FWP and partners celebrate opening of new addition at Missouri Headwaters State Park

THREE FORKS – A 26-acre parcel that was added to Missouri Headwaters State Park earlier this year is now open for public access. The parcel was officially opened during a celebration event Friday with members of the public, partner organizations and special guests.

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.

“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.”

“Hiking, hunting and fishing are not just activities we do, it’s who we are,” Gov. Greg Gianforte said. “Securing public access to public lands like this addition at Missouri Headwaters State Park is critical to protecting our Montana way of life.”

Additional work to restore habitat is being planned. 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.

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.