Montana’s drought–and likely its wildfires–are expected to worsen, state officials told members of the Water Policy Interim Committee recently.

WPIC began its 2021-22 interim on July 14-15, adopting a work plan that includes studies of water quality standards for selenium in Lake Koocanusa and erosion in the lower Flathead River.

State water planner Michael Downey told the 10-member committee that Montana’s wettest month, June, was abnormally hot and dry, which have put most of the state under official drought designation. And the state’s driest month, August, awaits, with predictions of less precipitation and higher temperatures. Unprecedented calls on the Yellowstone River are a possibility, Downey also added.

State forester Sonya Germann echoed Downey’s dour news, telling WPIC that local, state, and federal firefighters are aggressively attacking all new fires, because there are no extra resources to combat bigger blazes. Germann said the northern Rockies are the country’s No. 1 priority for wildland fires.

In constructing an interim work plan, the committee voted to form a special joint committee with members of the Environmental Quality Council for House Joint Resolution 37, a study of selenium standards in Lake Koocanusa. The proposed 8-member special joint committee would analyze the data and processes used by the Department of Environmental Quality last year to set fish tissue and water column standards for selenium concentrations. Selenium levels have been on the rise in the basin, owing to mining activity in British Columbia. The special joint committee could then make recommendations for the related administrative rule or supporting documentation.

WPIC also chose to conduct a study of Flathead River erosion (SJ 28), where certain boat use may be endangering agricultural lands, water resources, riparian vegetation, and aquatic systems. The committee tentatively agreed to visit the area during the interim.

Members of the committee are: Sen. Jill Cohenour (D-E. Helena), Sen. Shane Morigeau (D-Missoula), Sen. Walt Sales (R-Manhattan), Sen. Jeffrey Welborn (R-Dillon), Rep. Willis Curdy (D-Missoula), Rep. Robert Farris-Olsen (D-Helena), Rep. Tom France (D-Missoula), Rep. Rhonda Knudsen (R-Culbertson), Rep. Marty Malone (R-Pray), Rep. Bob Phalen (R-Lindsay). The committee chose Sen. Welborn as presiding officer and Rep. Curdy as vice-presiding officer.

The WPIC meets again Oct. 12-13. Go to leg.mt.gov/water for more information or contact staff at jasonmohr@mt.gov or (406)444-1640.