June 7, 2022

MCV Celebrates Senate Hearing for Montana Rivers Legislation and Calls for Swift Passage

Senator Tester’s bill to permanently protect several Montana rivers moves forward

(HELENA, Mont.) – Montana Conservation Voters released the following statement from Executive Director Whitney Tawney in response to the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Subcommittee hearing on U.S. Senator Jon Tester’s Montana Headwaters Legacy Act:

“Senator Tester’s bill to protect many of our iconic waterways is moving forward just in time for Montana’s river season,” said MCV Executive Director Whitney Tawney. “With some of the best rivers in the world, permanently protecting them is just common sense. We urge Senator Daines as a member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to support this legislation and its swift passage.”  

The Montana Headwaters Legacy Act was introduced by Senator Tester in 2021 and will protect 377 miles of rivers in the Custer-Gallatin and Helena-Lewis and Clark National National Forests. This Montana-made legislation is supported by conservationists, outfitters and recreationalists alike and nearly doubles the number of river miles protected as Wild and Scenic. The designation ensures the rivers and creeks the highest level of permanent protection for their continued use and enjoyment for generations to come.

In 1968, Congress passed the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Currently, only 0.02 percent of Montana’s nearly 170,000 miles of river are designated as Wild and Scenic.

U.S. Senator Steve Daines and U.S. Congressman Matt Rosendale have yet to announce their support for this critical legislation that would help protect Montana’s clean water and rivers.