Protected Park
Missouri National Recreational River, SD
Savvy real estate support helped the National Park Service (NPS) secure a long-sought-after parcel of land, significantly enhancing the Missouri National Recreational River near Yankton, SD. Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery noted the confluence of the James River and channel islands within that area in their journals when the expedition passed through the area on August 27th, 1804, and again on September 2nd, 1806.
Project Details:
Project Years: 2023 – 2025
Parcel Size: 676 acres
Park Trust Role: Real Estate Expertise
Overview
In 2023, the National Park Service (NPS) asked for help protecting a 676-acre parcel of land on James River Island inside the Missouri National Recreational River near Yankton, SD. The property, purchased by NPS from private owners in September of 2025, is the largest land holding on the 730-acre island and one of the most significant additions to the park.
The property owners wished to sell directly to NPS; however, previous government appraisals had not met the owners’ value expectations, putting the land at risk of being purchased by private buyers, including commercial hunting and fishing outfitters.
Working with NPS, we stepped in to finance an additional appraisal, engaging and managing an expert appraiser approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior. This resulted in a new, well-researched, credible, current fair market value for the property, allowing the sale to proceed. NPS used Land and Water Conservation Funds to purchase the land, ensuring permanent protection for the cottonwood forests and native prairies of the island, home to federally designated endangered species such as the least tern and piping plover.
NPS will manage the island as undeveloped land, supporting public activities already authorized on the island, such as hunting, fishing, camping, boating, and paddling, while protecting the local habitat and endangered species.
Why This Place Matters
In addition to the unique habitat, Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery noted the confluence of the James River and channel islands within that area in their journals when the expedition passed through the area on August 27th, 1804, and again on September 2nd, 1806. With this acquisition, today’s visitors can imagine the Corps as they camped near the shores of Janes Island, planning their next leg of what would turn out to be an 8,000-mile journey.
The National Park Trust contributed sustainably, at the right time, to make this entire thing possible.
David J. Thomson, acting superintendent, Missouri National Recreational River
Significance of the Acquisition
