New Legislation to Safeguard Iconic Montana Rivers Announced by Rep. Zinke

Montana is home to some of the finest rivers in the country. The clean, cold waters of the Madison and Gallatin rivers offer world-class recreation, fuel a robust tourism economy, provide drinking water, support farms and ranches, sustain fish and wildlife, and shape the communities that depend on them.

These storied rivers are fundamental to the economy, ecology, and identity of the state.

But Montana is changing, and these treasured waterways face growing threats. Population growth, development in river valleys, climate change, and pressure on water resources threaten the waters Montanans and millions downstream depend on.

Rep. Ryan Zinke announced the legislation at a July 29 press event in Bozeman. Photo GYC/Julia Barton

U.S. Congressman Ryan Zinke of Montana on Tuesday announced the Greater Yellowstone Recreation Enhancement and Tourism Act, legislation that aims to protect nearly 100 miles of the Madison and Gallatin rivers, as well as key tributaries, with Wild and Scenic designations.

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, signed into law in 1968, offers a time-tested way to safeguard rivers with “outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.” Designation under the Act protects water quality, maintains natural river flow, and helps preserve the benefits these rivers provide to recreation, tourism, and agriculture.

Protecting these rivers means sustaining outdoor recreation economies built on tourism, fishing, and floating; securing clean, reliable water for communities, agriculture, and ecosystems; protecting wildlife habitat and biodiversity along rivers; and preserving the character of Montana’s communities and landscapes.

The waterways included in the legislation are:

• 42 miles of the Madison River, from the Cabin Creek confluence to Cherry Gulch 

• 39.6 miles of the Gallatin River, from the Yellowstone National Park boundary to Spanish Creek 

• 4.6 miles of Hyalite Creek, from its headwaters to Grotto Falls Trailhead 

• 7.3 miles of Cabin Creek, beginning at its headwaters 

• 5.1 miles of the Middle Fork Cabin Creek, from its headwaters to its confluence with Cabin Creek 

Rivers are the lifeblood of this region, and we are grateful for Congressman Zinke’s leadership in advancing practical, lasting protections for two of Montana’s most iconic waterways.

This vision for long-term river protection builds on years of community conversations, scientific study, and broad coalition input led by GYC and our partners. Now is the time to act.

Rep. Zinke invited partners who helped shape the legislation to speak, including GYC’s Director of Conservation, Charles Drimal. Photo GYC/Julia Barton

If passed, this legislation would be the first to protect Montana rivers as Wild and Scenic since the 2018 East Rosebud Wild and Scenic Act, championed by GYC.

Montana’s rivers belong to all of us, and their future depends on all of us.

— Charles Drimal, Director of Conservation (Bozeman, MT)