The National Park Service is acquiring hundreds of acres on the Missouri River near Yankton for public recreation use.
Officials say the NPS bought 676 acres of James River Island from a landowner using federal conservation funds raised through oil and gas revenues. It is being managed under the Missouri River National Recreational River district.
“The James River Island area will be an amazing asset for the local communities along the Missouri River for generations to come," said acting Missouri National Recreational River superintendent David Thompson. "We look forward to working with our community partners to preserve and showcase this new resource for everyone to enjoy. We want to thank our state and county partners for their support to make this happen.”
Public land is set to open to the public beginning Oct. 6. Hunting on the island will follow South Dakota rules and regulations. The island is not entirely owned by the NPS, and there are small private land holdings delineated with no trespassing signage.
The area is accessible only by boat. Nearby boat ramps are located at Riverside Park in Yankton and at St. Helena, Nebraska.
Officials say hunters and anglers who plan to use the area must know state regulations and have the proper licenses.
The NPS said they plan to work with the public over the next several months to develop a long-term management plan for the island.