BRETT FRENCH | bfrench@billingsgazette.com
An 82-acre island in the Yellowstone River would be donated to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks under a proposal by the Trust for Public Land.
“Trust for Public Land acquired the island in November 2025 through a donation from a private landowner, with the goal of facilitating its transfer to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for long-term public benefit,” said David Weinstein, the group’s Northern Rockies Program director.
The island is located in the Paradise Valley, south of Livingston, about 500 yards upstream from Pine Creek fishing access site and two river miles downstream from Mallard’s Rest FAS.
Melvin Mitchell’s Mile High Ranch is located to the west of the property while across the river are several subdivided parcels off Roche Jaune Road, including many owned by Patrick Gilligan of Belgrade.
“The island features a rocky shoreline, mature cottonwood forests, willow thickets, marsh wetlands and open meadows that provide essential habitats for a variety of wildlife including waterfowl, songbirds, white-tailed deer, beaver, otters, and fish,” according to FWP’s draft environmental assessment. “Mule deer and elk occasionally pass through the property.”
The property’s side channels are “high-quality spawning and rearing habitat for trout,” the agency added, in addition to a variety of nongame fish species and wildlife.
Under the proposal, FWP would name the acquisition the Pine Siskin fishing access site in honor of the native finch and the excellent bird and wildlife habitat on the island. The island would remain undeveloped under FWP ownership.
“Primary access to the island is by floating along the Yellowstone River with walk-in access available from Pine Creek FAS during periods of low water,” the EA noted.
“Day-use would be allowed throughout the site and camping permitted within 50 feet of the normal high-water mark.” No fires would be allowed and pet and human waste would need to be packed out. No walk-in hunting or trapping would be allowed and rifles would be prohibited. Boat-in hunting is, however, OK.
Although the Trust for Public Land would donate the property, FWP would pay closing and transaction costs estimated at around $2,000.
Weinstein said the Trust for Public Land donated the property to ensure it remains undeveloped and managed as wildlife habitat.
“Helping landowners conserve special places and transition them into lasting public stewardship is central to TPL’s work — and this project was a natural fit along this stretch of river,” he added.
Comments on the proposal are being taken through March 28 and can be emailed to Mark Filonczuk, Region 3 recreation manager, at: Mark.Filonczuk@mt.gov. Or mail comments to FWP Region 3, 1400 S. 19th Ave., Bozeman, MT, 59718.