On April 25, 2026, a team consisting of 14 volunteers and two Montana State Parks employees worked to maintain the bunchgrass ecosystem by thinning ponderosa pine trees near Eagle Cove Landing on Wild Horse Island.

The project commenced at 9:30 AM at the Big Arm Unit of Flathead Lake State Park, with boat transport provided by the Boy Scouts of America Montana Council. Following a safety briefing, the crew thinned approximately 30 acres of prairie over two and a half hours. Montana Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) provided lunch for all participants.

After the work session, Amy Grout of Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks led a six-mile educational hike detailing the island's history, flora, and fauna. The group visited several historic sites and observed the wild horses, bighorn sheep, and mule deer before returning to Big Arm from Skeeko Bay.

Montana Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is proud of the impact this project has made on the island’s ecosystem and value the collaboration between our volunteers and partner organizations.