Environmental groups concerned that Montana water may be threatened by potential coal-bed methane extraction and expanded coal mining in southeastern British Columbia took their concerns to Canada's ambassador to the United States.

Presidents of the National Parks Conservation Association and The Wilderness Society met with Ambassador Michael Wilson in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.

Contacted on Wednesday, Wilson spokesman Tristan Landry said only that the meeting was ''productive.'' Spokesmen Jeff Fox of The Wilderness Society and Will Hammerquist of the parks group said they did not have details of the discussion.

''We're very excited that the ambassador took the meeting and made time in his busy schedule to discuss this issue of national importance,'' Hammerquist said.

The concerns revolve around possible industrial development on the Canadian side of the Flathead Valley, which spans the province's border with Montana. Opponents say they fear harm to water in the transboundary Flathead River system, but supporters say there would be safeguards.