Montana

A new state park for Montana?

Published

1 year ago

December 13, 2024

The Montana State Parks Foundation received 109 acres of land in North-Central Montana through a gift from American Prairie and plans to donate the parcel to Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks to establish the Treasure State’s 56th state park.

A new state park for Montana

FWP is currently analyzing the potential environmental impacts of the new state park.

The parcel used to be part of a ranch and is situated at the confluence of the Judith River and Missouri River, between Winifred and Big Sandy.

The area holds cultural and historical significance. For centuries, Indigenous people used it to write and sign significant treaties and convene peace councils.

Eric Jochim, MTN News

Map of North-Central Montana showing proposed state park site.

The Lewis & Clark Expedition camped in the area. The U.S. Army constructed Camp Cook near the property to protect steamboats on the Missouri River. A commissary and trading post were also established there.

Megan Buecking is the director of the Montana State Parks Foundation. She emphasized the opportunity to preserve and share the history of Judith Landing that comes with turning it into a state park.

“The potential state park will be an amazing opportunity to enhance outdoor recreation in central Montana, and conduct historic preservation on an incredible site for indigenous and early American history,” said Buecking.

judith landing site map — A concept plan for Judith Landing State Park from FWP’s environmental assessment draft.

Per FWP, the proposed acquisition and development would include:

Perpetual public access to the land
Interpretive opportunities to the public related to the surrounding historic district
Expanding the State Park System in a portion of the state with limited access to state parks.
Recreation opportunities include camping, wildlife-watching, hiking, access to the Judith and Missouri rivers for fishing, and other water-based recreation.
A state park in north-central Montana with the potential to benefit the surrounding small communities due to increased tourism
The preservation of historic structures and cultural resources found on the property

FWP released a draft environmental assessment (EA) for the acquisition and development of the property on November 15; the public comment period runs through 5 p.m. on December 14. The assessment and information on how to comment can be found on FWP’s website.

If FWP acquires the property, the agency will ask for funding for the development and operations of the park during the 2025 legislative session and through private donations. Property development is expected to begin in 2026 should FWP obtain funding. The Montana State Parks and Recreation Board must approve the acquisition.

The board will meet on December 20, and FWP’s potential acquisition of the Judith Landing Property is on the agenda. During the meeting, the public can comment on whether FWP should acquire the property.

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Montana

Montana Morning Headlines: Thursday, January 15, 2026

Published

7 hours ago

January 15, 2026

Press Room

WESTERN MONTANA — Here’s a look at Western Montana’s top news stories for Thursday.

Aaron Walker, a mill worker severely burned in a fire at Montana Timberline Firewood Company on Dec. 30, died at a Salt Lake City burn facility on Sunday. Walker’s medical team said they transitioned to comfort care before his death, while officials said the cause of the fire remains under investigation. (Read the full story)

Political speculation is swirling around University of Montana President Seth Bodnar as a potential challenger to Senator Steve Daines after former Senator Jon Tester sent a text suggesting the possibility. Bodnar declined to comment on the speculation, but did not deny it either. (Read the full story)

The Whitefish School District has started its superintendent search with community meetings to gather input from parents, students and staff about the next leader. McPherson and Jacobson consulting firm will conduct candidate interviews in early March with selection expected by the end of the month. (Read the full story)

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Montana

How to Make the Most of Montana’s Unusually Warm Winter

Published

19 hours ago

January 15, 2026

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How to Make the Most of Montana’s Unusually Warm Winter

Montana winters have a reputation for being bitterly cold with temperatures that average well-below zero. It’s also one of America’s snowiest states. If you’re a fan of winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, Montana is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

However, this winter is a bit different. Above-average temperatures across the state have broken records on multiple occasions. It may not be the white winter that we all hoped for, but there are some advantages. I’m the type of person that tries to find the silver lining in everything, so here it goes.

I’ve been through quite a few winters in Montana, and this is the warmest it’s ever been this time of year. As someone who commutes a fair distance for work, I’ve really enjoyed not having to deal with snow and ice on the interstate. I haven’t noticed nearly as many people wrecked on the side of the road either.

I haven’t had to put on multiple layers of clothing in order to go outside and hope that my car would actually starting in the morning after scraping an inch of ice my windshield. Not gonna lie, it’s been nice.

The lack of snow also means that you can get to many places that are normally inaccessible by vehicle this time of year. So, if you’re the adventurous type, and want to take a road trip, right now might be a good time to hit the road.

Before you get too crazy, remember that getting too far off the grid in Montana can be dangerous if you’re not prepared. You can easily get stranded, and there’s a lot of places where you can’t get cell service. Just be careful, that’s all I’m saying.

Look, I know that we need snow, and I really hope a late winter is in the forecast. I’m just trying to make the best of a bad situation.

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Gallery Credit: Jesse James

THESE ARE THE TOP 20 BEST PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS IN MONTANA

Niche published its ranking of the top public high schools in Montana, considering factors like state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, teacher quality, overall school ratings, student and parent reviews, and data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Gallery Credit: jessejames

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Here’s a list of 10 celebrities that you might run into in Montana.

Gallery Credit: Jesse James

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Montana

Missoula School Board fills trustee vacancy, receives facilities update

Published

1 day ago

January 14, 2026

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Missoula School Board fills trustee vacancy, receives facilities update

MISSOULA, Mont. — The Missoula County Public Schools Board of Trustees voted unanimously Tuesday night to appoint London Meservy to a vacant trustee seat previously held by former Chairwoman Wilena Old Person.

Board Chairwoman Arlee Walker Andrews said this comes during a period of high turnover for the board, which she said has seen a rotation of 19 different faces over the past two years.

Meservy, a parent of four students across the district, will be sworn in Friday and hold the seat until the May election. He told the board he plans to run for the position in the spring.

“I was sad to see the former chairperson go but excited for the opportunity,” Meservy said. “I want to help continue the upward trajectory of the Missoula School District.”

The board also heard an update from the Facilities Planning Committee, part of an ongoing review of district-owned properties. The committee’s work builds on months of public engagement that included building tours, surveys and meetings with more than 200 community members and partners such as the City of Missoula and the University of Montana.

Trustee Jenny Walsh said the district’s goal is to manage its facilities responsibly without overburdening taxpayers.

“What we’re really doing is reorganizing our public assets to steward them better for the public. We’re not giving up any public assets,” she said. “I think there’s a bit of public perception that we’re like after money, but really we’re just trying to be really responsible stewards for our taxpayers, which are our teachers and our parents and our families.”

Superintendent Micah Hill clarified that any proceeds from property sales would go into district funds with flexible spending authority. Those dollars are free to be expended in any way the board sees fit, he said.

The next MCPS board meeting is on January 27.

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