The bill would add five stream segments in Montana’s Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System: parts of the Madison and Gallatin Rivers, Hyalite Creek, Cabin Creek, and the Middle Fork of Cabin Creek. It would protect the segments’ recognized natural and recreational values while allowing certain existing uses and infrastructure work. The bill also addresses private property, water rights, and hydropower facilities.
The designated segments would be administered as recreational or scenic rivers. The Agriculture Secretary could not acquire land or interests in land within a designated segment without the owner’s consent. The bill says existing water rights and specified dam operations would not be changed by the designations.
The bill authorizes Congress to provide whatever amounts are necessary to carry it out, but does not specify a dollar amount.
The bill’s findings state that the streams have important natural, cultural, and recreational values, support tourism and agriculture, and merit protection for future generations. They also say the designations would preserve public access, respect private property rights, and allow specified infrastructure work and historical uses to continue.
No publicly available information.