By MAC MINARD
Guest columnist
Here in Montana, our rivers and streams support almost every facet of a long-standing and cherished way of life. Montana’s waterways provide a living for hundreds of business owners and their employees in the guiding and outfitting industry, which is a large part of the state’s $7.1 billion outdoor recreation industry. To protect these assets is to protect our heritage, our economy and future generations’ ability to continue in many cases, a long-held family business or trade.
The mission of the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association is “to protect, enhance, and effectively represent the Montana outfitting industry in all its forms.” To achieve this mission, we work to foster a vibrant professional outfitting industry, in part through promoting the conservation and sustainable, scientifically based, management of Montana’s natural resources. One way we see this vision being achieved is through permanent protection of the state’s most pristine, highquality streams flowing through public lands.
This is why MOGA’s board of directors unanimously endorses the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act (MHLA). If passed, the MHLA will create new wild and scenic river protections for some of southwest Montana’s most important headwaters rivers and streams. Wild and scenic designation would protect sections of rivers like the Upper Yellowstone, Gallatin and Stillwater, and others, so that current use and enjoyment will be maintained for generations to come. It does this by protecting their free-flowing nature, water quality and other values that make them unique.
In addition to advocating for sound conservation MOGA is a very strong advocate for private property rights. In the case of the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act, we believe we can attain our goals WITHOUT threatening water rights, public access or private property rights. Water is something that all political stripes can get behind. No matter your leaning,
Montanans have shown time and time again that clean water and healthy rivers are of shared importance. For instance, the East Rosebud Creek Wild and Scenic River Act, was passed in August 2018 with the bipartisan support of Rep. Gianforte, Sen. Tester and Sen. Daines. A March 2020 University of Montana survey conducted by a bipartisan research team from New Bridge Strategies (Republican) and FM3 Research (Democrat) shows nearly eight of 10 Montanans (79%) support the draft Montana Headwaters Legacy Act. This proposal includes a section of the Madison River.
While FWP recreation planning efforts have stirred controversy on the Madison, it’s important to note that wild and scenic designation outside of this area of the Madison and has no bearing on FWP planning.
MOGA believes that MHLA is our chance to invest in Montana’s rivers and streams, thereby securing a viable livelihood for our children and grandchildren who want to carry on work in the world of guiding, outfitting and ranching. It allows the rest of us to continue to enjoy Montana’s and the country’s wildest places in the same ways we always have.
Please join me and the MOGA board of directors in asking our Montana delegation to introduce and pass the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act. Simply call and tell them who you are and why they need to introduce (and pass) the act. Reach U.S. Sen. Jon Tester at 202-224-2644, U.S. Sen. Steve Daines at 202-224-2651 and U.S. Congressman Greg Gianforte at 202-225-3211.
Mac Minard is the executive director of the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association.
Bozeman Daily Chronicle Guest Editorial 8/6/20