Montana State Parks Foundation

Double your donation for the Park Accessibility Project!

Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all donations made between April 28 and July 15 up to $30,000 will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling your impact and helping make Montana’s state parks more accessible for everyone. This special match was inspired by one donor’s deep love for Yellow Bay State Park:

“ Yellow Bay ranks in my top three all-time favorite places in the world. For the past 36 years, I’ve never missed a summertime swim there. I hope that by making it ADA accessible, I’ll be able to jump in the lake every year for the rest of my life. Please join me in making this a reality.”  

– Anonymous Donor

Their gift is will help launch accessibility improvements at Yellow Bay, and they hope others will be inspired to give back to the parks they cherish most. Please consider making a donation to help us secure this incredible match. Follow the link below!

Donate & Support Montana State Parks

Thanks to your voices and advocacy, Senate Bill 307 has been tabled , a huge win for Montana’s State Parks, trails, and wildlife programs!

In 2021, Montanans chose to dedicate a portion of recreational marijuana tax revenue to support our public lands. That funding helps maintain parks, improve trails, expand accessibility, and support wildlife.

SB 307 would have eliminated that funding, cutting an estimated $12 million from parks and trails and over $20 million from Habitat Montana. But you spoke up, and legislators listened.

Now, we need to keep that momentum going.
The job isn’t finished.

📣 Ask your legislators to support HB 932 and SB 537 — two strong bills that protect this critical funding and ensure Montana’s great outdoors stay open, accessible, and cared for.

Let’s keep showing up for the places we love.

Learn about HB 932

Learn about SB 537

Take Action to Protect State Parks: We must act now to protect the funding that keeps our parks open and accessible. Here’s how.

Fine Tune your Message: Short and to-the-point messages are the most effective. Here is an example. “Dear (name), I support HB 932 and SB 537 and funding support for Montana State Parks, trails, and outdoor recreation. These funds are essential for maintaining our parks and ensuring future generations can enjoy Montana’s great outdoors. Please vote YES on HB 932 and SB 537.”

Find your Legislator: Not sure who your local Senator and House Representatives are? Visit https://www.legmt.gov/districts/ and select your area on the map to find your local legislator.

Contact information: Find your Legislator’s contact information here: https://www.legmt.gov/legislators/

By Phone: Calling your Legislators is easy, just call the Session Information Desk and leave a message: (406) 444-4800 (Available Mon-Fri 7:30 AM – 5 PM, Sat 8 AM – Adjournment) Your message will be delivered to your lawmakers!

By mail: Mail your Legislator at:

Senator (NAME)	Representative (NAME)
Montana Senate	Montana House of Representatives
P.O. Box 200500	P.O. Box 200400
Helena, MT 59620-0500	Helena, MT 59620-0400

Streamline your communications with your Montana Legislators. Register for public participation at https://participate.legmt.gov/ for more ways to get involved.

Make a donation today to support our advocacy efforts and keep our parks funded, accessible, and thriving! https://montanastateparksfoundation.org/donations/givewp-donation-form-2/

Montana’s State Parks rely on this funding to serve millions of visitors each year. Help us protect our parks. Take action today!

Capture the beauty of Montana’s state parks and have your photography featured in our upcoming calendar! We’re looking for stunning, high-resolution images that showcase the unique landscapes, wildlife, and experiences of our beloved parks.

Submission Guidelines:

• Originality: Photos must be your own work, taken at a Montana State Park.
• Resolution: Images should be high resolution (minimum 300 DPI) and suitable for print.
• Content: Highlight the natural beauty, recreational activities, or iconic features of Montana’s state parks.

How to Enter:

• Submit your photos by September 30th, 2025.
• Include your name, contact information, and the name of the state park where each photo was taken.
• Submit here!

Prizes:

Winning photos will be featured in the Montana State Parks Foundation Calendar. Additionally, the 12 winning photographers will be featured on across our digital platforms, with full credit to the photographers. Winners will receive a copy of the calendar and Montana State Parks Foundation water bottle and hat.

Montana State Parks Foundation Photo Contest – Terms & Conditions

1. Eligibility: The contest is open to all photographers, both amateur and professional, who are 18 years or older. Contestants under 18 must have parental consent to have their photos published. Consent may be provided after winners are announced.
2. Photo Requirements:
   • Photos MUST be original, taken by the entrant.
   • Digital editing is acceptable but photos should represent the natural and cultural beauty of the park. 
   • Images should be taken at a Montana State Park. Yellowstone and Glacier are not state parks!
   • Photos must be high-resolution (minimum 300 DPI) and suitable for print.
   • Generally speaking PNG, PDF, JPEG or other common photo file types are accepted. 
3. Submission:
   • All entries must be submitted through the official contest portal by September 30, 2025.
   • Each participant may submit up to 5 photos, but each submission must be completed individually.
4. Judging:
   • Photos will be judged based on creativity, composition, relevance to Montana’s state parks, and overall quality.
   • The Montana State Parks Foundation reserves the right to disqualify any entries that do not meet the required standards.
5. Prizes:
   • Winning photos will be featured in the 2026 Montana State Parks Foundation calendar.
   • Winners will receive a calendar, water bottle, hat and a feature in our digital marketing.
6. Rights & Usage:
   • By submitting your photo, you grant the Montana State Parks Foundation the right to use your image in promotional materials, including but not limited to the annual calendar, website, and social media, with full credit given to the photographer.
7. Notification:
   • Winners will be notified via email by October 31st, 2025.
   • Winning photos may be shared on the Montana State Parks Foundation’s social media channels.
8. Liability:
   • The Montana State Parks Foundation is not responsible for lost, late, or incomplete submissions.
   • Participants must submit original photos and ensure they have the legal right to submit their images.
9. Contest Modifications:
   • The Montana State Parks Foundation reserves the right to modify or cancel the contest at any time. Any changes will be communicated to participants.
10. Acceptance of Terms: By entering the contest, you agree to abide by these terms and conditions.

The Montana State Parks Foundation offers a variety of ways to make a difference, whether you’re volunteering from home or directly in your community. Click on each opportunity for more information.

2026 Volunteer Opportunities

Spring Meadow Lake State Park Accessibility Project Committee: Helena

Wayfarers Lake State Park Accessibility Project Committee: Bigfork

Montana State Park Accessibility Map Committee: Remote/Statewide

Judith Landing Heritage Holder Committee: Central MT – Lewistown, Fort Benton, Big Sandy, Winifred

Missouri Headwaters Clean Up Day: April 25, 10am-2pm. Three Forks. Registration Closed.

Remote Volunteer Opportunities:

• Research: Help us gather information on state parks, outdoor recreation trends, and funding opportunities.
• Writing: Share your love for Montana’s parks by creating engaging articles, park profiles, or blog posts to inspire others.
• Fundraising Support: Assist with donor outreach, grant writing, data entry or organizing virtual fundraising campaigns.
• Photography: Contribute your talent by capturing stunning photos of Montana’s parks or wildlife to help showcase their beauty in our outreach materials.

Interested in volunteering? Email [email protected] or complete this quick form and let us know all about you!

Board of Directors

The Montana State Parks Foundation Board of Directors is made up of dedicated individuals from across the state, bringing together diverse regional perspectives, professional expertise, and personal passions.

Our board members share one common trait: a deep love for Montana’s state parks and outdoor spaces. Whether you’re a long-time advocate or new to the idea of board service, we welcome enthusiastic individuals who are committed to protecting and enhancing our state parks for generations to come.

Commitment
Quarterly Board Meetings: Four meetings annually, with opportunities to connect virtually or in person.
Committee Participation: Join committees focused on specific areas like projects, accessibility, communications, and fundraising.
Volunteer Engagement: Get hands-on by participating in events and volunteer opportunities at our state parks.
If you’re ready to make a difference and support Montana’s incredible state parks, we’d love to hear from you!

Take the Board Membership Survey Here

State Park Accessibility Committee

Embracing the principle of “nothing about us without us”, the Montana State Parks Foundation invites individuals from diverse backgrounds, who are passionate about adaptive recreation, to apply to become members of our Accessibility Advisory Committee. The committee aims to gain insights from the adaptive recreation community in Montana, helping to steer our accessibility improvement projects in the right direction. If you are involved in adaptive sports or have an interest in making the outdoors accessible to individuals with varying physical abilities, this volunteering role could be perfect for you. 

The Accessibility Advisory Committee will meet quarterly via zoom and will offer optional in-person volunteer opportunities, including site visits to your local State Parks. 

Take the Accessibility Committee Survey Here

Wildlife and Habitat

• Critical Habitat: The proposed park would protect 109 acres for over 60 species, including elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and antelope.

History, Culture, and Education

• Cultural Significance:
  • A historic hub for Indigenous tribes, including the Lakota, Blackfeet, Atsina (Gros Ventre), and River Crow, the site served as a seasonal campground, burial ground, and location for peace councils. These councils established hunting boundaries and fostered agreements between tribes.
• Historical Importance:
  • 1805: Lewis and Clark camped near the Judith River, named after Clark’s future wife. 1855: The first documented dinosaur fossils in North America were collected here. Late 1800s: The site holds a rich ranching and military history, including Camp Cooke, Montana’s first permanent military post.
• Educational Potential: Opportunities for field trips and hands-on learning about Montana’s Indigenous, historic, and environmental heritage.

Outdoor Recreation

• Fishing and Boating: Access to the Judith and Missouri Rivers, home to sturgeon, walleye, and paddlefish, will attract anglers and boaters.
• Public Access: Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities, fostering connections to Montana’s ecosystems.

Economic Impact

• Outdoor recreation generated $2.9 billion in Montana’s economy in 2022, supporting 29,000 jobs. Anglers contribute $750 million annually—20% of Montana’s tourism revenue. Visitors support local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and outfitters.

What’s Next

• Dec 14, 2024: Public comments for the Environmental Assessment due.
• December TBD 2024: Parks and Recreation Board decides on accepting the land. If approved, the land is donated to the state for park development; otherwise, it reverts to American Prairie.
• Future Planning: Upon approval, public scoping will guide park design and amenities.

Get Involved: Participate in the public comment process and help shape the future of Judith Landing State Park! 🌟

View Environmental Assessment on FWP website

Read Environmental Assessment

Deadline: Comments must be received by 12/14/2024 at 5:00pm

Email comments to: [email protected]

Mail comments to: 

MT FWP 

Attn: Judith Landing State Park EA

4600 Giant Springs Road

Great Falls, MT 59405

Internship description: The intern will be responsible for developing social media content for the Montana State Parks Foundation. Primarily focusing on written content, the intern will develop short narratives about MSPF projects, park events, State Park Steward profiles, and positive and engaging stories from our state parks.

Internship terms:

• Must be currently enrolled in any college in Montana (open to all majors)
• Volunteer position
• Minimum one semester commitment with the opportunity to extend internship
• No more than 10 hours per month
• Monthly meet up with MSPF Executive Director – in person, phone or zoom  
• Weekly email correspondence with ED
• Intern is responsible for developing a minimum of 4 social media posts per month

Intern Skills and Requirements:

• Strong research and writing skills
• An eye for design 
• Ability to appeal to diverse followers and readers while promoting the MSPF mission
• Passion for storytelling, the outdoors, Montana history and recreation
• Familiarity with social media (instagram and facebook) trends, topics, etc
• Proficient standard computer skills and access to a reliable computer and internet
• “Remote” internship, no travel required

Internship Structure:

The intern will receive a list of content suggestions at the beginning of each month. Working with the Montana State Parks Foundation staff, the intern selects themes to focus on in their content development. The intern may use the MSPF photo bank, logos, and our Canva account in addition to their own technological resources to develop designs for social media posts. Each month, the intern will submit a minimum of 4 social media posts for review. The ED will provide feedback for minor edits and post approved social media posts.

The internship will begin at the beginning of the semester and conclude at the end of the semester, before finals. The intern is responsible for providing their semester schedule at the beginning of the internship.

How to Apply:

Please email a Letter of Interest and Current Resume to Megan Buecking at [email protected]

This past winter and early spring Montana’s legislative branch convened for nearly four months in Helena to review and pass laws for the state. Legislative sessions only occur once every other year and Montana and their decisions have lasting impacts across the state for years to come.

In 2019, the legislature heard, debated, and ultimately passed seven bills that will affect State Parks in positive ways. We want to share a bit of information about these bills and how they will likely help State Parks in the years to come.

Summary of Bills Benefiting Montana State Parks

House Bill 229: Sponsored by Brad Hamlet: Clarifies that dinosaur bones and fossils are part of the surface estate or surface rights not subsurface or mineral rights. This bill makes it clear that paleontological artifacts located in state parks like Makoshika are the property of the State of Montana, not various subsurface rights owners within the parks.

House Bill 423: Sponsored by Edward Buttrey: Provides discounted state park camping opportunities for veterans across Montana. Making camping in State Parks more affordable to veterans is a great outcome and one that we hope will encourage more veterans and their families to get out and explore all the camping options available at our state parks.

House Bill 652: Sponsored by Mike Hopkins: Revises the long-range building infrastructure bonding program and includes approximately 1.3 million dollars for a water line from the Makoshika State Park Visitor Center to the campground and facilities in Cains Coulee. 

House Bill 695: Sponsored by Jim Keane: Appropriates funds to MT Fish, Wildlife, and Parks for the purchase of a permanent recreation easement at Big Arm State Park on Flathead Lake. The purchase of this recreational easement settles a decades-long challenge facing State Parks as they grappled with how to pay rising annual lease payments to the MT Department of Natural Resources Conservation to operate Big Arm State Park. By law, DNRC is required to charge 5% of assessed property value for an annual lease of State Trust Lands to generate revenue for Montana’s school system. State Parks could no longer afford the annual lease payments as property values on Flathead Lake have dramatically increased in the past decades. By securing the funds to purchase a permanent recreational easement at the park, MT FWP can ensure access to Big Arm State Park and Flathead Lake in perpetuity.

Senate Bill 24: Sponsored by Terry Gauthier: Provides a modest increase in the optional Light Motor Vehicle registration fee that benefits State Parks, Fishing Access Sites, Historic Preservation, and trails-based recreation across Montana. The optional fee currently provides nearly 40% of the annual operating revenue that State Parks rely on. A modest increase of $3 per vehicle will still allow Montanan’s to access one of the largest state parks systems in the country (55 Parks) and 332 Fishing Access Sites without having to worry about paying fees at the park while also providing beneficial funds for trails and historic preservation.

Senate Bill 70: Sponsored by Pat Flowers: Removes Missouri Headwaters State Park from the “primitive parks” designation. Removing Missouri Headwaters from the “primitive parks” list is a critical first step in allowing Park Managers to be more proactive in managing the growing demand for recreational opportunities, addressing environmental impacts, complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and ensuring historic preservation at the park.

Senate Bill 338: Sponsored by Terry Gauthier: Provides funding for construction of the Montana Heritage Center, the new home for your Montana ­Historical Society. After the Montana Heritage Center is completed in 2025, 6.5% of the 1% bed-tax increase passed as a part of this bill would go to State Parks to provide critical funding for park maintenance, staffing, and visitor services.

The Montana State Parks Foundation worked closely with our partners at Montana State Parks and other non-profit organizations to support the passage of these bills. We would like to thank all of our partners, supporters, and bill sponsors for their hard work and leadership to help our Parks. However, we couldn’t have done it without you, the people who use and love our state parks and choose to help by donating to the Foundation. Thank you for your support. Here’s looking forward to a great year and a bright future for Montana’s State Parks.

This week’s focus takes us to just a mile north of Miles City, Montana, a little more than two hours from Billings, Montana by way of Interstate94, on the north side of a bend in the Yellowstone River, to Pirogue Island State Park. In addition to extensive hiking, birding, and wildlife viewing, the island is a documented site where the Corps of Discovery and Capt. Clark camped in 1806 on the return voyage of their famous expedition. This week’s Parks Showcase is brought to you by the Miles City Chamber of Commerce.

An isolated, cottonwood-covered island located on the Yellowstone River, Pirogue Island State Park is an excellent location for enjoying the natural beauty of Montana. While wading through channels of the Yellowstone River is the most popular way to get to Pirogue Island, others stop by as they float down the river.

Did you know?
Pirogue Island State Park is 500 miles from where the Yellowstone River begins south of Yellowstone National Park and 170 miles from where it ends near Williston, North Dakota.

You won’t find any camping at Pirogue Island, but you can go:

✅ Bird Watching or Wildlife Viewing

✅ Boating

✅ Fishing

✅ Hunting

✅ Picnicking

✅ Plus so much more!

A local treasure with a wide variety of bird species including Passerines belted kingfishers, shorebirds, waterfowl, and bald eagles as well as both whitetail and mule deer, the island is an excellent location for wildlife viewing.

The island also boasts prominent plant life with more than 140 species of plants including a healthy population of cottonwood trees, peach-leaf willow, green ash, and red-osier dogwood.

For visitors who enjoy hiking, Pirogue Island features 2.8 miles of designated hiking trails with interpretive signs offering insights into the history and wildlife of the island.

Looking for more than 2.8 miles? You’re in luck!

As a very level site, visitors will find an easy walk throughout the 269 acres and when the water isn’t flowing, visitors can take a walk along the tree-shaded side channels and wade through the pools of water that form during hot weather.

DID YOU KNOW?

Enjoy a treasure hunt? Pirogue Island is a great location to search for moss agates.

Moss agates are a unique agate that is often found with a lime coloring and gets its name for its resemblance to the color of moss, which was given to it prior to its scientific name and has stuck.

Curious what other visitors had to say?

“Good spot for hunting and fishing.”

“Growing up in this area I never discovered this until I went back and visited. There is a great trail (about 6 miles) that takes you all around the park and next to the river.”

“I love the walking trail and having the chance to see wildlife.”

“This state park is in a very interesting setting. It is an island in the Yellowstone River outside of Miles City, MT. There are picnic tables and restrooms and interesting trails to walk beside walking over to the island when the water is low. This is a great place to go with a family when the weather is nice. Springtime would not be good, the water would be too high to reach the island.”

***Note: Pirogue Island State Park is not formally developed and care should be taken when crossing. Crossing to Pirogue State Park is not recommended if water is flowing. And due to the seasonal flooding, come prepared to protect yourself from ticks.

Pirogue Island
State Park
Quick Facts

Park
Open Year-Round
7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Location

46.44181 / -105.82253
(Latitude/Longitude)

Open Year-Round
269 Acres

Pets Allowed

Toilets (Vault)

Maps

Grills/Fire Rings

How Does the Foundation Help State Parks Like Pirogue Island State Park?

As Montana State Parks’ only statewide fundraising partner, the Foundation helps to raise awareness, education, and most importantly support boots-on-the-ground improvement projects for users and supporters like you.

As an agency faced with a $22 million maintenance deficit, our work and collaboration help to ensure continued access and solutions currently inside our state park system.

Because in the end, we envision state parks that reflect Montana’s renowned outdoor recreation and heritage for all… forever.