Yesterday Senator John Walsh (D-MT) introduced legislation to designate a spectacular 20 mile section of Montana's East Rosebud Creek as a Wild and Scenic River.  Designation will protect the stream from future hydropower dams, water quality degradation, and other impacts, while allowing continued enjoyment and uses of the stream.  American Whitewater fully supports this move and looks forward to permanent protection for East Rosebud and other worthy streams in Montana. 

Several years ago a hydropower developer proposed to dewater several miles of East Rosebud Creek as it tumbles out of the dramatic Beartooth Mountains.  American Whitewater and several of our partner organizations actively opposed the hydropower diversion in filings made to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.  Ultimately the project proponent put their plans on hold, but not before support for permanent protection was galvanized within local residents, and the many visitors to the area.  A coalition, Friends of East Rosebud, was formed to push for protection. 

At the same time American Whitewater, American Rivers, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, and Pacific Rivers Council had begun a river conservation dialog with Montanans across the state.  These conversations led to the formation of Montanans for Healthy Rivers, and we are collectively highlighting rivers that paddlers, anglers, and residents feel are worthy of protection.  Rivers are core to the way of life in the state, and an overwhelming majority of citizens support protection for the state's last best rivers.  East Rosebud is the first stream to be the subject of Wild and Scenic River legislation, and we are confident other rivers will follow.

East Rosebud is a truly beautiful and peaceful place, with towering peaks, clean and cold water, abundant wildlife, and scenic ranches and Wilderness.  Wild and Scenic designation will keep it that way.  

Check out a few videos we had produced highlighting the stream, its residents, and the hydropower threat. The first video features long time AW volunteer and paddler Ian McIntosh.