A coalition of eastern Montana residents, government leaders and business owners is advocating for the state to invest in increased access at the Lower Yellowstone River. It’s an initiative they say would draw tourism dollars into eastern Montana and increase outdoor recreation opportunities for residents.
Months after forming, members of the Lower Yellowstone River Coalition have rallied support from community organizers, legislators and now Montana’s governor to establish a new recreational corridor along the Lower Yellowstone River.
On Aug. 28, Governor Steve Bullock stood on a bridge over the Yellowstone River in Glendive and spoke to a group of thirty people. He brought with him a promise of potential state buy in through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) revenue from fishing and hunting licenses.
“I’ve asked FWP to identify $4 million of general licensing fund to be applied to the coalition project," Bullock said.
Bullock is running for U.S. Senate in the upcoming election, but says he’ll put the funding into his proposed state budget.
The coalition is seeking $8 million to increase access along 175 river miles between Hysham and the North Dakota border.
Community outreach coordinator Christine Whitlatch says the coalition needs state investment to win federal funds.
“Hopefully, we can get a commitment, and then we can leverage that for matching dollars," Whitlatch said.
She points to a map of the proposed infrastructure improvements.
“You can see where they’ve put things where we need portable toilets, where there needs to be portage trails," Whitlatch said.
She says the coalition held listening sessions in towns along the project route including Forsyth, Fairview and Miles City.
Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation executive director Beth Epley from Baker said outdoor recreation is vital to showcasing eastern Montana.
“The diversification of our economy through investment in tourism and recreation is just so essential to who we are and long term growth and the strengthening of our community," Epley said.
The coalition is still trying to get support from legislators. If the funding is approved during the next legislative session, then the state will turn towards conducting the FWP planning process, including seeking public comment for improving access points and opening up new ones.
