(Washington, D.C.) - Montana's senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finalized Special Area Management Plan for the Upper Yellowstone River:

"The Yellowstone River is not only the longest free-flowing river in America, but it is a cornerstone of Montana's economy and our outdoor heritage. Much of southern and eastern Montana relies on the Yellowstone for agricultural needs, tourism and for clean water. I cannot emphasize enough just how important a comprehensive Yellowstone River management plan is for Montana," said Baucus, who wrote legislation to facilitate the plan.  "I will keep working to make sure this new Special Area Management Plan provides yet another tool to protect our outdoor heritage while allowing property owners to protect their land."

TIMELINE OF EVENTS

• 1996 and 1997 major Yellowstone River flooding elevates public awareness about the need for a coordinated management plan for the river.
• Following the '96 and '97 historic floods, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began issuing a large number of dredge and fill permits for rip rap and other efforts to stabilize the banks of the Yellowstone River.
• 1997: Governor Marc Racicot creates the Upper Yellowstone River Task Force
• 1999: Senator Baucus introduces legislation to require the Corps of Engineers to work with the Upper Yellowstone River Task Force to develop a Special Area Management Plan.
• February 2006: Baucus pushes Corps of Engineers to hold public briefings with local shareholders and keep moving forward on finalizing a Special Area Management Plan.
• April 2011: Army Corps of Engineers releases final Special Area Management Plan.

Details on the plan can be viewed by clicking HERE.

Contact: Kate Downen 406-224-5056 or Kathy Weber 406-657-5915

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