During a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the usage and management of local parks, particularly McGregor Dam and its water resources. Officials noted an uptick in park visitors, attributed to favorable weather conditions, with weekends seeing significant activity. Reservations for camping at Blacktail Dam and Little Egypt are reportedly on the rise, indicating a healthy interest in outdoor recreation.

A key topic of concern was the issuance of a water permit by the state for extraction from McGregor Dam. This permit allows a private entity to withdraw 94.9 acre-feet of water from the dam, which has raised concerns among local officials. The township is contesting the permit, asserting their water rights to McGregor Dam, which complicates the situation as the Game and Fish Department has leased the land surrounding the dam.

The implications of this water extraction are significant, as it could impact the ecological balance within the dam, potentially reducing habitats for fish and other wildlife. Previous attempts to extract water from the dam for fracking purposes were halted, and there is uncertainty about the current negotiations regarding the water rights.

Officials emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication with stakeholders and ensuring that the interests of both the township and the ecological health of the area are considered in any decisions made regarding water extraction. The meeting concluded with a commitment to monitor the situation closely as discussions continue.