"Helping to ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations" is the mission of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). First established in 1971 as a result of the Executive Reorganization Act of 1971, the DNRC provides leadership in managing the state's natural resources. It is presently responsible for promoting the stewardship of Montana's water, soil, forest, and rangeland resources; for regulating forest practices and oil and gas exploration and production.

Nine boards and commissions are attached to the department. Six of them—the Board of Land Commissioners, Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission, Board of Oil and Gas Conservation, Board of Water Well Contractors, Flathead Basin Commission, and Montana Grass Conservation Commission—have decision-making authority. The other three—the Resource Conservation Advisory Council, Rangeland Resources Committee, and Drought Advisory Committee—act in an advisory capacity only.

The department is organized into seven divisions: Director's Office, Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD), Forestry, Oil and Gas Conservation, Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission, Trust Land Management, and Water Resources. Two of the divisions—the Oil and Gas Conservation Division and the Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission—are attached to the department for administrative purposes only.

The Water Resources Division promotes and coordinates the beneficial use, conservation, protection and development of Montana’s water resources.

The Division carries out its duties for the purpose of promoting the general welfare and prosperity of the people of Montana. Sound coordination of the development and utilization of the state’s waters allows the Division to protect existing uses and to promote adequate future supplies for domestic, industrial, agricultural, recreation, the conservation of water for wildlife, aquatic life and other beneficial uses.

The Water Resources Division is responsible for many programs associated with the uses, development and protection of Montana's water. It manages and maintains the state-owned dams, reservoirs, and canals. The division also develops and recommends in state, interstate, and international water policy to the director, Governor, and legislature. The division consists of eight regional offices and five bureaus: Water Management Bureau, Water Rights Bureau, Adjudication Bureau, State Water Projects Bureau and the Water Operations Bureau.

The 2003 Legislature attached the Flathead Basin Commission to the department for administrative purposes. The Commission is charged to protect the natural resources and environment of the Flathead Basin.