The Yellowstone River
30 Years of River Conservation & Access Leadership
For three decades, Our Montana has worked to conserve, educate, and advocate for the long-term health of the Yellowstone River and its watershed. Through collaborative partnerships, research, access improvements, and public engagement, our efforts have strengthened ecological resilience and supported responsible recreation along Montana’s longest free-flowing river.
This foundation of work has evolved into our current emphasis on collaborative watershed coordination and long-term river stewardship.
Advancing Watershed Coordination Across the Middle Yellowstone
Building on decades of river access and conservation work, Our Montana now supports the collaborative development of the Middle Yellowstone Watershed Alliance — a partner-led initiative focused on long-term watershed resilience from Livingston to Intake. The Alliance brings together landowners, conservation districts, agencies, researchers, and community stakeholders to coordinate restoration efforts, strengthen monitoring, and support science-based stewardship across the river corridor.
Our Montana developed the free Yellowstone River Discovery app to support informed, responsible use of Montana’s longest free-flowing river. The app provides essential information on legal river access sites, fishing access points, public lands, historic resources, hazard locations, and real-time river flow data. With built-in GPS guidance, it helps users navigate the river corridor safely while fostering a deeper understanding of its ecological and cultural significance.
We actively participated in the Lower Yellowstone Coalition, a legislative initiative led by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to improve access along the lower Yellowstone River. Our advocacy helped secure critical land acquisitions for conservation and public access, protecting key parcels along the river corridor.
Following the floods of 1996 and 1997, Our Montana established the Yellowstone River Conservation Forum — a coalition of 16 conservation organizations including American Rivers, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Audubon Montana, and The Nature Conservancy. Working alongside the Conservation District Council, the Forum assessed the cumulative impacts of channel hardening projects. The resulting research, supported by state and national partners, is now preserved in the Montana archives.
Our Montana conducted a fluvial geomorphic analysis of the Yellowstone River between Billings and Laurel — one of the most heavily armored sections of the river. The study documented gradual channel deepening and highlighted long-term structural impacts to river function, underscoring the importance of ongoing monitoring and adaptive management.
After years of advocacy, a new Fishing Access Site at Blue Creek near Billings was completed. By identifying a willing landowner and leveraging funds from the 2011 oil spill settlement, Our Montana partnered with the Yellowstone River Parks Association and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to develop what is now a heavily used public access site.
In partnership with the Yellowstone Research Center at Rocky Mountain College, Our Montana conducted a study of unclaimed islands along the Yellowstone River. The research identified numerous state-owned islands and riparian lands, including Clarks Crossing Island, which was officially claimed due to its historical significance. This work supports responsible recreation and public use along the river corridor.
Our Montana completed four American Battlefield studies for the National Park Service examining conflicts between Sioux tribes and Union Pacific Railroad surveyors in 1872–1873. These reports are archived in the National Archives and libraries nationwide.
Our Montana conducted an ownership and access study along the Yellowstone River between Billings and Laurel, identifying improperly closed public rights of way. As a result of this research, one key right of way was reopened, leading to the development of a public parking area and improved river access in partnership with the Public Land Access Association.
Our Montana has engaged the public through ongoing outreach and education efforts, including:
• Producing educational programming for Community 7 TV
• Presenting to civic organizations such as Rotary Club
• Supporting the “Clean Up the Yellowstone” initiative led by Rocky Mountain College, resulting in the removal of 391 tires and more than 250,000 pounds of debris from the river corridor
Our Montana has supported river education through digital and print outreach, including:
• Development of conservation-focused web resources
• Design and distribution of educational materials highlighting historic river campsites along the Lewis and Clark Trail
Partnering for Success
Improving Public Access Along the Lower Yellowstone
Public access along the lower Yellowstone River — particularly from Forsyth to the confluence with the Missouri River — has historically been limited. In some stretches, public access points were separated by more than 40 miles.
Through coordinated outreach, site evaluations, legislative engagement, and public meetings, funding was secured to improve access and infrastructure along the river corridor. Our Montana worked in partnership with the Lower Yellowstone Coalition, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and members of the Montana Legislature to address these gaps.
Recent efforts have supported:
• Legislative engagement and field tours with state officials
• Advisory committee participation representing landowners, recreationists, and economic stakeholders
• Collaboration with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks access specialists
• Allocation of funding for access improvements and facility upgrades
These efforts reflect Our Montana’s long-standing commitment to ensuring responsible public access while balancing ecological health and community interests.
