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Montana Headwaters Legacy Act

11/27/2024, 7:35 PM

Summary of Bill S 3346

The Montana Headwaters Legacy Act, also known as Bill 118 s 3346, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to protect and preserve the headwaters of the Missouri River in Montana.

The bill aims to designate certain areas in Montana as wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, and conservation areas. These designations would help to ensure that the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the region are maintained for future generations.

Specifically, the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act would protect over 336,000 acres of land in Montana, including portions of the Gallatin, Madison, and Yellowstone rivers. These areas are important for wildlife habitat, clean water sources, and outdoor recreation opportunities. In addition to protecting the land itself, the bill also includes provisions for managing recreational activities, such as hunting, fishing, and hiking, in a sustainable manner. This would help to balance the needs of conservation with the interests of outdoor enthusiasts. Overall, the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act is aimed at preserving the natural beauty and ecological health of the headwaters of the Missouri River in Montana for current and future generations to enjoy.

Congressional Summary of S 3346

Montana Headwaters Legacy Act

This bill designates specified segments of the following rivers and creeks in Montana as wild, scenic, or recreational rivers:

  • Smith River,
  • Tenderfoot Creek,
  • Gallatin River,
  • Hyalite Creek,
  • Taylor Creek,
  • Madison River,
  • Bear Creek,
  • Boulder River,
  • Hellroaring Creek,
  • Lake Fork Rock Creek,
  • Rock Creek,
  • Slough Creek,
  • Stillwater River,
  • West Boulder River,
  • West Fork Stillwater River,
  • West Fork of Rock Creek,
  • Yellowstone River,
  • Cabin Creek,
  • Middle Fork of Cabin Creek, and
  • Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River.

No land or interest in land located within the boundary of such a river segment may be acquired by the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture without the consent of the owner of the land or interest.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill S 3346

Bill S 3346 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since November 27, 2023. Bill S 3346 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on November 27, 2023.  Bill S 3346's most recent activity was Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 598. as of November 21, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 3346

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 3346

Primary Policy Focus

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 3346

Montana Headwaters Legacy Act
A bill to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain streams in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem and Smith River system in the State of Montana as components of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes.
Montana Headwaters Legacy Act

Comments

Sponsors and Cosponsors of S 3346

Jon Tester
Jon Tester
MontanaDemocrat

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