Sponsors
The bill protects scenic, recreational, tribal, and ecological values and preserves local tourism and some hydropower benefits, but it imposes new federal rules and permitting constraints that can limit certain land uses, development options, and local flexibility.
Rural communities and local businesses will see preserved river recreation and scenic tourism that support spending and jobs from Wild and Scenic designation, helping sustain local tourism-dependent economies.
Farmers and ranchers will benefit from protections that help maintain clean headwater streams and water quality that Montana agriculture and irrigation systems depend on.
Tribal members and Indigenous communities retain recognition of longstanding hunting, fishing, gathering, and cultural uses on the designated streams, preserving tribal rights and cultural practices.
Landowners, developers, and some businesses may face new regulatory constraints and permitting requirements near the rivers that limit certain land uses or developments and increase compliance costs.
Federal designation shifts some control to federal agencies, reducing state and local flexibility in managing water and land resources and potentially changing local decision-making.
Maintaining or repairing infrastructure (roads, bridges, dams) within protected corridors may face additional permitting, mitigation, or procedural requirements that can raise costs or cause delays for local governments and residents.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Designates five Montana river segments as Wild and Scenic (scenic or recreational), protects water and property rights, preserves dam operations, and authorizes necessary funding.
Introduced August 1, 2025 by Ryan Zinke · Last progress August 1, 2025
Designates five segments of the Madison, Gallatin, and Yellowstone river systems and select tributaries in Montana as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, classifying them as either recreational or scenic. The bill protects outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values while preserving existing water rights, private property rights, continued operation and licensing of nearby dams and hydropower facilities, and the ability to maintain roads, bridges, and emergency access. The Secretary of Agriculture will administer the new river segments; the bill bars federal acquisition of land or interests in these segments without owner consent, clarifies that certain dams and reservoirs lie outside the designated segments and remain eligible for FERC licensing or relicensing, and authorizes whatever funds are necessary to implement the designations.