After 20 years with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, current Missouri Headwaters and Madison Buffalo Jump State Parks Manager Dave Andrus is retiring at the end of 2022.
Last Sunday, Andrus was honored with a retirement party at the Three River Seniors Center.
"It's been a real joy working with the community of Three Forks. This town has been a wonderful supporter of the parks. I have met so many people that care about the parks. It has been fun to work with them and the historical society," Andrus said.
Having spent the last 12 years at Missouri Headwaters State Park, Andrus said at the party that it had been a tremendous honor to manage the parks and share them with the people of Montana and visitors.
"Every day has been a fun day to come to work. It has been fun working with the people and the staff," he said.
A graduate of the University of Montana with a degree in Wildland Recreation Management, Andrus has fond memories of his time at local parts.
He said one memorable experience at the Missouri Headwaters State Park happened when a snake bit a bobcat. He also enjoyed the Sunday morning brown bag breakfasts and the summer speaker series.
Looking towards the future, Andrus will move to Missoula, where he said he would camp, travel, and work on different projects.