February 2010 Trail Update!
There has been a tremendous amount of activity that has taken place since the last update, both in conference rooms and on the ground. Please read on for a synopsis of our progress!
Last year over four miles of trail were constructed through a combination of state, federal, and private lands. Although the trail was available for public use, it was difficult to find because it did not connect to any trailheads! This is because the Land Use Licenses allowing the trail on state lands had not been finalized. Until the Licenses were finalized, the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), who manages state lands, did not let us develop any trailheads, connect the trail to the trailheads, or publicize the trail for general usage. However, the DNRC did allow us to initiate trail construction, so last July 1 we broke ground on state lands. We had a very productive construction season that engaged many local contractors, the Montana Conservation Corps, and dozens of enthusiastic local volunteers. Despite the difficulty in finding the trail, word of mouth slowly spread, and by fall many locals were enjoying the trail on a weekly basis.
This year will be a breakthrough year for TRTI. As soon as the snow is melted we will start moving dirt, and we have ambitious goals for both trail construction and trailhead amenities. We plan on building another four miles of trail, and perhaps more importantly, we will develop two trailheads as official parking areas for trail users. The “main” trailhead will be located off of Lion Mountain Loop Road, just 1.0 mile west of Whitefish. This trailhead will have a vault toilet, a trailhead kiosk with signage and information, and a large parking area. The second “minor” trailhead will be located off of Skyles Lake Lane, 3.5 miles west of town. This trailhead will have a trailhead kiosk and parking for six vehicles. The trail can also be accessed from the north end, off of Beaver Lake Road. Although there is limited signage and extremely limited parking, the trail currently connects to Beaver Lake Road, approximately .75 miles before the public fishing access at Beaver Lake.
*NOTE* There is a stand-alone trail network that is also part of TRTI that is open for trail users! This trail system is located off of Lupfer Road, 11.5 miles north on HWY 93 from Whitefish. Although this trail system has had very little publicity, it was completed in late Fall 2009 and has several miles of trails open for hikers, bikers, and equestrians. The Lupfer Trailhead has a gravel parking lot, and will have a kiosk and trail signage installed this spring/summer. The Lupfer trails are also on state lands managed by the DNRC, but exist on an isolated parcel and so do not connect to other portions of the TRTI trail network. Please check out the directions and maps listed on this website to get to these trails!
As many people who have worked on the TRTI project are aware, more seems to happen in meeting rooms than happens on the ground. Because so many agencies are involved, the bureaucracy of the project has at times been overwhelming. Nonetheless, incredible headway and positive relationships have been forged. This winter, we have worked tirelessly to complete the Land Use Licenses with the DNRC and finalize a TRTI Management/Operations Plan that will guide daily operations of the trail system. In addition, we are currently engaged in a “branding and design” process that will create a logo and a “look and feel” for the TRTI trail system. Creating a positive logo and attractive design for trailheads and trail maps will help us market the trail to the local community and beyond. Although the TRTI project was kick-started by a generous donation, we will need to engage in robust fundraising efforts to implement the vision as it was laid out in the Master Plan. Having cohesive branding and marketing materials will help us convey our vision as we approach donors to support our cause. It’s an exciting time for the Trail Runs Through It.
Thank you so much to all of our supporters who have tirelessly advocated for this project. Although the trail has had many twists and turns, the destination is in sight! To celebrate the official opening of the first phase of the project, we are planning a Grand Opening celebration in early July. To meet this goal we will need significant support from all our volunteers to help us complete trail construction on time. As spring draws nearer we will begin to plan dates for trail work parties. Please stay in touch and tell your friends about this project!