Senator Tester announces support for legislation to protect 336 miles of Montana’s most treasured rivers

October 27, 2020
Contact: Scott Bosse, (406) 570-0455

Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) today announced his plans to introduce legislation to safeguard 336 miles of rivers vital to Montana’s economy and way of life. American Rivers and its partners conducted extensive outreach in local communities over the past nine years to identify which rivers flowing across federal public lands are cherished most by Montanans for their outstanding scenic, recreational, fish and wildlife and cultural values.

The Montana Headwaters Legacy Act will protect many of the most pristine headwaters of the upper Missouri and Yellowstone river systems by designating segments of 17 streams as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Included in these designations are well-loved and iconic rivers such as the Madison, Gallatin, Upper Yellowstone and Smith.

Scott Bosse, Northern Rockies Director for American Rivers, made the following statement:

“The idea for a national system of protected rivers was born in Montana, and Senator Tester is building on that legacy with this visionary legislation. Clean, free-flowing rivers are critical to Montana’s economy and way of life, providing much of our drinking water and sustaining the state’s multi-billion dollar agriculture and outdoor recreation economies. We applaud Senator Tester for his leadership and we encourage Senator Daines and Congressman Gianforte to make this a bipartisan effort.”