Full Breakdown
Crazy Mountain Ranch Seeks Short-Term Water Leases for Golf Course Irrigation
2/27/2026, 1:25:31 PM
Overview of the Water Lease Applications
Crazy Mountain Ranch (CMR) has submitted three applications to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) to temporarily lease historic water rights for the irrigation of its luxury, guest-only golf course, The Club at Crazy Mountain Ranch. This initiative follows the enactment of the Montana Water Use Act, which permits short-term water leases, and comes after years of scrutiny regarding the ranch's water usage.
The applications, filed in January, propose to transfer water historically used for irrigation from Rock Creek and Rock Lake. The total volume requested is 325.4 acre-feet, with a maximum flow rate of 3 cubic feet per second. The leases would allow water diversion during staggered 40-day periods in May and June, with Rainbow Lake added as a storage site. CMR has committed to ceasing irrigation on the historic acres tied to these water rights in any year the leased water is utilized.
Background and Context
The Montana Water Use Act, which allows water-right holders to lease water for up to 40 days per year for a maximum of five years within a ten-year period, has garnered support from agricultural groups and conservation organizations, including Montana Trout Unlimited. These supporters argue that the law provides flexibility for water users while safeguarding the rights of senior water holders.
Previously, in October 2022, CMR indicated it had no plans to pursue water leasing under the new law, but the recent applications signal a shift in strategy. This change comes amid increased scrutiny of the ranch's water use, particularly following actions by Big Timber’s City Council, which tightened its water policy and limited bulk sales to CMR.
Official Statements & Responses
David Hardwick, General Manager of Crazy Mountain Ranch, stated that the ranch is adopting a “super-conservative approach” to ensure that the leases do not negatively impact other water users. He emphasized that the ranch aims to reduce the number of trucks hauling water while the applications are under review.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the ranch's assurances, there is public scrutiny regarding the water leasing plans. Concerns have been raised about the environmental impact and the implications for local water resources, particularly given the ongoing drought conditions in Montana. The City of Boulder has continued to sell water to a contractor for transport to the luxury development, which has also drawn criticism.
Timeline of Key Events
- October 2022: CMR states it has no plans to pursue water leasing.
- January 2023: CMR files applications for water leases.
- February 19, 2023: DNRC authorizes the leases.
- March 21, 2023: Deadline for objections to the lease applications.
What's Next
The DNRC will review the applications, and objections from the public are due by March 21, 2023. The outcome of this process will determine whether CMR can proceed with its plans to irrigate the golf course using the leased water rights.
