Public Comments – International St. Mary and Milk Rivers Study Board Work Plan

The International St. Mary and Milk Rivers Study Board (ISMMRSB) is welcoming public input on its work plan.

The work plan describes the history leading up to the St. Mary and Milk Rivers study and the study’s objectives. It explains how the Study Board intends to conduct its work and achieve its objectives. The work plan also includes details about public engagement activities, how the ISMMRSB’s advisory groups and technical teams are organized, and how its findings will be reviewed.

The comment period is open from July 28 to August 29, 2022.

Background

The St. Mary and Milk Rivers originate in the mountains and foothills of the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, flowing northeast across the international border from Montana into Alberta, Canada. The St. Mary River continues north, while the Milk River turns east and parallels the international border for 120 km (70 miles) before turning south back into Montana.

The United States’ St. Mary Canal was constructed in 1917 and is used to divert water through a series of syphons from the St. Mary River to the North Milk River for use in the lower Milk River valley in Montana.

The International Joint Commission (IJC) provides direction for the measurement and apportionment of water that crosses the international boundary in the St. Mary and Milk River basins, in accordance with the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 and the IJC Order of 1921.