Property Ownership

In Montana, a property owner's riparian right to use water from a stream bordering their land is limited by:

AState law only with no federal involvement
BBoth Montana's prior appropriation doctrine and federal law governing navigable waterways✓ Correct
COnly federal law since all water belongs to the federal government
DThe adjoining landowner's consent

Explanation

Water rights in Montana are governed by a complex interaction of state prior appropriation law and federal law (particularly regarding federally reserved water rights on federal lands and regulations of navigable waterways). Real estate professionals must understand both frameworks when advising clients on Montana properties with water access.

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