The golf course at Crazy Mountain Ranch, highlighting the lush turf that became central to a legal water dispute.
Park County, Montana, July 29, 2025
Crazy Mountain Ranch in Park County, Montana, has admitted to legal violations by irrigating its golf course without the necessary permits. The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is taking legal actions, including seeking a temporary restraining order against the ranch for its unauthorized water use from Rock Creek. Following 15 complaints from local irrigators, the ranch is now trucking in water while awaiting the approval of required permits. A court hearing is set for July 28 to determine the ranch’s future actions and obligations.
Park County, Montana – Crazy Mountain Ranch has admitted to violating Montana water law by illegally irrigating its golf course without the necessary permits, according to a recent court filing. The ranch’s general manager, David Hardwick, expressed regret for advancing the irrigation process without appropriate regulatory approvals, which has resulted in significant legal ramifications.
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) has initiated legal actions, including seeking a temporary restraining order and civil remedies against the ranch. A District Court hearing is scheduled for July 28 in Livingston to address the DNRC’s requests, following an investigation that uncovered the ranch started watering its 112-acre golf course, which includes 35 acres of newly installed turf, as early as June 2023.
According to the DNRC, the ranch’s actions were in violation of the Montana Water Use Act. On July 18, the court temporarily prohibited the ranch from continuing its irrigation practices. The ranch’s representatives contended that watering the golf course was necessary to protect their investment in the costly turf imported from Idaho.
Additional concerns arose from local irrigators, who reported that Crazy Mountain Ranch started diverting water illegally from Rock Creek, which sparked 15 complaints against the facility. In light of the pressure from local farmers and potential harm to their water supply, the ranch has begun to truck in approximately 100,000 gallons of water weekly from a local plant while they pursue the necessary water permits.
In an effort to mitigate the situation, the ranch agreed to a consent decree filed on July 25, which prohibits the use of water from Rock Creek for irrigation. The decree allows the ranch to continue watering the golf course with purchased water while awaiting approval on their application for water rights from the DNRC. As part of this agreement, the ranch is required to provide weekly reports of water usage to the DNRC and allow for inspections of the golf course.
The DNRC has stated it will waive penalties for the ranch unless the consent decree is violated, which could lead to fines of up to $1,000 per day. This agreement reflects ongoing tensions in the Shields River Valley, where water rights have historically been a contentious issue due to the region’s limited water resources.
Crazy Mountain Ranch, located on an 18,000-acre property, operates as a member-only recreational facility. Local ranchers have raised alarms regarding potential negative impacts on their own water supplies and livelihoods due to the ranch’s water diversion practices. The DNRC is actively investigating complaints regarding the unauthorized water use.
If the DNRC grants the ranch’s water permit applications, it will withdraw its injunction against the ranch. However, if the permits are denied, the injunction will remain in place, preventing any further use of the contested water rights by Crazy Mountain Ranch.
The situation at Crazy Mountain Ranch highlights a broader issue in Montana regarding water management and distribution. The region has a history of water disputes, partly driven by diverse agricultural needs and the development of luxury facilities that may jeopardize local water supplies. As local ranchers navigate these complexities, the state continues to enforce laws designed to protect water resources for all residents.
Crazy Mountain Ranch is a member-only recreational facility located on an 18,000-acre property in Park County, Montana.
The ranch violated the Montana Water Use Act by illegally irrigating its golf course without proper permits.
The DNRC is seeking a temporary restraining order and civil remedies against Crazy Mountain Ranch for its unauthorized water use.
A temporary restraining order has been issued to stop irrigation activities until the ranch meets the necessary permitting requirements.
Local ranchers are worried that Crazy Mountain Ranch’s diversion of water from Rock Creek may negatively impact their water supply and agricultural livelihoods.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Park County, Montana |
| Property Size | 18,000 acres |
| Golf Course Size | 112 acres |
| New Turf Area | 35 acres |
| Water Source | Rock Creek (diverted illegally) |
| Current Water Usage Method | Truck in 100,000 gallons/week |
| Upcoming Hearing | July 28 in Livingston |
| Potential Violations Fine | Up to $1,000 per day |
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