BOZEMAN, Mont. — The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) recently acquired an 82-acre island near the upper Yellowstone River that will be used for fishing access and community recreation.

The land was donated to the department through the Trust for Public Lands. As the acquisition process remains ongoing, FWP officials are finalizing plans for site management with the aim to support both public use and wildlife habitat.

Morgan Jacobsen, an FWP information officer, said the new site could serve people using that stretch of river while also supporting conservation goals.

"I think this is a win for everyone in all respects…we're excited to expand public access to some places that a lot of people enjoy and float through that section of the river,” Jacobsen said. “But also…fulfilling our mission to provide good quality habitat for wildlife and make those conservation efforts as best we can as well…I think this will help us accomplish that."