MISSOULA — The former leader of a Montana water-quality group has filed a lawsuit against the state, accusing the Department of Natural Resources of firing her because of her political beliefs.
The Missoulian reports that Caryn Miske’s lawsuit was filed this week in Lewis and Clark County District Court, about a year after she was fired from her role as executive director of the Flathead Basin Commission.
According to the suit, Miske’s disagreement with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s approach to protecting the area from invasive mussels caused tension. Department officials have said they fired her for working outside its formal budgeting process.
The suit argues that Miske was within her rights to speak with state lawmakers and lobby for funding.
All parties declined to comment on the suit.