News Release Archive

Public Notice: Notice of continued temporary closure of Reclamation lands on and adjacent to Joe’s Island

Media Contact: Brittany Jones, 406-247-7611, bjones@usbr.gov

For Release: June 17, 2020

BILLINGS, Montana – The public is reminded of the temporary closure of Reclamation lands on and adjacent to Joe’s Island on the south side of the Yellowstone River in Dawson County, 20 miles north of Glendive, Montana. Lands impacted by this closure are located in Sections 35 and 36, Township 18 North; and Sections 1 and 2, Township 17 North all in Range 56 East. This includes approximately 1,335 acres of land consisting of Joe’s Island and 118 acres facilitating an adjacent staging area.

This temporary closure accommodates the construction of the Lower Yellowstone Fish Passage Project and is important to ensure public safety during the construction period. This is a joint project between Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to construct a replacement diversion structure in the Yellowstone River and an 11,150-foot-long bypass channel that will provide fish passage for the endangered pallid sturgeon and other native species. The closure is expected to remain in place until at least September 30, 2021.

Access to Montana’s Fish, Wildlife and Park’s Intake Fishing Access Site and campground on the north side of the Yellowstone River will not be impacted by this closure. County Road 303 on the south side of the Yellowstone River will also not be impacted.

For further questions please contact Brittany Jones with the Bureau of Reclamation at (406) 247-7611.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.