IN THE MATTER OF THE APPOINTMENT OF WATER JUDGES

07/27/2021 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF MONTANA Case Number: AF 09-0379 AF 09-0379 ELL3 JUL 2 7 2021 IN THE MATTER OF THE APPOINTMENT Bowen C3reenwood O R D E rible rk of Supreme Court OF CHIEF WATER JUDGE State of Montana Section 3-7-221, MCA, provides that the Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court appoint the Chief Water Judge. The Honorable Russell McElyea's appointment as Chief Water Judge ends July 31,2021. Pursuant to 2020 Mont. Laws ch. 62, §§ 1-7 the Judicial Branch solicited applications for the appointment as well as public comment on the applicant. Having considered the abilities, background, and qualifications ofthe applicant, Russell McElyea satisfied all the requirements for the position, and I have concluded that the reappointment of Russell McElyea is in the best interest ofthe citizens of Montana. Therefore, IT IS ORDERED that Russell McElyea ofBozeman, Montana, is hereby appointed to the position of Chief Water Judge of the State of Montana for a term commencing on August 1, 2021 and ending July 31,2025. The Clerk is directed to file a signed copy of this Order with the Secretary of State of the State of Montana and provide copies to the Office of the Court Administrator, to Russell McElyea, Chief Water Judge, Stephen R. Brown, Associate Water Judge, and the State Bar of Montana. DATED this Z-1-- day of July, 2021. Chief Justice