HELENA, Mont. — This week, Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen joined her fellow commissioners on the Montana Land Board in unanimously approving an acquisition to the Missouri Headwaters State Park. The Land Board voted 5-0 to approve the acquisition of nearly 26 acres.

The Montana State Parks Foundation purchased the property in Gallatin County and donated it to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). According to FWP, the acquisition will “permanently secure and protect important habitat connectivity and cultural resources and provide additional recreational and interpretive opportunities for park visitors.”

The Gallatin, Jefferson, and Madison Rivers merge within the park to form the Missouri River. “Missouri Headwaters State Park preserves much of the region’s abundant wildlife, lush, vegetation, and scenic beauty,” according to FWP.

Secretary Jacobsen continues to use her position on the Land Board to protect and expand public lands. In December she voted to approve the Owen Sowerwine Conservation Easement in Flathead County, and has voted to increase public access along the Lower Yellowstone River (North Wildcat Coulee Wildlife Management Area), in Golden Valley County (Big Snowy Mountains Wildlife Management Area), and in Deer Lodge County (Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area), to name a few.

“I’m proud to support public access and long-term conservation efforts in Montana,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “The new addition to the Missouri Headwaters State Park will provide more opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, picnicking, and other activities.”

For more information about the Missouri Headwaters State Park, visit the FWP website.

During March’s Land Board meeting, Secretary Jacobsen also voted to approve agenda items that would generate estimated revenue of more than $2 million, including nearly $1.5 million estimated revenue for Montana’s K-12 schools.