Senator Tester introduces a landmark rivers conservation bill: The Montana Headwaters Legacy Act
Today, Montana Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) introduced the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act into the U.S. Senate. The Montana Headwaters Legacy Act protects 336 miles of some of the best rivers in Montana as Wild and Scenic Rivers, the majority in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. This bill is the culmination of a decade’s worth of outreach and collaboration by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition and its partners to safeguard Montana’s free-flowing rivers from development and other degradations.
The Montana Headwaters Legacy Act is a made-in-Montana bill that gives permanent protection to sections of iconic rivers such as the Madison, Gallatin, Yellowstone, Smith, and many more. These river segments are named Wild and Scenic under the bill, the highest form of river protection in the United States. These streams provide drinking water, irrigation water, aquatic species habitat (including Yellowstone cutthroat trout), and world-class recreational opportunities that contribute to $7.1 billion and more than 71,000 jobs in Montana’s outdoor recreation economy.
The Montana Headwaters Legacy Act has support from across the state, including local elected officials, business-owners, guides and outfitters, landowners, conservation advocates, and river recreators. In early 2020, the University of Montana Voter Survey on Public Lands showed that 79% of Montanans support the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act and designating new rivers as Wild and Scenic.
“Beartrap Canyon is a uniquely Montana experience. Forty-five minutes from my house and I’m immersed in a true river wilderness with whitewater, wildlife, and stunning scenery. My three-year-old daughter has walked the banks and splashed in the eddies; this summer she’ll be big enough to hike in and float downstream of the kitchen sink. I want the Madison to remain as pristine for her as it is for me. Wild and Scenic protects the important places for her future. I don’t know of many more important than Beartrap Canyon.”
-Chris Ennis, 2004 Olympic Paddler and Bozeman resident
“The Apsaalooke Nation has revered the rivers of the Yellowstone region since time immemorial. Apsaalooke culture believes that water is life and a great gift to be cherished. Our own ancient legacy as caretakers of these rivers is celebrated by the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act, and we support this landmark legislation.”
-Shane Doyle, Apsaalooke/Crow Natural Resources Liaison to Greater Yellowstone
“As a business owner with direct ties to the outdoor recreation economy and as a Montanan born and raised in Livingston, I couldn’t be more proud to see this important legislation introduced to protect the Upper Yellowstone and other iconic streams as Wild and Scenic Rivers.”
-Dale Sexton, Timber Trails
We’re thrilled The Montana Headwaters Legacy Act has finally made its way into Congress. However, our work is not done yet. For a swift passing, we’ll need Montana Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) to cosponsor and newly elected Montana Congressman Matt Rosendale (R-MT) to introduce a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. Sign-up for our e-mails to receive opportunities to take action and help us pass this groundbreaking bill.
We owe Senator Tester so much gratitude for his tireless work supporting the conservation values of Montana. We also thank our partners at the Montanans for Healthy Rivers Coalition for a decade of collaboration. Finally, thank you to all those that have made their voice heard in support of the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act. You strengthen our efforts to protect Greater Yellowstone.
Our rivers take care of us, so now it’s time to take care of them.
- Charles Drimal, Waters Conservation Coordinator
