CSKT Natural Resources Department
Protecting Tribal water, and the infrastructure that carries it
The Division of Engineering & Water Resources implements the CSKT-Montana Water Compact: protecting Tribal water rights, keeping dams and irrigation infrastructure safe, and restoring the rivers and wetlands of the Flathead Indian Reservation for current and future generations.
“Water acts as the master regulator and lifeblood of all other natural resources.”
What we do
All programsWater Rights
Protects the Tribes’ inherent water rights so they are recognized, quantified and preserved.
Water Management & Planning
Uses data-driven approaches to balance the Reservation’s competing water needs, including monitoring and measurement and the CSKT Water Data website.
Environmental Restoration
Restores and mitigates natural-resource impacts from the construction and operation of the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project, and handles NEPA and permitting compliance.
Irrigation Infrastructure
Plans and carries out rehabilitation and modernization of the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project, currently focused on the Jocko Valley.
Safety of Dams
Oversees the Reservation’s 15 high-hazard dams, and the BIA National Monitoring Center in Ronan that watches early-warning data for 141 BIA high-hazard dams.
Roads
Maintains and builds certain BIA roads on the Reservation and administers the Tribal Transportation Program with the Federal Highway Administration.
Information & Education
Shares DEWR’s work through maps, multimedia, outreach and recruitment, with local schools, youth programs, colleges and community groups.
Current projects
All projects-
Current
Jocko River Bison Range Reach Restoration
Environmental Restoration · Phase 1 2025 · Phase 2 2026–27
About 14,300 feet of new Jocko River channel in its historical alignment, reconnecting the floodplain and creating 30+ acres of wetland.
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Current
Kicking Horse Dam Safety Upgrades
Safety of Dams · Construction anticipated 2026–2028
Cutoff wall, new outlet works, toe drains and crest repairs to bring the 1930 dam and dikes to current standards.
Opens the current DEWR page
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Current
Jocko Area Canal Conversion, Phases 5 & 6
Irrigation Infrastructure · Begins after the 2026 irrigation season
Converting open canal to pipeline; contract awarded to Knife River.
Opens the current DEWR page
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Current
North Fork Jocko and Tabor Diversion
Irrigation Infrastructure · Current
Diversion improvements on the North Fork Jocko and Tabor Feeder system.
Opens the current DEWR page
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Current
Crow Pumping Plant
Irrigation Infrastructure · Current
Reconstruction of the Crow pump diversion.
Opens the current DEWR page
Bid opportunities
Open
Website Redesign and Development Services, due October 29, 2026, 4:30 p.m. MDT.
Documents & procurementPublic meetings
Meeting dates, agendas and comment periods in one place, with reminders by email.
Notices & meetings