Zinke Introduces The Greater Yellowstone Recreation Enhancement and Tourism Act

Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke introduced the Greater Yellowstone Recreation Enhancement and Tourism Act, legislation that would designate nearly 100 miles of the Madison and Gallatin Rivers and select tributaries as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Bipartisan resolutions of support for the designation passed unanimously in both Madison and Gallatin County Commissions, underscoring its broad, bipartisan local backing. “Striking the right balance between conservation and multiple use of our resources is the Montana way. These rivers support everything from family farms to fly shops, ranchers to rafters, and literally power our community,” said Rep. Zinke. “Madison and Gallatin Counties both rely on these waters for irrigation and energy, but also for the outdoor recreation economy that fuels small businesses and draws visitors from around the world. This bill strikes the right balance between preserving what we treasure, maintaining access for recreation, and ensuring continued operation of the existing dams on the river.” The designations include approximately 42 miles of the Madison River from the confluence of Cabin Creek downstream to the point at which the river leaves Bureau of Land Management land, roughly one mile north of the confluence of Cherry Creek, and approximately 39.5 miles of the Gallatin River from the Yellowstone National Park boundary downstream to the confluence of Spanish Creek. It would also include 4.6 miles of Hyalite Creek from the Gallatin Range downstream to the Grotto Falls Trailhead, 7.3 miles of Cabin Creek from its headwaters in the Madison Range downstream to above the fish barrier, and 5.1 miles of the Middle Fork of Cabin Creek from its source in the Madison Range downstream to its confluence with Cabin Creek. These designations capture some of the most recreationally significant waterways in Southwest Montana. In 1968, Congress created the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System to "preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations." This bill amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to permanently protect key stretches of the Gallatin and Madison Rivers and tributaries Hyalite Creek and Cabin Creek while explicitly maintaining public access, allowing for emergency response, and preserving existing water rights and dam operations. Importantly, the legislation ensures that landowners’ rights are respected, and no land will be acquired without the owner's consent. Congressman Zinke worked closely with local stakeholders, including county commissioners, conservation groups, local outfitters, private landowners, and Northwestern Energy, to draft the legislation. “Our lives are deeply connected with our nation’s rivers and the ecosystems they support,” said Tom Kiernan, president and CEO of American Rivers Action Fund. “By protecting rivers, we safeguard clean water sources, preserve recreational opportunities and support access to our public lands. Each mile added to the Wild and Scenic River system is an investment in our shared future and this bill is a major downpayment. We appreciate Representative Zinke’s leadership on this bill and encourage its swift passage.” “From fishing for world-class trout and rafting through rapids to hunting river bottom whitetails and migrating ducks and geese, the Madison and Gallatin Rivers are a hunter’s and angler’s dream,” said Ryan Chapin, Montana field manager for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “These waters breathe lifeblood into southwest Montana, and this proposed legislation will benefit more than sportsmen. Ranchers, farmers, and local businesses depend on the health of these watersheds to thrive, and so we join Montanans from all walks of life in thanking Representative Zinke for introducing this meaningful legislation.” “Rivers are the lifeblood of this region, and we are grateful for Congressman Zinke’s sensible leadership to conserve two of our iconic waterways – the Madison and Gallatin – as Wild and Scenic Rivers,” said Charles Drimal, director of conservation at the Greater Yellowstone Coalition. “This bill is community-driven, broadly supported, and deeply vetted legislation that will safeguard Montana’s world-class fish and wildlife populations, maintain ecological health, and ensure local economies prosper long into the future.” “With the introduction of this Wild and Scenic Rivers bill, the Gallatin and Madison—two of our state’s most cherished rivers—are now on a path toward lasting protection,” said Gallatin River Task Force. “We applaud Representative Ryan Zinke for his strong leadership in protecting Montana’s public lands and waters.” “Montana’s rivers are a big reason people live, stay, and work in the state,” said Kevin Colburn, National Stewardship Director of American Whitewater. “Making sure some of the state’s best rivers stay awesome for future generations is common sense and smart policy for jobs and our economy. Boaters and other river enthusiasts are thrilled that Congressman Zinke is looking out for the future of Montana, its rivers, and its people with this great bill.” Both Madison and Gallatin County Commissions submitted letters strongly supporting the legislation. “On behalf of Madison County Commission, we are writing to strongly support federal legislation to designate sections of the Gallatin, Madison, and Yellowstone Rivers as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. These rivers support more than just the landscapes they flow through,” wrote Madison County Commissioners Duke Gilman, Ronald Nye, and William Todd. “They provide clean water essential for homes, farms, and businesses; enhance a lively outdoor recreation industry; and sustain fish and wildlife populations. Their presence influences our communities and attracts people from across the country who value the quality of life our region offers.” “Healthy rivers are the lifeblood of Gallatin County. They provide clean water for drinking, irrigation, and industry; support world-class outdoor recreation; sustain fish and wildlife; and fuel key sectors of our local economy,” wrote Commissioners Scott MacFarlane, Zach Brown, and Jennifer Boyer. “This effort enjoys broad, bipartisan support across Montana—from farmers and ranchers to business owners, conservationists, sportsmen, and local governments—reflecting a shared understanding that safeguarding our rivers is not a partisan issue, but a Montana value.” We are deeply grateful to Congressman Ryan Zinke for his leadership and vision. His commitment to protecting Montana’s free-flowing rivers ensures that future generations can enjoy the same clean water, wild landscapes, and outdoor traditions we cherish today. Thank you, Congressman Zinke, for standing up for Montana’s rivers and communities.