Montana’s rivers are the backbone of our communities, economy, and way of life. The Greater Yellowstone Recreation Enhancement and Tourism (GYREAT) Act, introduced by Rep. Ryan Zinke, would add nearly 100 miles of the Madison, Gallatin, Hyalite Creek, and Cabin Creek to the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System—the first such designations in Montana since 2018. These protections will safeguard clean water, sustain world-class trout fisheries, and ensure that future generations can enjoy the same free-flowing waters that define our state.
The bill is carefully crafted to maintain public access, protect existing water rights, allow for emergency response, and ensure that the operation of existing dams continues uninterrupted. It also respects private property by requiring willing-seller consent for any land acquisition. Local support is strong, with bipartisan resolutions of support passing unanimously in both Madison and Gallatin counties.
As Rep. Zinke explained, “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. 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.”
By protecting these rivers, Montanans will benefit from reliable clean water, thriving fish and wildlife habitats, and an outdoor recreation economy that supports small businesses and communities across the state. The GYREAT Act represents a forward-looking commitment to Montana’s values: conservation, access, and balance.
How You Can Help
Now is the time to act. Add your voice in support of the GYREAT Act and urge Montana’s U.S. Senators to move this important legislation forward. Together, we can keep our rivers clean, accessible, and free-flowing for generations to come.
More importantly, we ask Montanan's to contact the offices of Senator Daines and Senator Sheehy to express your support for the the GYREAT Act:
- Senator Steve Daines Bozeman Office: (406) 587-3446
- Senator Tim Sheehy Bozeman Office: (406) 872-6350
