Missouri Headwaters State (Par^ Interpretive Concept Plan 1 v \V ?&: -:*** 5 "->-. $h?b STATE DOCUMENTS COLLECTION IN I 9 2001 January 2001 MONTANA STATE LIBRARY 1515 E. 6th AVE. HELENA, MONTANA 59620 Produced for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks by Krys Holmes MONTANASTATELIBRARY 3 0864 0015 5618 5 . Table of Contents Purpose and Significance 1 I Existing Opportunities 3 II. Themes 6 III. 10 Goals IV. 12 V. Visitor Experiences 12 VI. Visitor Profile 13 Program Description VII. Interpretive 26 VIII. Implementation Plan DATE DUE ,InIIIII 2O :" W.UfUlDR OEMCO 38-301 PURPOSE AND SIGNIFICANCE I. Missouri Headwaters State Park, a 520-acre recreation area at the confluence of the three rivers that form the Missouri, sits on one ofthe most significant spots in the Western hemisphere. For 13,000 years, the Missouri Headwaters has told one long, unending story of confluence and influence. Here the Madison, Jefferson and Gallatin Rivers converge to form the Missouri River, one ofthe longest and most important waterways on the North American continent. Geologically, the convergence ofthree major river systems creates a fertilejoining ofecosystems and resources. It forms a powerful intersection oftransportation corridors for wildlife, birds and waterfowl, and all kinds oflife. Historically, this bottomland was rich with wildlife and natural resources, attracting people ofmany nations and tribes to hunt and camp here over thousands ofyears. A place this fertile and important draws people ofmany cultures, for myriad — reasons. The cultural interactions at the Headwaters area whether full ofjoy or wonder — or satisfaction or great conflict have woven a many-colored tapestry ofstories and meanings into the human experience ofthis landscape. The Missouri River confluence area is significant to every culture that has lived in or passed through here. Its rivers flow out ofthe Yellowstone Caldera, a place where some cultures believe human history began. For the nascent United States, the Headwaters represented a dream ofcontrol over its own destiny. For explorers and settlers who came within the last two hundred years, it is a place to build a future. For many who visit today, the Headwaters is a place to get back in touch with nature, with oneself, and with a sense oftimelessness in the midst ofTime's unceasing flow. Geologically, historically and spiritually, it is a Genesis Site. Historical significance Many ofthe indigenous nations ofthe Northern Plains shared and competed over the use ofthe Headwaters region and its abundant resources. Flathead, Shoshone, Bannock, Apsaalooka (Crow) and Blackfeet tribes lived in the area at various times over hundreds (perhaps thousands) ofyears. Though there is no evidence that any one nation controlled the Headwaters area for long, it is clear that this place was significant to many tribes and nations. Storytellers portray the Headwaters as a place too important to all cultures for one group to control it for too long. Headwaters Interpretive Plan / p. 1 Between the 1540s and the early 1800s, European nations competed fiercely for increasing control over the Missouri River corridor, which many considered to be the key to wealth for their expanding economies. Lewis and Clark were the most celebrated, but by no means the first Euro-Americans to set eyes on the Headwaters area. To them the primary significance ofthe Headwaters was their realization that the Missouri would not lead them to the hoped-forNorthwest Passage to the Pacific. Colter and Druillard, members ofthe Lewis & Clark expedition, returned to the Three Forks region to trap and explore, and their activities here contribute both to the historical significance, and to the legends ofthis place. In 1808 the Blackfeet waged a great battle against the Crows and the Flathead here, and gained control over the Headwaters area. In 1810, 32 French and American trappers, assisted by a military detachment, erected a stockade at Three Forks to protect themselves from the Blackfeet. The post was abandoned a few years later, unable to stand up against attacks by the Blackfeet and by grizzly bears. In 1822 a group oftraders who ventured into Headwaters country reported that the region was trapped out and virtually abandoned by humans. The town ofGallatin City budded in 1862 as the center for steamboat traffic on the upper Missouri, and died about 20 years later. Three Forks, Logan and Trident grew up as the railroad lines arrived, and since then the Headwaters area has been used and treasured for its rich natural resources, for its strategic location, and for its unadulterated beauty. From the Indigenous people ofpre-history to today's researchers and recreationers, the Headwaters area has drawn a near-constant stream ofpeople seeking food, communion, adventure, trade and opportunity. The Headwaters becomes a park In the 1920s, local citizens became interested in preserving the area as a park, and formed a group called The Founder's Club. In the 1940s, Clark M. Maudlin bought about 15 acres around the Headwaters site, which he and his wife later deeded to the State of Montana to be developed as a park. In 1965, the Montana Dept. ofFish and Game (now Fish, Wildlife & Parks) became responsible for the state parks. At that time the Headwaters Park was greatly enlarged, and in 1976 it was named a Bicentennial Site. Today, this lush stretch ofland now protected as Missouri Headwaters State Park holds a special place in the hearts ofvisitors and locals, drawing thousands ofvisitors each summer. Within a few years, thousands ofadditional visitors are expected to wash Headwaters Interpretive Plan / p. 2 through Montana seeking an experience ofthe Lewis and Clark Expedition, and Headwaters will be a prime destination for those avid history buffs. Missouri Headwaters is more than a park, more than a recreation area or a focal point for Lewis & Clark enthusiasts. It is a place where many realms ofmeaning come together, where many historical traditions converge, where the landscape itselftells a story. It has been said that ifyou could balance the North American continent on a single point, that point would be the Headwaters ofthe Missouri River. As a place ofimportance to many people and cultures, as a sanctuary for recreation and re-generation for individuals and families, as a focal point ofthe continent itself, the Missouri Headwaters area remains a Genesis Site. EXISTING INTERPRETIVE OPPORTUNITIES II. As lovely as Missouri Headwaters State Park is, and with all its recreational activities available, the park still offers many visitors, especially first-time visitors, an unsatisfying park experience. Physical layout: With a secondary state road as its main artery, the park suffers from traffic conflicts between park users and commercial truck traffic on the road. Loaded semi-trucks coming from the cement plant 8 miles down the road take the park road at the speed limit (70 mph), creating traffic conflicts with slow-moving recreational vehicles making wide, leisurely exits and entrances onto the road from the various recreational spots along the park's backbone. Also, because the park road is also the primary access to Trident and the cement plant, the park orientation area is set offto the side ofthe road. This weathered, old, uninviting and ineffective entrance area leaves visitors wondering what to do, ..--jARflH>—,!..ir.J.t: where to go, and whether to pay a fee or not. Many visitors become discouraged over the outdated shabby welcome information, which should help guide them into the park but instead leaves them perplexed and under-enthusiastic. After viewing antiquated displays, most visitorsjust turn around and leave. Headwaters Interpretive Plan / p. 3 Thissign attheentrancegreets visitors Interpretive problems to be solved: Right from the very entrance, park managers report that visitors are usually confused as to the location ofthe park facilities, its general service and what and where the historical points ofinterest lie. At the parking area ofthe Missouri River confluence, the focal point ofthe park, the extent ofthe interpretation is one small routed wood sign stating that Madison and Jefferson Riversjoin to form the Missouri River. Another small sign beside the river briefly describes the Missouri River drainage and the trapping era. The Fort Rock walking trail, which provides a spectacular 360-degree vista ofthe area, contains a few landmark identification signs, but there is no supportive interpretation to help people understand where they are, what they are looking at, or the deeper significance ofthe place. Text panels at the picnic and interpretive plaza provide general information without any supportive storyline. The panels are limited in their interpretive message. There is one general panel aboutNative American culture, but it lacks life and specificity — it doesn't even name the nations who lived here. Other information is disjointed, though it holds seeds ofimportant stories to be told here. Throughout the park, the present interpretation is disjointed, fragmented, Eurocentric and outdated. The interpretation tells many ofthe stories ofthe Headwaters area, but doesn't draw these disparate stories together in any cohesive theme or with any particular purpose. Unless they bring a lot ofknowledge with them, or come simply for recreation and not to learn anything, visitors are left to wonder what this park is all about. Improvements strongly recommended & In 1999, interpreters with the National Park Service, sponsored by the Lewis Clark Bicentennial Commission, conducted a statewide survey ofinterpretation related to the Lewis & Clark expedition, including recommendations for improvement in anticipation ofthe Bicentennial celebration ofthe expedition in 2005. Included in their assessment were the following comments: The overall lookat the entrance to thepark is a bitpiecemeal. The restrooms are weatheredandoldlooking. The information board is weatheredanddamaged. There are many different ages andtypes of — signage not agoodintroduction to agoodfacility. The restroomfigures prominently against the view ofthe Gallatin Hotelfrom the entrance parking area. Feature A (Boat rampparking area) has too many styles of signs andno cohesiveness. The signs shouldbe together with landscaping. Theplywood "Louisiana Purchase"sign is weatheredand ispeelingpaint. Headwaters Interpretive Plan / p. 4 . Recommendation: The entrance shouldreflect the quality ofthe rest ofthe site. The signs shouldbe updatedandconsistent. This is a goodplace to introduce the Lewis andClarkjourney with an overview. [At the boat ramp] Lewis andClark couldbe added. This is an excellent opportunity show where Lewis & Clarkfloatedthe river. "You canpractically reach out andtouch where Lewis andClark were. " This is one ofthefewplaces whereyou canget really close to where Lewis & Clark were. Fit the theme — offloating the Missouri Headwaters then andnow. Goodspot to effectively use sculptural elements. [Interpretiveplaza] has too much interpretation. All the dedication markers detractfrom the message ofthe interpretation. The Centennial Acres dedication sign is outdated. Theplywoodsigns are badly weathered andneedto be replaced. Great opportunityfor some three-dimensional interpretation. Exciting interpretive shelter design. Peak identifiers are goodbutshowingsigns ofvandalism. Clearly, some ofthese problems can be addressed simply by updating the interpretive signs. Some, however, require a little more thought, planning and decision- MFWP making by and also by the local community and those with Tribal interests. Issues and Influences The managers ofHeadwaters State Park face several major issues: & 1 The upcoming Lewis Clark Bicentennial will attract a great number of tourists to the park as early as 2002, through 2006, and probably for several years after. Park managers will be challenged to accommodate what could be large crowds ofpeople — — perhaps even enough to threaten the "wild, natural" image ofthe park with minimal facilities, parking, and staff. 2. Road use conflicts between cement truck drivers and recreational visitors MFWP already cause a problem at the park. already is pursuing some solutions, including reducing the speed limit; improving turn-out lanes; and attempting as much as possible to restrict left-hand turns within the park. This Interpretive Plan suggests a one-way plan that directs traffic all the way through the park, to a turn-around, and back again with no left-hand turns. But it must be remembered that the road that runs through the park is a state road, with unrestricted access, and it will take time and cooperation ofseveral different agencies to make these changes. Headwaters Interpretive Plan / p. 5 3. Headwaters State Park is a Primitive Park, which means that under Montana MFWP state law, is prohibited from building, paving, or improving the park's facilities, except where required by safety and sanitation. The Primitive Parks designation both protects the park from development ofany kind, and prevents the kind ofimprovements that would protect the natural landscape during years ofextra-heavy visitation. The Primitive Park status prevents paving new parking areas or expanding the existing ones; prevents the building ofa new tool shed or a stafffacility (though a trailer could be pulled onto the site for seasonal use); prevents redesigning the park entrance in any structural or significant way; and also prevents widening the road, installing new interpretive signs where none exist, creating a new interpretive area for live programs, or other such developments that could aid in crowd control, enhance programming and help protect the unpaved areas from trampling by large numbers ofpeople. While many ofthe suggestions mentioned in the Interpretive Plan Workbook would require lifting the Primitive Parks designation at Headwaters, public opinions expressed during the preparation ofthe Interpretive Plan strongly favored protecting what is left ofthe wildness and undeveloped nature ofHeadwaters State Park. 4. A small staffand a $6,000 annual operating budget currently limits the level and types ofservices that Headwaters State Park can offer the public. The Park staffmust rely heavily on volunteers, and will have to partner up with other agencies and organizations to conduct a full complement ofinterpretive programs. THEME: CONFLUENCE III. — — Subthemes: Origins Movements Interactions Headwaters State Park, both geographically and symbolically, embodies the theme ofConfluence. Here we experience the convergence ofrivers, ofspecies, ofcultures, of ideas. The convergences that have happened and continue to happen here shape the world we live in - physically, politically, philosophically. This world ofconfluence is seen in three major aspects: Origins, Movements, and Interactions. Headwaters is a place oforigin ofthe Missouri River, ofcommunities and cultures, and ofstories. History (and pre-history) tells its story through the movement of people, ofresources, and oftime. And all major events that happen here are events of interactions, whether between people and the animals or environment, or between different people. Origins, Movements and Interactions are three sub-themes for Headwaters Interpretive Plan / p. 6