If approved, donated land would allow for added trails on the park’s southeastern corner
By Jack Reaney ASSOCIATE EDITOR
A historic site in Three Forks at the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin rivers, the Missouri Headwaters State Park is pushing a proposal to expand by 26 acres.
On Feb. 12, the Montana State Parks Foundation announced its plan to donate 26 acres to the state park, in collaboration with the Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust, according to a Feb. 15 MSPF press release. On Feb. 26, the expansion was approved unanimously by the Montana State Parks and Recreation Board.
In March, it will need to be approved by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Land Board. Organizers hope that the topic will be decided on during a March 18 Land Board meeting.
“The public is strongly encouraged to participate and show support for this momentous project,” the press release stated, urging public comment and donations “to ensure the enduring preservation of this remarkable place.”
The release also called the expansion a “once-in-a-generation park addition” that will protect the state park’s future.
The ‘missing puzzle piece’
Supporters say the extra acreage will provide buffer area around the historic sites, add options for site management and visitor experiences, and prevent future encroaching development. A promotional graphic from MSPF calls it the park’s “missing puzzle piece.”
The land is “an inholding of the park… almost inside the park entirely,” wrote Megan Buecking, MSPF executive director, in an email to EBS.
Buecking added that the 26 acres will connect the northern half of the park with its southeastern corner. “Once integrated into the park, we will be able to expand the trail system through this property and into the southeast corner, which has no trails currently due to the lack of access,” she wrote.
“I am thankful that the Montana State Park Foundation, with the funding support from the Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust, could act on this amazing opportunity,” Angie Grove, MSPF board president, stated in the release.
Buecking called this project “a distinctive opportunity for individuals with a passion for outdoor recreation, fish and wildlife habitat conservation, and Montana history to play a critical role in the enduring preservation of this remarkable place, ensuring its enjoyment for generations to come.”
