Greater Yellowstone Recreation Enhancement And Tourism Act

This bill designates five specific river segments in Montana - including the Madison River (42 miles), Gallatin River (39.5 miles), and Hyalite Creek (4.6 miles) - as protected under the Wild and Scenic Rivers program. It directly affects recreational users, local tourism economies, and existing water rights holders by preserving public access, private property rights, and current infrastructure like the Hebgen and Madison Dams. Key provisions include designating segments as "recreational" or "scenic" rivers under USDA Forest Service management, explicitly preserving existing hydropower operations (including FERC licenses for the Hebgen and Madison Dams), and prohibiting dam expansion into protected areas. The bill also confirms that existing water rights, including Tribal and state compacts, remain fully intact.