04.11.12

Hoeven, Community Leaders Dedication Oxbow Land Acquistion

WILLISTON, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today joined community leaders at the Missouri/Yellowstone Confluence Visitor Center to dedicate the final tract of the Big Oxbow land acquisition and mark the successful completion of efforts to protect the viewshed at the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers. 

“Today’s celebration reflects the foresight and generosity of the many North Dakotans who recognized the importance of protecting the confluence area of these important rivers,” said Hoeven. “Countless individuals have lent to the preservation of this beautiful, historically rich area of North Dakota, and our state should be proud that we have worked to ensure that our children and grandchildren will continue to have the opportunity to visit this site, explore its history and enjoy its great outdoor recreation.” 

The dedication of the Big Oxbow land area incorporates more than 987 acres to the Missouri/Yellowstone confluence area preservation project, which began in 2003 when the North Dakota Natural Resources trust began coordinating public/private partnerships to preserve the confluence area. As governor, Senator Hoeven approved several of these acquisitions under provisions of the North Dakota Corporate Farming Law. A total of 2,856.97 acres now comprise the confluence area, which has been designated a state wildlife management area and is overseen by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. 

The Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center located at the site offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about the significance and history of the confluence area, including information about the Lewis and Clark Expedition.