Wild, Free-Flowing Rivers

The state of Montana is home to some of the finest rivers in the nation. Montana’s wild, undeveloped waters shape and define the landscape, supporting diverse wildlife, feeding thriving local economies, and providing opportunities for reverence and recreation to residents and visitors alike. From the mighty Yellowstone River to remote backcountry waters like Hellroaring Creek and West Boulder River, Montana’s storied rivers are fundamental to the ecology, economy, and identity of the state.

But the future of these remarkable rivers is not secure. Climate change, new dams and diversions, a rapidly growing population, and a host of other pressures are putting Montana’s wild, free-flowing rivers at risk.

Thankfully, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act provides a framework for protecting rivers with “outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.” Wild and Scenic designations currently protect over 13,400 miles of rivers across the United States, including over 450 miles of river segments within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem – primarily in northwestern Wyoming.

The Montana Headwaters Legacy Act (MHLA) is a key piece of Wild and Scenic legislation; a made-in-Montana bill that, when passed, will protect 384 river miles across 20 of the state’s most iconic waterways. These rivers include the Yellowstone, Madison, Gallatin, Smith, and more.

The MHLA will conserve them as wild, clean, and free-flowing for generations to come.

Curious to see if your favorite made the list? Check out the interactive map for a bird’s eye view of all the recommended rivers.

 Deeply Vetted, Broadly Supported, Community Driven

The Greater Yellowstone Coalition’s work on the MHLA is deeply collaborative and community centered. Alongside our partners at American Rivers, American Whitewater, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, the Gallatin River Task Force, and a diverse array of community members, business leaders, and river advocates, we are members of an alliance called Montanans for Healthy Rivers. This alliance was formed in 2010 and continues to be a powerful, collaborative force for river advocacy across Montana.

The MHLA has support from roughly 80 percent of Montana voters, and direct endorsements from over 1,000 Montana businesses and 3,000 Montana individuals. The bill is sponsored by Senator Jon Tester, who has twice introduced it in the U.S. Senate. Yet despite the MHLA’s broad support with the people of Montana, the increasingly partisan nature of Montana politics – even on traditionally bipartisan or nonpartisan issues like conservation – means that the bill has yet to secure definitive support from the entire Montana delegation in congress.

The Greater Yellowstone Coalition and our partners within Montanans for Healthy Rivers will continue fighting for our rivers by advocating for the bill’s advancement and working to build and maintain support from the diverse roster of individuals and businesses who care about the future of Montana’s wild rivers.

The Taylor Fork Creek is a scenic and recreational gem of Greater Yellowstone.

It's home to abundant wildlife, like grizzly bears and massive elk heard, and world-class recreation opportunities. When the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act is made law, 17.6 miles of the Taylor Fork would be designated as Wild and Scenic.