The Greater Yellowstone Recreation Enhancement and Tourism (GYREAT) Act—introduced by U.S. Congressman Ryan Zinke of Montana—represents an important opportunity to protect nearly 100 miles of two iconic Montana rivers and key tributaries under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

A 2026 Montana state-wide survey shows that Montanans want to see wild lands and waters protected for generations to come.

To better understand current conditions of the Big Wind River, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition is facilitating connections among researchers, Tribal partners, and Tribal members to explore the development of a plant and hydrology study grounded in the Traditional Ecological Knowledge of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes. In mid-September, nearly 30 participants – including Tribal partners, community members, university researchers, and conservation partners – joined a two-day tour of the Wind River corridor to strengthen relationships, explore ecological conditions, and refine collaborative research priorities that honor and align with Tribal interests.