FWP is proposing to accept the donation of an 82-acre island complex on the upper Yellowstone River for the creation of a new fishing access site.
The island complex is just south of the bridge on Pine Creek Road, about 13 miles south of Livingston. The site is currently held in fee title by Trust for Public Land, which would transfer ownership to FWP as a donated property. The name for the proposed site is Siskin Island Fishing Access Site.
The site features a rocky shoreline, mature cottonwood forests, willow thickets, marsh wetlands and open meadows that provide excellent habitat for a variety of wildlife. Side channels through the site also support high-quality spawning and rearing habitat for trout.
FWP would manage the site for habitat conservation as well as public access. Primary access to the island is by floating down the Yellowstone River. Proposed rules for the site include allowing float-in camping at designated campsites, as well as hunting under a weapons restriction on portions of the property. More information on proposed site rules can be found here.
"We're excited for the opportunities this proposed acquisition presents for habitat conservation and public recreation access," said Linnaea Schroeer, FWP's parks and outdoor recreation program manager in southwestern Montana. "We're grateful to Trust for Public Land, the family who donated the property, and other partners who have helped make this possible."
FWP published an environmental assessment on March 13 soliciting public comments on the proposed acquisition and issued a decision notice with proposed site rules on April 24. The proposal is now being considered for final approval by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission on June 12. An additional public comment period is now open through May 21. For more information on the proposal or to submit comments, click here.