Governor Gianforte Expands Public Access Along Yellowstone River

Visits new North Wildcat Coulee WMA in Rosebud County

• February 09 2024

FORSYTH, Mont. – As chair of the Montana Land Board, Governor Greg Gianforte yesterday welcomed the state’s purchase of the 328-acre North Wildcat Coulee Wildlife Management Area (WMA) along the Yellowstone River and celebrated its opening.

“For too long, public access to the Lower Yellowstone River has been a challenge for anglers, floaters, hunters, and hikers alike,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Boosting access along the Lower Yellowstone is a top priority, and the new North Wildcat Coulee Wildlife Management Area will unlock Montanans’ access to a coveted stretch of the river and conserve critical wildlife habitat.”

Gov. Gianforte viewing the North Wildcat Coulee WMA with co-landowner Bill Schwarzkoph

In November, the Land Board approved the acquisition of the WMA located approximately two miles upstream of the Far West Fishing Access Site to provide public access for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

In 2019, a group of Eastern Montana residents formed the Lower Yellowstone River Coalition to expand outdoor recreation opportunities along the lower Yellowstone River with the goal of boosting tourism for communities along the river from Hysham to Fairview.

In 2021, in support of the coalition’s mission, the Montana State Legislature allocated Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) up to $4 million to acquire, develop, and improve recreation access sites on the lower Yellowstone River. That year, the governor authorized FWP to convene a 12-member citizen advisory committee (CAC) to develop recommendations for access and to ensure habitat protection.

This acquisition was identified by the CAC as a high priority for habitat conservation. A large number of wildlife species inhabit this property including mule and white-tailed deer, wild turkey, pheasants, sharp-tailed grouse, waterfowl, and songbirds.

The property that is now open to public use provides boat-in and walk-in access to anglers, hunters, hikers, and other recreationists.

Joining the governor for the visit to the WMA were landowners, commissioners, and members of the Lower Yellowstone River Coalition.

Visiting with one of the co-landowners, Bill Schwarzkoph, the governor heard of his hopes of a lasting legacy the new WMA will have for generations to come.

“We’ve owned this land for over 30 years, it’s been a real joy – my son, grandson, and two granddaughters have all harvested deer here,” Schwarzkoph said. “It was hard to sell, but we wanted to have a legacy. And that legacy is that my grandkids can still come out here to hunt on the property they grew up on.”

Increasing public access to public lands is a top priority for the governor. Since the governor took office, Montanans gained access to new WMAs in the Big Snowy Mountains and Bad Rock Canyon, expanded access at Mount Haggin, and a new state park at Somers Beach.