Governor Gianforte, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Expand Public Access on Upper Yellowstone River

Cut ribbon on the Siskin Island Fishing Access Site

Governor's Office

PINE CREEK, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte today joined Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Director Christy Clark to cut the ribbon on the Siskin Island Fishing Access Site near Livingston to expand public access on the upper Yellowstone River.

"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."

Gov. Gianforte (center) and FWP Director Christy Clark (right) helping cut the ribbon on Siskin Island Fishing Access Site near Livingston

Earlier this month, Montana FWP accepted the donation of the 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 donated to Montana FWP by Trust for Public Land after they facilitated a donation from the previous landowners.

"Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is proud and excited to be a 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."

In addition to fishing, FWP plans to manage the site for habitat conservation and public access for day-use, float-in camping at a reserved, designated camp site, and hunting under a weapons restriction. Primary access to the island is by floating down the Yellowstone River.

Expanding public access is a top priority for the governor. Since the governor took office, Montanans have gained access to over 245,00 acres including at new WMAs in the Big Snowy Mountains, Bad Rock Canyon, North Wildcat Coulee on the lower Yellowstone River, expanded access at Mount Haggin, and a new state park at Somers Beach.

Additional site rules and the online campsite reservation system for Siskin Island will be published in the coming weeks at fwp.mt.gov .

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