On August 1st, 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. Congressman Zinke worked closely with local stakeholders, including county commissioners, conservation groups, including American Whitewater, local outfitters, private landowners, and Northwestern Energy, to draft the legislation.

The designations include approximately 42 miles of the Madison River beginning at the confluence of Cabin Creek, including the quake lake whitewater run. They include approximately 39.5 miles of the Gallatin River from the Yellowstone National Park boundary downstream to the confluence of Spanish Creek, encompassing the popular whitewater runs on the Gallatin. They 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. 

American Whitewater started talking with Montanans about potential new Wild and Scenic designations 15 years ago as part of a new group called Montanans For Healthy Rivers, which is currently led by American Whitewater, American Rivers, the Gallatin River Task Force, and the Greater Yellowstone Coalition. We heard so much enthusiasm and support then for common-sense Wild and Scenic river protections, and that support has only grown over the years. We are thrilled to work with Congressman Zinke and local stakeholders on this bill focused on the Gallatin and Madison rivers. 

The Gallatin and Madison rivers are both ecological treasures and recreational gems that help drive a thriving outdoor lifestyle and economy in the area. The future of these rivers is looking bright as the GYREAT (Greater Yellowstone Recreation Enhancement and Tourism) Act starts its path through the legislative process.