This collection is a subgroup (Predecessor Office) of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation records, RS 496. Please see the primary finding aid for more Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation records.

Records include general correspondence (1921, 1923), outgoing correspondence (1939-1942, 1951-1964), and subject files (1865-1920) on water rights, filed by county and including lists of water right filings and decrees with related correspondence. In addition there are organizational charts and job descriptions; biennial reports (1906, 1910, 1918, 1920, 1964); a report (1910) of State Hydrographer C.S. Heidel; a report on the water supply of the Chapman Irrigation District (Oct. 1923); and several articles (1962, 1964, undated) about the work of the State Engineer and also concerning irrigation in Montana. [Formerly part of the Carey Land Act Board Records, RS 32]