East Rosebud Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4645) 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.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, East Rosebud Creek is located in Carbon County, Montana, just north of Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in the Custer National Forest.

The bill before us designates a 13-mile segment of East Rosebud Creek, beginning at its source, the East Rosebud Lake, as a wild and scenic river. A second 7-mile segment from the outlet of East Rosebud Lake to the point where the waterway enters private property would be designated as a recreational river.

This legislation specifically applies only to the segments of the creek that lie within public lands. Important historical uses outside of the wild and scenic boundary are protected by this bill.

Finally, H.R. 4645 explicitly prevents the creation of a buffer zone to restrict land use outside of the designated area.

This legislation is the result of a compromise supported by a diverse coalition that includes local ranchers, sportsmen, conservationists, and business owners. Companion legislation has been introduced with the support of both Montana Senators.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to

the author of this measure, the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Gianforte).

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, East Rosebud Creek is one of Montana's most picturesque and popular streams. It is located in Carbon County, Montana, just north of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in the Custer National Forest. It provides important habitat for fish and wildlife as well as a myriad of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, hunting, kayaking, and climbing.

My bill designates a 13-mile section of East Rosebud Creek beginning at its source, the East Rosebud Lake, as a wild river. A second 7-mile section from the outlet of East Rosebud Lake to the point where the waterway enters private property would be designated as a recreational river.

This legislation specifically applies only to the segments of the creek that lie within public lands. Important historical uses outside of the wild and scenic river boundary are protected by this bill.

Finally, H.R. 4645 explicitly prevents the creation of a buffer zone to restrict land use outside of the designated area.

This legislation represents a great compromise that has earned support from a diverse coalition that includes local ranchers, sportsmen, conservationists, businesses owners, and others. Companion legislation has been introduced with the support of the entire Montana delegation, including both Senators.

Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this measure.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I my consume.

Mr. Speaker, this bill designates a 13-mile segment of East Rosebud Creek in the Custer National Forest as a wild river under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

This segment was nominated for designation in 1989, so 30 years later it finally comes to Congress, and we are moving forward with the recognition and protection it deserves.

The bill contributes to a proud legacy of preserving free and flowing rivers for future generations, and I want to extend my congratulations to the sponsor of the legislation and the entire Montana delegation for their fine work.

I know there are several bills that have been introduced by Democrats that seek to designate wild and scenic rivers in their districts. I hope we can move those along as well by working together to make sure these places also receive the appropriate attention as this particular one did.

For now, Mr. Speaker, I am happy to urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 4645, which was received from the House.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.