Montana Headwaters Legacy Act

The Montana Headwaters Legacy Act (S. 2254) would designate approximately 385 miles of rivers and creeks in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Smith River watershed as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This designation aims to protect the free-flowing nature, water quality, and recreational value of these waterways by prohibiting new dam construction and large-scale water diversions.

For citizens, the bill ensures that popular areas for fishing, rafting, and hunting remain preserved in their natural state for public use. To protect private property rights, the legislation explicitly prohibits the federal government from acquiring land within these river corridors without the express consent of the owner, ensuring that existing agricultural and private land uses can continue.