This massive sign marks the destination of mon 

 remains one of Montana's favorite attractions. 



is and Clark Stote Co 



Commission August 18, 1965. The objectives 

 of this system ore threefold: 



1. The maintenance and improvement of 

 Montana's prime streams as free-flowing pro- 

 ductive waters. 



2. The improvement of potentially impor- 

 tant streams to prime condition so that they 

 m^y eventually be considered for the system. 



3. To encourage and obtain multiple rec- 

 reational use through the development and 

 maintenance of the recreational features of 

 waterways in the system. High quality fishing, 

 as well as outstanding scenic, historic and 

 scientific values are features to be especially 

 considered in this regard. 



In brief, high quality recreational potential 

 represents the key to the selection of free-flow- 

 ing waters for possible inclusion under the 

 system. 



Portions of three major river systems in Mon- 

 tana have presently been placed within the 

 system: 



1. The Yellowstone River from the Yellow- 

 stone Park boundary down to Pompeys Pillar 



Th's rivsr is characterized by superlative 

 (Blue Ribbon) trout fishing, particularly in its 

 upper reaches. It is scenically endowed by 

 great sweeps of cottonwood bottom lands, re- 

 mote islands and a relatively undisturbed river 

 edge. The Yellowstone played an important 

 part in the return journey of a portion of the 

 Lewis and Clark Expedition. It also is remem- 

 bered for a variety of river travel during the 

 subsequent exploration of this region. Pres- 

 ently the river is being enjoyed by an increas- 

 ing number of fishing and boating enthusiasts. 



2. The Missouri River from Fort Benton down 

 to the headwaters of the Fort Peck Reservoir. 



This is nationally recognized as the "Wild 

 Reach" of the Missouri. Nowhere else on this, 

 the longest river in the United States, is there 

 a significant portion relatively unchanged from 

 the days of the first explorations into the 

 northwest. 



Here, perhaps more by accident than design, 

 remains approximately 180 miles of remote, 

 free-flowing river presenting a unique beauty 

 and steeped in the history of exploration, the 



V 



