Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks this month accepted 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, now known as Siskin Island Fishing Access Site, is accessible by watercraft between Mallards Rest and Pine Creek fishing access sites, about 13 miles south of Livingston. The site was held in fee title by Trust for Public Land after they facilitated a donation from the previous landowners.
The donation of this site to FWP protects critical river and riparian habitat, expands lawful public access and reflects strong community partnership and public input.
Gov. Greg Gianforte and FWP Director Christy Clark joined staff from FWP and Trust for Public Land in a tour of the site on Wednesday.
"It's great to help cut the ribbon on Siskin Island to expand public access along the Yellowstone for Montanans to fish, float, and enjoy the outdoors," Gov. Gianforte said. "The Yellowstone River is the longest free flowing river in the lower 48 and we are glad to play a part in keeping this river healthy and accessible for future generations."
"Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is proud and excited to be part of this effort to strengthen wildlife habitat and public access on the upper Yellowstone River," said FWP Director Christy Clark. "We're grateful to Trust for Public Land and the previous landowners for their foresight and willingness to bring this island complex into public stewardship."
"Trust for Public Land is proud to work with Governor Gianforte, Montana FWP, and local landowners and community partners to transfer the newly minted, 82-acre Siskin Island to the state of Montana," said David Weinstein, Northern Rockies Director for Trust for Public Land. "Now that the island is in public hands, adaptive management will benefit the ecological and recreational values of the upper Yellowstone River in perpetuity."
The float-in 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 plans to manage the site for habitat conservation and public access. Primary access to the island is by floating down the Yellowstone River. Rules for the site include allowing day use, float-in camping at a designated campsite by reservation only, as well as hunting under a weapons restriction. Other rules apply for overnight use.
More information on site rules and a campsite reservation web page will be published on FWP's website in the coming weeks when finalized.
FWP published an environmental assessment soliciting public comments on the proposed acquisition in March, followed by final approval by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission on June 12.
