Missouri Headwaters State Park expansion approved

Montana State Land Board voted unanimously to allow ‘key’ 26-acre expansion on donated land 

EBS STAFF

The Missouri Headwaters State Park in Three Forks preserves the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin rivers. It is now set to absorb adjacent land, preserving historical sites and wildlife habitat while expanding trail connectivity and fishing access.

In February, the Montana State Parks Foundation announced its plan to purchase and donate 26.36 acres of private land to the park, in partnership with the Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust. The land will connect the northern half of the park with its southeastern corner, allowing for enhanced trail connectivity and fishing access to the Gallatin River. The land will also serve as buffer space from any encroaching development. 

A promotional graphic from MSPF calls it the park’s “missing puzzle piece.”

When the plan was announced in February, it had already been approved unanimously by the Montana State Parks and Recreation Board. Then, on March 18, the Montana State Land Board to voted unanimously in favor, giving the project the green light. 

“With both approvals in place, the donation process and park expansion can now move forward,” a March 20 press release from MSPF stated. 

“The process of expanding the Missouri Headwaters State Park has been an incredible group effort, and an example of what can be accomplished when individuals, organizations and the government work together towards a common goal,” Megan Beucking, executive director of MSPF, stated in the release. 

The release added that the local and regional community rallied behind the project, including support shown by the Gallatin Conservation District, Gallatin Valley Land Trust and Yellowstone Club Community Foundation. Local businesses and individuals contributed to the project by adding donations and public comments. 

“It’s exciting to see an addition to this iconic state park,” stated Angie Grove, MSPF board president. “Adding these 26 acres will provide a buffer area around the historic sites, create additional options for site management, offer additional visitor experiences and assure no future encroaching development.”

In addition to its “key location” for connecting land within the park, the land is crucial fish and wildlife habitat and the historic site of Gallatin City II, Gallatin County’s first county seat. Under the Montana State Parks system, these resources will now be conserved and protected in perpetuity, according to the release. 

“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,” Grove stated.  

After formal proceedings and final fundraising are taken care of, the land will open to the public. The state park will host a public opening celebration.