EBS STAFF
On Oct. 25 at 11 a.m., Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will celebrate the 26-acre acquisition and habitat added to Missouri Headwaters State Park. The public can explore the new area as well as the rest of the park.
In March, the Montana State Land Board voted unanimously to approve the acquisition of the 26-acre expansion, which preserves key historical sites, habitat, trail connectivity and fishing access.
A month prior, the Montana State Parks Foundation had acquired the parcel through Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust grants, according to an Oct. 16 press release from FWP. MSPF donated the land to FWP following approval in April.
“Since then, FWP staff have been preparing the parcel for safe public access, including removing old farm equipment, fencing and other materials,” the release stated.
Most of the parcel is on schedule to open to the public this month, but the westernmost portion will remain closed until the completion of a baseline cultural survey and removal of any buildings not identified for re-use or retention.
“The acquisition of this parcel by Missouri Headwaters State Park has been a goal of the family and park staff for many years, and we’re so thankful to the family and our partners for helping make that vision a reality,” stated Linnaea Schroeer, FWP’s regional parks and outdoor recreation program manager, in the release. “This project secures and protects the wild heart of the park for the public to enjoy forever.”
Megan Buecking, Montana State Parks Foundation executive director, described what the parcel provides to the park.
“This new parcel provides opportunities for the public to enjoy outstanding cultural and historic resources, enhances fisheries and wildlife habitat, and expands public access at this iconic park,” Buecking stated in the release. “We extend our deep gratitude to our partners for working with us to make this project possible. We look forward to the bright future of Missouri Headwaters.”
“Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation is excited to have played a role in making this project a reality,” said Mitch King, executive director Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation. “This partnership between the Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust, the Montana Parks Foundation and the family has ensured the permanent protection of this important inholding within Missouri Headwaters State Park. I can think of no better use of the trust funding.”
The Missouri Headwaters State Park is located where the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin rivers merge to form the Missouri River, which is the longest river in the U.S., according to the release. The area serves as a historical landmark, is significant to Native American peoples and draws thousands of annual visitors.
