Senator trying to hasten work on Yellowstone

BOZEMAN – A measure approved by the U.S. Senate last week is intended to speed up action on a number of Yellowstone River conservation projects, Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., said.

The measure authored by Baucus is part of the 2006 Water Resources Development Act and still has to be considered by a House-Senate conference committee.

If approved, it would enable the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to move ahead with the conservation and ecosystem-restoration projects in the Yellowstone River Cumulative Effects Study.

The study’s goal is to identify threats to the river and ways to protect it, according to Baucus’ office.

“The Yellowstone is the longest free-flowing river in the country,” Baucus said on the floor of the Senate Wednesday. “Much of southern and eastern Montana depends on the health of the Yellowstone River. It irrigates fields, provides world-class fishing, sustains the tourism sector and supplies clean drinking water. It is a source of great pride and economic strength for all Montana.”

Baucus has been critical of the corps for taking so long to finalize the study, which it developed in conjunction with Montana officials, conservation groups and the Yellowstone Conservation District Council, a group of 12 districts along the river.

Baucus said he hoped the measure would spur the corps to finish the study quickly, since it would now have the authority to act on the study recommendations.