[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Pages 9573-9574]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

      By Mr. TESTER (for himself and Mr. Daines):
  S. 1577. A bill to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate 
certain segments of East Rosebud Creek in Carbon County, Montana, as 
components of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System; to the Committee on 
Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, today, along with Senator Daines, I 
introduced the East Rosebud Creek Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. This 
legislation will help ensure that one of my state's most striking 
waterways is preserved for the use and enjoyment of future generations.
  In south central Montana, East Rosebud Creek meanders through the 
Absoraka-Beartooth Wilderness before pooling briefly at East Rosebud 
Lake. From there, the creek continues to flow down through the Custer 
National Forest and on, eventually, to the Yellowstone River.
  My legislation would protect 20 of the most scenic miles of East 
Rosebud Creek: those 13 miles above East Rosebud Lake and seven more on 
the downstream side. Designating these sections of river will protect 
its water quality and the free-flowing nature of the river, and will 
have no impact on private property.
  Local ranchers, businesses, homeowners associations, conservation 
groups, and everyday Montanans have recognized the need for a Wild and 
Scenic Rivers designation and have voiced their support. In its current 
management plan for Custer National Forest, the Forest Service also 
recognizes the incredible scenic and recreational values of East 
Rosebud Creek, and the river's potential for designation.
  In short, this bipartisan legislation is a proposal that comes 
tailor-made from folks on the ground and will preserve a portion of 
Montana's outdoor heritage for our kids and grandkids.

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