News from your community trail! |
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Greetings!
It's a busy time of year on the Whitefish Trail as we wrap up our summer season, savor every last drop of fall sunshine, and start turning our gaze to next year's work. We hope you'll join us in celebrating this time of transition!
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Whitefish Legacy Partners receives $100,000 donation from the
Hall-Halliburton Foundation
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Randolph Mahoney, his dog Axel, WLP Executive Director Heidi Van Everen, WLP Director of Development Alan Davis,
WLP Board Chair Mike Jopek, WLP Board Member Becky Smith-Powell
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WLP has received a major donation from the Hall-Halliburton Foundation in support of recreation development on the Whitefish Trail, conservation efforts at the head of Whitefish Lake, and WLP’s free outdoor education and volunteer programs. The $100,000 donation was given to Legacy Partners during the 2021 Great Fish Community Challenge, a fundraising campaign made possible by Whitefish Community Foundation.
Randolph Mahoney, Chairman of Hall-Halliburton Foundation (HHF), was eager to help protect local open lands and public access in the Whitefish community. “With so many new residents moving to the Flathead Valley, including myself, the time is now to support local conservation and recreation efforts. We want to give back to help protect the natural resources and recreation opportunities the community cherishes and hope this donation will inspire others to give. Whitefish is an incredibly special place, and we should all do our part to keep the community thriving for generations to come.”
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Axel signs off on the HHF donation |
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HHF has formally transitioned to Montana in hopes of increasing their philanthropy in rural areas. WLP Director of Development Alan Davis is humbled by their generosity. “We are so incredibly thankful for Randolph and the important work of HHF. Their generous gift is a major investment in the future of Whitefish. As growth and development further impact our front-country landscapes, WLP’s mission to ensure conservation, education, and recreation for future generations has never been more important. We commend HHF for their leadership and commitment to our community.” |
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Hall-Halliburton Foundation’s gift, along with support from 352 other donors who gave to WLP during the Great Fish Community Challenge, will support new trail development at Holbrook Overlook and WLP’s important ongoing programs. Trail and trailhead construction has begun, and WLP anticipates opening Holbrook Overlook Phase I before winter. Phase II will take place when in the snow melts with a grand opening planned for early summer 2022. |
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Whitefish Trail Maintenance Included in Resort Tax 2021 City of Whitefish Ballot Measure |
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On the November 2 mail-in ballot, Whitefish residents will be asked to renew the City's 3% resort tax on luxury goods. Generating over $5 million each year, the resort tax would fund property tax relief, street improvements, construction and maintenance of parks and bike paths, and for the first time ever, contribute to maintenance of the City-owned Whitefish Trail.
Learn more about resort tax renewal here and be sure to vote by Nov 2 by mail-in ballot!
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Ballots were mailed to City residents October 13 and must be returned by Tuesday, Nov 2 at 5pm. There are 2 drop boxes at City Hall (inside & bill drop) or can be mailed via USPS with extra postage. |
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After a blissfully sunny fall, waking up to freezing temperatures and a dusting of snow on the mountains this week has somewhat abruptly reminded us that winter is right around the corner. We hope you've had a chance get out on the Whitefish Trail this month to enjoy the golden larch and aspens in their peak color. If you haven't yet, there's still time! |
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It's been a busy month on the Whitefish Trail as we wrap up our season's maintenance projects. Trail Coordinator Sam (and Todd the trail dog) have been hard at work constructing two new boardwalks on the Haskill Trail over wet spots that have developed since construction. These boardwalks will reduce resource damage and improve user experience in the wet months. Thank you Sam! |
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Our Adopt-a-Trail Crews have also been busy completing their fall trail work days to clear drainages and cut back brush along the trail before the snow flies. Did you know that we have 10 Adopt-a-Trail Crews, ranging from local businesses to HOAs to groups of friends who have signed up to maintain specific sections of trail? We currently have a few open sections of trail that are looking for crews. Let us know if you're interested at info@whitefishlegacy.org
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The Grouse Mountain Estates HOA crew enjoyed a lakeside BBQ after a day of trail work. |
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As fall continues, please remember that conditions can change rapidly this time of year. Mornings are colder, days are getting shorter, and our wildlife may be more active as they prepare to hunker down. Make sure you're prepared when you head out on the trail. Hunting season on the lands around the trail begins October 23 so don't forget to dig your blaze orange out of the back of the closet!
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Holbrook Overlook Construction Update |
Construction at Holbrook Overlook is moving right along! The upper trails (2.1 miles) are 70% complete and on track to be open this fall, while the lower trails (1.8 miles) are 30% complete and will be finished spring 2022. Please remember that the trails are not open to the public during construction and until 100% complete.
Regarding trailhead construction, we plan to break ground on Phase I including the upper parking area which will accommodate 20 cars, in late October.
With sweeping views of the valley, 3.5 miles of new trail, and family-friendly amenities including a scenic overlook, interpretive, and picnic areas, Holbrook Overlook is sure to become one of the most loved sections of the Whitefish Trail. We can't wait to welcome you to it! Check back for opening celebration plans.
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Thank You 2021 Great Fish
Community Challenge!
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2021 was a record year for the WCF’s Great Fish Community Challenge with over $3.6 million raised to support all our local nonprofits.
This year Whitefish Legacy Partners raised an incredible $214,337
from 351 donors, making it our most successful year yet. With a median donation of $100, our Great Fish donors remind us what we can accomplish when our community comes together to support conservation, recreation, and education on our local lands. The GF funds will support construction at the new Holbrook Overlook section of the Whitefish Trail and WLP's programs.
Thank You Whitefish &
the Whitefish Community Foundation!
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WHITEFISH TRAIL LEGACY RUN+ULTRA |
This year's Whitefish Trail Legacy Run brought 525 runners out onto the trail to explore our local conservation lands. Whether it was running from Depot Park to the summit of Big Mountain and back in the 50k or pushing a stroller in the Family Fun Run, it was a weekend of perfect weather, peak fall colors, and a celebration of our local trails.
Thank you to all the runners who participated, the volunteers who made it possible, and our generous sponsors: Whitefish Credit Union, Whitefish Therapy & Sport Center, Hammer Nutrition, Pettyjohn’s Water Store, Montana Coffee Traders, Rocky Mountain Outfitters, REI Kalispell, and Athletic Brewing.
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2021 WT Education Programs
Our education programs for the year are coming to a close with just one remaining on Sunday, October 23. Thank you to all who attended this year! We hope you enjoyed your time exploring on the trail, connecting with others, and learning on the Whitefish Trail!
More information can be found on our website.
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Sunday, October 23 - 10am - Lion Mtn Trailhead
Join WLP and orienteering enthusiast Will Dickinson for an adventure on trail! Participants will join in a presentation at the Learning Pavilion on the Lion Mountain Trail with a short group walk/orienteering demo. Participants will then have the option to complete a demo course of approximately 1 mile with on trail and off trail checkpoints. Meet at Lion Mountain Trailhead. Pre-registration is required.
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Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors!
The Whitefish Trail relies on the generosity of trail users,
conservation-minded supporters, and local businesses to create a year-round, sustainable asset for future generations.
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The Firebrand Hotel has been a devoted Corporate Sponsor of the Whitefish Trail for years. Every year, they donate cash back to the project AND give raffle prizes for the WT Hootenanny. Next time you need upscale, urban lodging, an adult libation, or even dinner, consider supporting a local establishment that gives back in so many ways!
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We are excited to welcome Bay Equity as a Corporate Sponsor of the Whitefish Trail! Loan Officer Natalie Lenderman wanted to give back to WLP to support conservation and public access on our local lands. Whether you are purchasing a home, refinancing, or building your dream, choose a lender that invests in the future of our community.
Thank you Bay Equity for being a Corporate Sponsor!
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Whitefish Legacy Partners
406-862-3880
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