THREE FORKS – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has acquired a 26-acre parcel for inclusion into Missouri Headwaters State Park.

This addition permanently secures important habitat and cultural resources on the property, which was a private inholding that bisected the park’s eastern edge. Once opened to public visitors, it will also provide greater continuity and expanded recreational opportunities.

The acquisition received overwhelming public support throughout the process, which included an environmental assessment. The Montana State Parks and Recreation Board gave initial approval for the acquisition on Feb. 5, followed by final approval by the Montana Board of Land Commissioners on March 18.

The parcel was purchased for $930,000 by the Montana State Parks Foundation using funds provided by a grant from the Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust and facilitated by the Montana Outdoor Legacy Foundation. The foundation then donated the property to FWP on April 29.

“This project has been a goal for the family who owned the property and FWP for many years,” said Linnaea Schroeer, FWP’s Parks and Outdoor Recreation Program manager in Region 3. “We are so grateful to all who have helped make this acquisition possible. It will secure and protect important cultural, habitat and recreational resources for one of Montana’s most beloved state parks.”

FWP staff will be working to remove old farm equipment, fencing and other structures from the parcel. This work will be completed in phases, and walk-in public access is expected to be opened partially in fall 2024. Until then, public access to the area will be restricted due to safety risks.

Within the boundaries of Missouri Headwaters State Park, the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin rivers merge to form the Missouri River, the longest river in the U.S. This area is significant to Native American peoples and was visited by members of the Corps of Discovery in 1805. Now a national historic landmark, the park hosts thousands of visitors each year. The park is about 5 miles northeast of Three Forks on Trident Road. For more information about the park, please visit fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/missouri-headwaters or call 406-285-3610.