Landmark rivers conservation bill back in the U.S. Senate
It’s a great week for Greater Yellowstone’s wild rivers! Today, Montana Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) reintroduced the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act into the U.S. Senate. The Montana Headwaters Legacy Act protects over 380 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 result of a decade’s worth of outreach and collaboration to safeguard Montana’s free-flowing rivers from development and other degradations.
“Our outdoor heritage is not only central to our identity as Montanans, but a staple in our growing economy,” said Tester. “This legislation, built from the ground up and with the backing of a diverse coalition of stakeholders, will ensure that some of our most pristine rivers will be enjoyed by the next generations of young Montanans, and untouched by special interests for years to come.”
Following the bill’s initial introduction, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition and its partners at Montanans for Healthy Rivers collaborated and expanded the river mileage in the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act. The bill increased from the original 336 miles and 17 stream segments to 385 miles and 20 stream segments. With this new number, the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act will effectively double the current amount of Wild and Scenic Rivers (the highest form of river protection in the U.S.) in Montana.
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 streams provide drinking water, irrigation water, aquatic species habitat (including Yellowstone cutthroat trout), and world-class recreational opportunities that contribute to the $7.1 billion spending on Montana’s outdoor recreation economy.
“Our rivers are the most wonderful part of Gallatin County. Clean waters and vibrant rivers are the very foundation of our communities’ health and economic vitality. That’s why I wholeheartedly support this bill.”
—Scott MacFarlane, Chairman, Gallatin County Commission
“Our family has owned a ranch on the Smith River for more than 40 years, and we’ve made a lot of great memories there. This bill will keep the river the way it is so future generations of Montanans can enjoy it as we have.”
—Willie Rahr, Smith River landowner
“Montana’s rivers and streams are critical to our economy, contributing significantly beyond just places where we float, fish, and recreate. The reintroduction of the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act is a critical step in ensuring that the jobs and businesses across Montana that depend on healthy rivers are supported for years to come. Livelihoods supported by our rivers contribute to healthy communities and our thriving outdoor economy, and we applaud Senator Tester for his work in ensuring these assets are protected for future generations.”
—Marne Hayes, Business for Montana Outdoors
The reintroduction of the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act into the U.S. Senate is an enormous victory for Greater Yellowstone’s waterways. With this reintroduction, we now have until the end of the 117th Congressional session, approximately December 2022, to move the bill through Congress and have it signed into law by President Biden before needing another reintroduction. For a swift passing, we’ll need the support of Montana Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) to cosponsor and Montana Congressman Matt Rosendale (R-MT).
Sign-up for our e-mails to receive opportunities to take action and help us pass this groundbreaking bill. Or, consider a gift towards our important work protecting these wild, wonderful places. If you’re curious to learn more about the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act, we did a webinar on its importance to Greater Yellowstone.
We extend an enormous thank you to Senator Tester for his steadfast support of river conservation and the needs of Montanans. He is a dedicated champion of protecting Greater Yellowstone. We also couldn’t do this work without our partners at the Montanans for Healthy Rivers coalition, who have been with us since the beginning of the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act. Finally, our sincerest gratitude goes out to our allies like you. Thank you for your advocacy, generosity, and support.
Our rivers take care of us and now it’s time we take care of them.
—Charles Drimal, Waters Conservation Coordinator
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 30+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more.
