July 29th, 2025
BOZEMAN, MT. – Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke announced 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.
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.
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.”
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. back...
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.
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.”
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. back...
