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History of the Compact

The Yellowstone River Compact was ratified in 1950 and became effective in 1951. The Yellowstone River Compact Commission (YRCC) is a three member commission charged with apportioning the waters of the Yellowstone River and its tributaries. The Compact was entered into by Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming to:

• provide for an equitable division and apportionment of the waters of the Yellowstone River and its tributaries.
• encourage the beneficial development and use of the Basin's waters, recognizing the great importance of water for irrigation that would arise from future projects or programs for the regulation, control,and use of water in the Yellowstone River Basin.
• further intergovernment cooperation and remove causes of controversy over distribution and use of water.

LOCATION OF THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE YELLOWSTONE RIVER COMPACT COMMISSION

U.S. Geological Survey
Rocky Mountain Geographic Area
Denver Federal Center
Bldg. 20, Room D-1009
Lakewood, CO 80225
Phone: 303-236-4836