
     (i) the reach of the Clark Fork River in Montana below its confluence with the Flathead River;
     (ii) the Flathead River basin, including Flathead Lake, from Flathead Lake to the confluence of the Flathead River and the Clark Fork River. At least one representative from this basin must be a representative of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribal government.
     (iii) the Flathead River basin upstream from Flathead Lake;
     (iv) the reach of the Clark Fork River between the confluence of the Blackfoot River and the Clark Fork River and the confluence of the Clark Fork River and the Flathead River;
     (v) the Bitterroot River basin as defined in 85-2-344; and
     (vi) the Upper Clark Fork River basin as defined in 85-2-335.
     (2) The task force shall examine, for applicability to the water management plan, existing laws, rules, plans, and other provisions affecting water management in the Clark Fork River basin, including:
     (a) the temporary closure of Bitterroot River subbasins pursuant to 85-2-344;
     (b) the closure of the Upper Clark Fork River basin pursuant to 85-2-336;
     (c) the restrictions on ground water development in the Upper Clark Fork River basin provided for in 85-2-337; and
     (d) the Upper Clark Fork River basin management plan, adopted as a section of the state water plan pursuant to 85-1-203.
     (3) The task force shall prepare a water management plan for the Clark Fork River basin pursuant to 85-1-203. The water management plan must identify options to protect the security of water rights and provide for the orderly development and conservation of water in the future.
     (4) The task force shall submit an interim report annually by October 31 on its activities to the governor and the legislature.
     (5) The water management plan, including the information prepared by the task force under this section, must be submitted to the 59th legislature, as provided in 85-1-203, by September 15, 2004. (Terminates April 15, 2005--sec. 6, Ch. 447, L. 2001.)

     History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 447, L. 2001.