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Newsletter Archive

Protecting Montana's Lifeblood: Our Rivers

Finding the right Wild & Scenic fit for Montana in 2025

Montana’s rivers are the lifeblood of our state—fueling agriculture, supporting wildlife, powering recreation, and sustaining our communities. At Montanans for Healthy Rivers, we’re committed to protecting these vital waterways for today, tomorrow, and generations to come.

As we look ahead to 2025, our coalition is focused on identifying the right fit for Wild & Scenic River (W&S) designations in Montana. The Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, signed into law in 1968, is one of the nation’s most effective tools for protecting rivers with exceptional natural, cultural, and recreational values. Designation under the Act ensures these rivers remain free-flowing and shields them from harmful developments, preserving their unique character and benefits.

Montana's Role in Wild & Scenic History

The Wild & Scenic Rivers Act was born from Montana’s rugged wilderness and vibrant river culture. The vision for the Act originated during the fight to protect the Middle Fork of the Flathead River in the 1950s and 60s.

Local conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts, alarmed by the growing threat of dam construction, rallied to protect this iconic waterway. Their grassroots advocacy played a pivotal role in shaping the Act and ensuring its passage.

In 1976, Montana officially designated three sections of rivers under the Act:
-The Middle Fork of the Flathead River
-The North Fork of the Flathead River
-The South Fork of the Flathead River

These rivers encompass 219 miles of Wild & Scenic protection. While this was a significant step forward, it represents less than 1% of Montana’s river miles. By comparison, other states like Oregon and Idaho have designated thousands of miles of Wild & Scenic Rivers, underscoring the opportunity—and urgency—for Montana to catch up.

Why Wild & Scenic Designation Matters

Montana is home to some of the most pristine and ecologically significant rivers in the United States.

Protecting these waterways under the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act means:
-Securing clean water for our communities and ecosystems.
-Maintaining free-flowing rivers for wildlife and recreation.
-Safeguarding vital habitats for fish, birds, and other species.
-Enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities, which support Montana’s vibrant economy.

Despite their undeniable importance, most of Montana’s rivers remain unprotected and vulnerable to threats like overdevelopment, pollution, and climate change.

Together, we can change that.

Our plan for 2025

Montanans for Healthy Rivers is dedicated to working with Montana’s new Congressional delegation to champion Wild & Scenic designations that reflect the values and priorities of our communities.

By engaging stakeholders, strengthening our coalition, and prioritizing science-based solutions, we aim to protect our rivers in a way that aligns with Montana’s unique needs and traditions.

Through collaboration with ranchers, anglers, conservationists, outdoor enthusiasts, tribal nations, and business leaders, we are finding the best ways to honor Montana’s rivers and the lives they sustain.

Montana’s rivers belong to all of us, and their future depends on all of us.

Tell senator tester thank you!

Office of Senator Jon Tester
311 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-2604
Phone: (202) 224-2644

Email Senator Tester

Join us in protecting montana's rivers

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About us

Starting in 2010, Montana residents, business owners, sportsmen and sportswomen, and conservationists joined forces under the banner of Montanans for Healthy Rivers to identify and conserve the last, best free-flowing rivers in Montana. Through a decade of public outreach over 3,000 Montanans and more than 1,000 Montana businesses have voiced support for these new Wild and Scenic River designations.
Dane Rider
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
Lewistown, MT
Shannon Waters
Gastro Gnome Meals
Bozeman, MT
Ryan Cruz
Greater Yellowstone Coalition
Bozeman, MT
Jessy Stevenson
American Rivers
Missoula, MT
KynsLee Scott
Blackfoot River Outfitters
Missoula, MT
Jim Hepburn
American Whitewater
Missoula, MT
Emmy Reed
Greater Yellowstone Coalition
Bozeman, MT
Brian McGeehan
Montana Angler Fly Fishing
Bozeman, MT
Rick Donaldson
Gallatin River Guides
Big Sky, MT
Sam Mascari
Montana Roots
Bozeman, MT
Mike & Sara Garcia
Northern Lights
Bozeman, MT
Josh Olsen
Montana Wilderness School
Bozeman, MT
Dan Gigone
Sweetwater Fly Shop
Livingston, MT
Paul Robertson
Romeo Bravo Software
Livingston, MT
Tom Healy
Backcountry Hunters and Anglers
Dillon, MT
Russell Parks
Missoulian Angler
Missoula, MT
Whitney Milhoan
Casting for Recovery
Bozeman, MT
Hilary Hutcheson
Outside Media
Columbia Falls, MT
Will Hammerquist
Polebridge Mercantile
Polebridge, MT
Kristin Gardner
Gallatin River Task Force
Big Sky, MT
Eric Adams
Montana Flyfishing Guides
Livingston, MT
Joe Biby
Wilderness River Outfitters
Kalispell, MT
Scott Bosse
American Rivers
Bozeman, MT
Kevin Colburn
American Whitewater
Missoula, MT
Darcy Cook
Granite Sports Medicine
Livingston, MT
Charles Wolf Drimal
Greater Yellowstone Coalition
Bozeman, MT
Becky Edwards
Montana Mountain Mamas
Bozeman, MT
Todd Frank
The Trail Head
Missoula, MT
Mike Fiebig
American Rivers
Durango, CO

Reflecting on a decade
of Progress

For over 13 years, we have dedicated ourselves to the vision of protecting Montana’s most cherished rivers through the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act. This legislation sought to secure Wild & Scenic designation for some of our state’s most iconic waterways, safeguarding their free-flowing character and ecological integrity for future generations.

In 2024, the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act reached further than ever before. Through tireless advocacy, grassroots organizing, and collaborative partnerships, we built a broad coalition of supporters, elevating the importance of river protection across Montana and beyond. We engaged with communities, worked alongside landowners and river users, and ensured the Act reflected the values of the people who call this state home.

While the legislation did not ultimately pass, its legacy is one of profound impact. We sparked meaningful conversations about the value of our rivers, united diverse voices to champion conservation, and laid the groundwork for future efforts to protect Montana’s lifeblood—our waterways.

This is not the end of our story. The progress we made serves as a testament to what is possible when we work together for something greater than ourselves. With gratitude for the journey so far and renewed determination, we remain committed to the vision of protecting Montana’s rivers—because they are essential to the land, the people, and the legacy we hold dear.

Thank you to everyone who stood with us on this journey. We will continue to fight for a future where Montana’s rivers remain wild, free, and thriving.
Dane Rider
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
Lewistown, MT
Shannon Waters
Gastro Gnome Meals
Bozeman, MT
Ryan Cruz
Greater Yellowstone Coalition
Bozeman, MT
Jessy Stevenson
American Rivers
Missoula, MT
KynsLee Scott
Blackfoot River Outfitters
Missoula, MT
Jim Hepburn
American Whitewater
Missoula, MT
Emmy Reed
Greater Yellowstone Coalition
Bozeman, MT
Brian McGeehan
Montana Angler Fly Fishing
Bozeman, MT
Rick Donaldson
Gallatin River Guides
Big Sky, MT
Sam Mascari
Montana Roots
Bozeman, MT
Mike & Sara Garcia
Northern Lights
Bozeman, MT
Josh Olsen
Montana Wilderness School
Bozeman, MT
Dan Gigone
Sweetwater Fly Shop
Livingston, MT
Paul Robertson
Romeo Bravo Software
Livingston, MT
Tom Healy
Backcountry Hunters and Anglers
Dillon, MT
Russell Parks
Missoulian Angler
Missoula, MT
Whitney Milhoan
Casting for Recovery
Bozeman, MT
Hilary Hutcheson
Outside Media
Columbia Falls, MT
Will Hammerquist
Polebridge Mercantile
Polebridge, MT
Kristin Gardner
Gallatin River Task Force
Big Sky, MT
Your Help Is Needed to Protect Montana’s Best Rivers
Join us in conserving Montana’s next Wild & Scenic Rivers. Submit your endorsement in the form below, or better yet call or email Montana’s U.S. Senators Tester and Daines and Representative Gianforte and ask them to introduce and pass the Montana Headwaters Security Act!    

Office of Senator
Jon Tester
311 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-2604
Phone: (202) 224-2644
Email Senator Tester

Office of Senator
Steve Daines
320 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-2651
Email Senator Daines

Office of Congressman
Greg Gianforte
1222 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3211
Email Rep. Gianforte

river ramble Podcast