Protecting Montana’s Rivers as Wild and Scenic
Conserving the Waters Montanans Value Most
Montana is home to some of the finest rivers in the country. The Yellowstone, Madison, and Gallatin rivers are central to Montana’s identity and economy. Their clean, cold waters support farms and ranches, provide drinking water, offer world-class recreation, sustain fish and wildlife, and shape the communities that have grown around them.
Montana’s storied rivers are fundamental to the ecology, economy, and identity of the state.
But Montana is changing, and these treasured waterways face increased risk. Population growth, development in river valleys, climate change, and pressure on water resources threaten the waters Montanans and millions downstream depend on.
A Proven Tool for River Conservation
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, keeps rivers free-flowing, and helps preserve the benefits these rivers provide to agriculture, communities, and wildlife.
Across the United States, more than 13,400 miles of rivers have been protected under this framework. While there are thousands of river miles eligible for these protections in Montana, there are only five Wild and Scenic designations in the state—despite broad, bipartisan public support and the clear need for durable protections.
GYC championed the East Rosebud Wild and Scenic Rivers Act that in 2018 protected more than 20 miles of a beloved Montana stream just north of Yellowstone National Park.
Working Together on Wild and Scenic Designations
As Montana continues to grow and change, so must our approach to river conservation. GYC is actively working with Montana’s U.S. congressional delegation on Wild and Scenic Rivers legislation for southwest Montana. Wild and Scenic designation can help ensure that the rivers Montanans value most—like the Yellowstone, Gallatin, and Madison—remain healthy and intact for the long haul.
Protecting these rivers means:
Securing clean, reliable water for communities, agriculture, and ecosystems.
Sustaining outdoor recreation economies built on fishing, floating, and tourism.
Protecting wildlife habitat and biodiversity along rivers.
Preserving the character of Montana’s communities and landscapes.
GYC is a proud leader of Montanans for Healthy Rivers, a group of Montana residents, business owners, sportsmen and sportswomen, and conservationists dedicated to working with Montana’s Congressional delegation to champion Wild & Scenic designations that reflect the values and priorities of our communities.
This vision for long-term river protection builds on years of community conversations, scientific study, and broad coalition input. Now is the time to take meaningful steps to protect the rivers that define our state.
Montana’s rivers belong to all of us, and their future depends on all of us.
