THREE FORKS – A 26-acre parcel that was recently added to Missouri Headwaters State Park will soon be open for public access.

FWP is planning an event to celebrate the acquisition and the important habitat, cultural resources and expanded recreational opportunities it provides. The event will be Friday, Oct. 25, at 11 a.m. beginning at the information plaza across from the park office. All are welcome to attend and explore the parcel, along with the rest of the park.

The Montana State Parks Foundation acquired the parcel in February using funds provided by a grant from the Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust and facilitated by Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation, and then donated the property to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in April.

Since then, FWP staff have been preparing the parcel for safe public access, including removing old farm equipment, fencing and other materials.

Additional work to restore habitat is being planned, but most of the parcel is on schedule to open to the public this month. The westernmost portion of the parcel, which includes a house and several outbuildings, will remain closed to public access until a baseline cultural survey can be done and any buildings not identified for re-use or retention for their historical significance can be removed.

“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,” said Linnaea Schroeer, regional Parks and Outdoor Recreation Program manager for FWP. “This project secures and protects the wild heart of the park for the public to enjoy forever.”

"We’re thrilled to see the expansion of Missouri Headwaters State Park open to the public,” said Megan Buecking, Montana State Parks Foundation executive director. “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. 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."

Background

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.

This addition permanently secures important habitat and cultural resources on the property, which was a private inholding that bisected the park’s eastern edge. It also provides greater continuity and expanded recreational opportunities.

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, click here or call 406-285-3610.