Government and tribal representatives are proposing a water rights compact they believe will alleviate numerous water court disputes.

The tribes say an 1855 treaty guarantees them water rights on and off the reservation to protect stream flows.

Many irrigators insist the compact will cripple hundreds of farms.

The Flathead Joint Board of Control is allowing individual water users to vote on the compact.

Informational meetings got underway today in Arlee and St. Ignatius.  More are scheduled for 1:00 pm tomorrow, Tuesday February 5th, at the Lone Pine Hall in Hot Springs and for 6:00 pm tomorrow night at the Community Center in Ronan.

Irrigators will then receive a ballot in the mail to cast their votes.