WT Mtgs & Docs

Mission and Goals

The mission of a Trail Runs Through It is to enhance recreational access through designated state, federal, and private lands that surround our community through the construction of sustainable trails and trail amenities, and to promote conservation and stewardship of these lands.

In order to succeed in our mission, we will pursue the following GOALS:
• Construct professional trails and amenities that connect lands around Whitefish.
• Build community support and capacity to conserve lands for watershed protection, wildlife habitat, and recreational access.
• Promote the local economy by creating a regional recreational destination.
• Leverage community donations with grants, endowments, and other matching funds to the greatest extent possible.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with the DNRC, USFS, FWP, Flathead County, City of Whitefish, the local communities, and private landowners.
• Educate the community and trail supporters regarding the mission and operations of school trust lands and working forests.
• Generate revenue for the school trust lands beneficiaries.

Background

This project was spearheaded by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Whitefish and the non-profit organization Flathead Gateway Partners (FGP) in 2005, working in conjunction with the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC); the Flathead National Forest; Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and a community represented planning committee completing the trail master plan in 2006. The City of Whitefish then signed a 10-year land use license with the DNRC in 2007. The City and Flathead Gateway Partners signed an additional MOU on September 19, 2008 when the city council re-appointed a steering committee consisting of city staff/officials and Flathead Gateway Partners.

The Steering Committee

The steering committee includes Steve Thompson and Nancy Woodruff from FGP (Diane Conradi as the alternate), Karl Cozad and Bill Kahle from the City of Whitefish (John Muhlfield as the alternate). Forestoration, Inc. has been hired by the Steering Committee to act as the Project Coordinators. The Steering Committee is meeting on the second and fourth Tuesdays of March and will be meeting on the first and third Tuesdays of April, from 3 – 5pm. Everyone is welcome to participate. There are additional subcommittees working on logo and trailhead design as well as fundraising and marketing efforts. Additional information about the meetings can be obtained by contacting Steve Thompson or Greg Gunderson.

Meetings

Steering Committee meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month from 3pm-5pm. Meetings are held in the City Council Conference Room or the Whitefish Library Meeting Room. Check with Committee Chair, Steve Thompson, at sthompsonmt@gmail.com to be added to the meeting notice list.