Anglers, floaters and other water-loving members of the public can access a new chunk of public land in the upper Yellowstone River, following Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ acquisition of Siskin Island this month.
The 82-acre island sits between Mallards Rest and Pine Creek fishing access sites roughly 13 miles south of Livingston on the 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. Greg Gianforte said during a ribbon cutting held this week. “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.”
The Trust for Public Land, a nonprofit focused on conserving public spaces, facilitated a donation to the state from the previous landowners.
“Now that the island is in public hands, adaptive management will benefit the ecological and recreational values of the upper Yellowstone River in perpetuity,” said David Weinstein, Northern Rockies director for Trust for Public Land.
Siskin island is a float-in site with a rocky shoreline, mature cottonwood forests, willow thickets, marsh wetlands and open meadows that provide excellent habitat for a variety of wildlife, according to FWP. Side channels through the site also support high-quality spawning and rearing habitat for trout.
The agency plans to manage the site for habitat conservation and public access. Primary access to the island is by floating down the Yellowstone River. The site will allow day use, float-in camping by reservation, and some hunting, with FWP to release specific rules online soon.
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved the acquisition of the island at its June 12 meeting.
Originally published on dailymontanan.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
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