Montana Headwaters Legacy Act Reintroduced: Help Speak Up for Montana's Rivers!

Upper Madison River | Photo by Scott Bosse

Montana’s free-flowing rivers and clean water are the foundation of our communities’ health, economic vitality, and special way of life. As Montana’s population grows and development pressures mount, it is critical that we protect these rivers before they are degraded.

Last November, Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) reintroduced the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act (MHLA) in the U.S. Senate. River protection at this scale is a BIG deal and something to be thankful for as we approach the holiday season. If passed into law, this legislation would protect 20 rivers and 384 river miles in the Upper Missouri and Yellowstone river systems by adding them to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. A Wild and Scenic River designation is the highest form of river protection in the United States and would permanently protect the free-flowing nature, water quality, and outstandingly remarkable values of some of Montana’s most cherished rivers – including the Boulder, Gallatin, Madison, Smith, Stillwater, and Yellowstone.

In order to give the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act the best chance to make it to the President's desk, the bill needs support from Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) and Congressman Ryan Zinke (R-MT1). Please take a moment today and ask Sen. Daines and Rep. Zinke to support the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act!

Together, we can protect the rivers that flow through our hearts and communities. Thank you for taking action for Montana’s rivers!

**Please note this policy alert is ONLY for Montana residents.

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Dear Senator Daines/Congressman Zinke,

I am a proud Montanan who cares deeply about Montana’s rivers and our outdoor heritage. I am writing to ask you to support the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act (MHLA) to protect some of our state's most cherished rivers.

Given the cultural and economic importance of healthy rivers to our state, it is no surprise that
Montanans overwhelmingly support efforts to protect our state’s most cherished waterways by adding them to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. A statewide public opinion poll conducted last June found that 85% of Montanans support the MHLA.

To date, the MHLA has garnered the support of more than 3,300 Montana citizens; 1,300 Montana businesses; the chambers of commerce in Big Sky, Gardiner, and Red Lodge; and trade groups such as the Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana (representing over 1,000 outfitters and guides), Montana Outfitters & Guides Association (representing over 200 guides), Conservation Alliance (representing over 270 businesses), and Business for Montana’s Outdoors (representing 140 businesses across 20 industries). We are also proud to have the support of the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council, the Carbon County Commission, Gallatin County Commission, Park County Commission, Professional Wilderness Outfitters Association, Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission, Sibanye Stillwater Mining Company, the Rural Agricultural Council of America, and many others.

The message from Montanans is loud and clear – we need to protect these rivers for the future, and the MHLA is our best opportunity to do that. Please support Montana's communities, economy, and way of life by supporting the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act.

Sincerely,

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