Park County tables support for proposed Siskin Island transfer after neighbors raise concerns

Park County commissioners on March 24 tabled formal support for a proposed conveyance of an 82‑acre island on the Yellowstone River to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks after nearby landowners said they had not been consulted and asked for clearer management plans.

Lucas Kane, senior project manager with Trust for Public Land, told the commission the nonprofit acquired the parcel in fall 2025 and is pursuing transfer to the state to secure long‑term habitat protection and public access. Kane said the Trust is seeking a county letter of support to strengthen an application to the Rural Tourism Asset Grant Program for related trail work and that the environmental assessment (EA) is open for public comment through March 28.

Mark Valonczyk, recreation manager for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, described the agency’s standard process: the EA will be considered by regional leadership and ultimately the Montana Fish and Game Commission, which could take action at a later meeting. Valonczyk said his office is accepting comments and is in conversation with neighboring landowners and local communities.

Several adjacent residents told commissioners they were surprised to learn of the proposed transfer and raised specific concerns about access, fencing, sanitation and seasonal overcrowding. Laura Mitchell, who said she owns a ranch west of the site, said she had received no direct contact and worried that informal access points could put visitors on private property, affect livestock and create parking and human‑waste problems at the Pine Creek fishing access. Gwen O’Hear, another nearby resident, urged commissioners not to offer support before clear guardrails are in place and asked that overnight camping and hunting be prohibited on the island.

A representative of a local land group, Carrie Kale, said her organization supports permanent public ownership to prevent development but encourages Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to adopt strong management practices—limits on camping, strict pack‑in/pack‑out enforcement and fire restrictions—and to seek public input on those rules.

Commissioners said neighbors needed more information about fencing responsibilities, sanitation plans and hunting rules before the county signs a formal support letter. Commissioner motioned to table the item until Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks holds a public meeting for adjacent landowners; the motion passed unanimously.

Next steps: the EA record remains open through the stated period and the commission’s action pauses any county letter of support pending a public meeting and additional outreach from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.