News from your community trail! |
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Greetings!
The Anne of Green Gables quote "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers" just about sums up the spectacle of golden larch, the waning crowds of visitors, and the cool morning air we've had on the Whitefish Trail this month. As the larch needles and first snow falls and we turn our calendars to November and our clocks back, we prepare for another winter of xc skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, and ice fishing on our local lands.
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Whitefish Trail Maintenance included in Nov 2
City of Whitefish Resort Tax 2021 Ballot Measure
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If you're a City resident, have you submitted your ballot yet? The list of projects made possible by the Whitefish resort tax that have benefited our community over the last 20 years is impressive. From 29 projects to build and improve parks and bike paths, to over $28 million in street improvements, to the conservation of over 3,000 acres in Haskill Basin, the Resort Tax has leveraged our visitor economy to benefit locals. On the November 2021 mail-in ballot, Whitefish residents have the opportunity to renew the 3% resort tax on luxury goods for the next 20 years. 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.
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 a letter stamp. Due to recent postal delays, the City Hall drop boxes are recommended after Wednesday, October 27.
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WLP Board and staff scout proposed conservation lands at head of WF Lake |
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In mid-October, a group of WLP Board members and staff took to the woods to scout conservation opportunities at the head of Whitefish Lake proposed for permanent protection in the City and WLP's Smith Lake Legacy project. The proposed Public Recreation Use Easement would remove developments rights, secure public access and trails, protect wildlife habitat and watersheds, and ensure sustainably forest management on 400+ acres of State Trust Lands. The group explored braided stream channels, giant old growth cottonwood trees, and golden larch stands as we bushwhacked along possible trail corridors. Getting the Board of Directors and project partners out on the landscape to experience this area and its' conservation values is an important part of the conservation planning process. |
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Watch our most recent virtual learning program! Forest for the Future explores the intersection of conservation, recreation, timber management, and wildfire protection in the Beaver Lakes area. This program features Dave Ring, DNRC Unit Manager of the Stillwater State Forest, and Summer Kemp-Jennings, Fire Ecologist for Glacier National Park.
More virtual learning programs can be found on our website.
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Late-October Trail Report |
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The sunshine and golden foliage of fall is starting to fade into grey skies, bare branches, and views of a snowy Big Mountain summit as we head into the winter months.
DNRC's work on the Beaver to Boyle timber sale resumed this week with crews working adjacent to the trail between the Rainbow Lake road crossing and the trail junction to North Beaver Trailhead. Please use caution around crews and logging trucks, expect possible road delays, and respect any posted trail closures. Up-to-date timber sale information, including trail and road closures, can be found on the DNRC information board at the Beaver Lake Trailhead.
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As fall rains return, many sections of trail that get dusty in the summer are setting up again and are in great shape. But with the fall rains also comes mud. Please help us keep the trail in good shape! Avoid damaging the tread with bike tires or horses in wet conditions, and do not go off the trail to get around puddles.
Once the trails are snow covered, please be sure to stay on the trail and do not widen the trail to avoid icy patches.
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Rifle hunting season began across the State for deer and elk on October 27 and continues until November 28. Remember that most of the lands surrounding the Whitefish Trail are open to hunting, and hunters may use the trail to access hunting areas. If you're out recreating, be sure you (and your dogs) are wearing blaze orange.
Hunters should not shoot within 1/4 mile of the trail or houses. To report any concerns, please contact the FWP Game Warden at (406) 249-6231.
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Holbrook Overlook Construction Update |
Trail Construction continues and the trails are not yet open. Construction of Phase I of the Holbrook Overlook Trailhead will begin November 1. Please avoid the area while the construction crews are working.
WLP was recently awarded an $8,000 grant from the Flathead County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) to support Phase 2 of trailhead construction in spring 2022! It's an exciting time on the Whitefish Trail!
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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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Buffalo Cafe is a Founding Sponsor of the Whitefish Trail and has been donating a portion of their sales since 2011. Next time you are looking for a night on the town, consider a locally owned, locally operated restaurant that gives back to the community in so many ways.
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Nelson's Ace Hardware is a Founding Sponsor of the Whitefish Trail. Not only have they supported WLP since when the trail was merely an idea, they have made a long-term pledge to support the project for years to come. Shop at a local hardware store and support businesses that give back to the community in so many ways.
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Whitefish Legacy Partners
406-862-3880
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