News Summary
Crazy Mountain Ranch in Livingston, Montana, has been found violating state water laws by illegally irrigating its golf course without the necessary permits. Following complaints from local farmers, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation launched an investigation and took legal action. The ranch’s management admitted to bypassing permit processes, prompting a temporary halt to irrigation. As tensions mount over water rights in the Shields River Valley, the ranch has entered a consent decree with authorities to prevent further violations while it seeks to secure proper permits.
Livingston, Montana — Water Law Violations at Crazy Mountain Ranch Under Investigation
In a recent development in Livingston, Montana, Crazy Mountain Ranch has admitted to violating state water laws by irrigating its golf course without obtaining the necessary permits. The situation has prompted legal action from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), which is seeking to prevent further unauthorized water use and enforce compliance with water regulation statutes.
Details of the Violation and Court Proceedings
The ranch’s general manager, David Hardwick, acknowledged in a court filing that the ranch bypassed the proper permit process, admitting to irrigating the 112-acre golf course, including 35 acres of newly installed turf, starting last June. The illegal irrigation involved diverting water from Rock Creek, a practice municipal authorities and local irrigators heavily oppose. The state first became aware of the activities after observing water use that lacked proper authorization, prompting immediate action.
In response, a District Court in Livingston scheduled a hearing for July 28 to review the DNRC’s requests. On July 18, Judge Matthew Wald issued a temporary order to halt irrigation of the golf course while the matter was being considered. The court’s order aims to prevent further illegal water diversion while legal discussions continue.
Ranch’s Explanation and Response to Regulations
Representatives from Crazy Mountain Ranch stated that their irrigation activities were necessary to safeguard their investment in premium turf shipped from Idaho. They argued that delays and additional paperwork demanded by the DNRC for permit approval have hampered their efforts to obtain lawful water rights. Despite these claims, the ranch began diverting water illicitly to sustain the golf course, inciting complaints from local farmers and irrigators who depend on Rock Creek for their own water needs.
According to reports, the ranch planned to truck in up to 100,000 gallons of water weekly from a nearby water plant to irrigate the course, expecting to pursue proper permits while continuing operations temporarily. The illegal diversion was a source of concern and anger among local water users, highlighting ongoing tensions over water rights in the region.
Legal Agreements and Ongoing Monitoring
On July 25, the ranch entered into a consent decree with the DNRC, agreeing not to divert water from Rock Creek during the approval process. Under this agreement, the ranch may continue irrigating using purchased water, provided it applies for and receives the permits needed for other water rights and submits weekly reports on water usage. The DNRC also holds the authority to conduct inspections and monitor compliance.
The consent decree stipulates that penalties will be waived unless the ranch breaches the agreement. Should violations occur, fines could reach up to $1,000 per day, serving as an enforcement measure to ensure adherence to water laws.
Background and Regional Context
Crazy Mountain Ranch is situated within an 18,000-acre property developed as an exclusive recreational facility. Its golf course is part of a luxury development that has attracted controversy due to concerns raised by neighboring ranchers and local residents. Many claim that the ranch’s water diversion threatens the water supply crucial for agricultural and residential needs in the Shields River Valley.
Local irrigators have lodged approximately 15 complaints, accusing the ranch of operating without proper water rights, which could harm their farms and livelihoods. The DNRC’s investigation will determine whether the ranch’s permit applications for water rights will be approved or denied in the near future.
Potential Outcomes and Regional Impacts
If the DNRC approves the ranch’s water rights application, the agency has indicated it will withdraw its injunction and permit the ranch to use water legally. Conversely, if the application is denied, the current order preventing water use will remain in effect, and the ranch will be unable to continue irrigating its golf course with Rock Creek water. The ongoing conflict exemplifies the complex and contentious nature of water rights management in regions with limited water resources and competing interests.
This dispute is part of a broader landscape of water management issues in the Shields River Valley, an area with a long history of water disputes. The situation underscores the importance of balancing development with the sustainable use of scarce water supplies, especially in a region where water is a vital resource for both agriculture and recreation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KBZK: DNRC Files Lawsuit Against Crazy Mountain Ranch
- Wikipedia: Water Law
- NBC Montana: Golf Course Sparks Water Rights Clash
- Google Search: Montana Water Rights
- KBZK: Rising Tensions at Crazy Mountain Ranch
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Right
- NBC Montana: DNRC Files Cease and Desist Against Crazy Mountain Ranch
- Google Scholar: Montana Water Law
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
