Daines Introduces Legislation to Protect East Rosebud Creek

Press Release

Representative Steve Daines announced today that he has introduced legislation to preserve the East Rosebud Creek in Carbon County, Montana by designating certain segments of the Creek as components of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System established by law in 1968.

The East Rosebud Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (H.R. 5543) would make the 13-mile segment from the source in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness downstream to the point at which the Creek enters East Rosebud Lake a wild river.

It also designates a seven-mile segment on the Custer National Forest as a recreational river while protecting existing multiple recreation uses, infrastructure and private property.

The East Rosebud Creek is a special place where Montanans enjoy hiking and camping amongst incredible landscape views and wildlife, world-class fishing and hunting, paddling, and many other outdoor activities. The East Rosebud attracts hundreds of visitors from across the country and around the world annually, providing economic benefits to local communities year-round.

After introducing H.R. 5543, Daines expressed his personal appreciation for the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness through which the East Rosebud Creek flows:

"I spent much of my youth backpacking in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness-- hiking The Beaten Path and summiting Granite Peak. I want to preserve Montana's unparalleled natural beauty and way of life so my children and grandchildren can do the same," Daines said. "The East Rosebud Wild and Scenic Rivers Act will protect one of Montana's special places. I will continue fighting for balanced policies to conserve our natural heritage while improving access and management of our public lands."

Montanans applauded Daines' announced legislation, noting its importance to area residents and Carbon County's economy:

"We greatly appreciate that Representative Daines has introduced legislation to protect the East Rosebud Creek. This area is a special place where many of us have chosen to live and raise our families-- some have been here for generations," Frank Annighofer, Vice President of Friends of East Rosebud, said. "The Creek attracts visitors from all over the world, yielding significant economic value to neighboring communities and our state. Representative Daines' bill will ensure the Creek stays a special place for generations to come."

"I am very proud of Congressman Daines for introducing the East Rosebud Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to protect this area for future generations. This bill is very special to the McKay and Branger families. My grandfather homesteaded there, in a log cabin he built at East Rosebud Lake. My mother was born in that cabin in 1920. The East Rosebud is a special part of God's beauty and there is no place like it," Dwight MacKay, former US Marshal, Roscoe, MT.

Daines' legislation also garnered support from local Carbon County Commissioner John Prinkii.

"I heartily support this legislation as it's important to the local community," Prinkii said.

According to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, there were 12,598 miles of 203 rivers in 38 states and Puerto Rico protected by the National system as of July 2011.

Daines' legislation is comparable to Senate legislation sponsored by Montana Senator John Walsh.

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