|
The Flathead Basin Commission was established by the Montana Legislature in 1983 (enabling legislation below), following the completion of the Flathead River Basin Environmental Impact Study. The FBC's mandate emphasizes, but is not limited to, water quality. Comprised of representatives from state and federal agencies with a major interest in the basin, several citizen representatives who are appointed by the Governor of Montana, and an ex officio member from British Columbia, the FBC is uniquely constituted to address transjurisdictional issues and events in the basin. It is fair to say that two decades of hard work by the FBC and the Flathead River Basin Environmental Impact Study Steering Committee paid off in a big way when the BC authorities advised the FBC of Fording's recent exploration activities in the North Fork. Those familiar with the Cabin Creek issue will remember that Americans did not learn of Sage Creek's activities until after Sage Creek had invested large amounts of money in the project, and plans for the mine were well along. Support for the commission has waned in recent years, partly because the threat of coal mining in the upper North Fork seemingly had faded, partly because the Wise Use movement and its allies view the FBC as a potential impediment to extractive development, and partly, I suspect, because some local office holders think their stature and power would grow were the FBC to disappear. Flathead County was a strong supporter of the FBC during the terms of Henry Oldenburg, Allan Jacobson, and Sharon Stratten. This year, however, the county refused financial support for the commission for the first time, a direct and untoward consequence of the rise to power of Dale Williams and Bob Watne. |
The FBC maintains an office in Kalispell, located at 22 Second Ave. E. The current chairman is David Mihalic, Superintendent of Glacier National Park. Mark Holston, former news director for KCFW television, is the commission's public information officer. The FBC does not yet have a site on the internet (it should, of course, and should get moving on it now), but it can be reached by email. Basin Commission Roster as of 8 February 1998 (opens in new window). |
75-7-301. Short title. This part may be cited as the "Flathead Basin Commission Act of 1983". 75-7-302. Purpose. The purpose of the Flathead basin commission is to protect the existing high quality of the Flathead Lake aquatic environment; the waters that flow into, out of, or are tributary to the lake; and the natural resources and environment of the Flathead basin. 75-7-303. Definitions. As used in this part, the following definitions apply: (1) "Aquatic resources" means all beneficial uses of water, including but not limited to water quality and water supply; recreational, scenic, and aesthetic values; and fish, wildlife, and other organisms. 75-7-304. Duties of the commission. Duties of the commission are: (1) to monitor the existing condition of natural resources in the basin and coordinate development of an annual monitoring plan. This plan must involve a cooperative strategy among all land and water management agencies within the Flathead basin and identify proposed and needed monitoring which emphasizes but is not limited to the aquatic resources of the Flathead basin; 75-7-305. Commission authority. (1) The commission may make recommendations to the legislature and the governor and to federal, tribal, provincial, and local agencies for maintenance and enhancement of the quality of natural resources of the Flathead basin. 75-7-306. Establishment of account. There is established in the state special revenue fund a Flathead basin commission account. Money received by the Flathead basin commission under 75-7-305 and such other funds as are designated or appropriated for its use must be deposited in the account. 75-7-307. Special county government authority. The governing body of any county within or bordering upon the Flathead basin may allocate to the Flathead basin commission a portion of any money available from coal severance tax allocations or other sources and designated for planning activities. 75-7-308. Cooperation with other agencies and organizations. To fulfill its duties, the commission shall develop and maintain cooperative programs with federal, state, provincial, tribal, and local agencies or organizations that are responsible for natural resource management and monitoring in the Flathead basin. Participating federal and provincial agencies must be requested to provide adequate funds to participate on the commission and to monitor resources within their areas of responsibility. 2-15-213. Flathead basin commission membership compensation. (1) There is a Flathead basin commission. 2-15-214. Flathead basin commission term of appointment quorum vacancy chairman vote. (1) The commission members shall serve staggered 4-year terms. 2-15-215. Flathead basin commission staff and office location. (1) The executive director of the commission shall be compensated on a pro rata basis from commission funds, calculated upon the time he is required by the governor to serve the commission. (2) An office for the commission may be established at a community located in the basin, and sufficient and appropriate staff must be assigned to serve the commission.
Formatted 30 November 1997 by James Conner. This document is for reference only, and shall not be considered an official copy of the law. |
|
|