It's finally summer in Montana, and exploring the open lands in our backyard is the perfect way to enjoy the sunshine. Do you have an old brush cutter to donate? The Whitefish Trail needs one! Read the latest summer trail report, learn about our event planning for the WT Legacy Run, and remember WLP in this year's Great Fish Community Challenge. 
Great Fish Community Challenge
Give BIG July 30 -  September  18!
 

Whitefish Legacy Partners along with 55 other community non-profits   have been accepted in the 2020 Great Fish Community  Challenge! During the last five years, the Great Fish  Challenge has raised over $9 million for our local non-profits making the Flathead Valley a better place to live and play. Participating profits  will receive a percentage match on your donations given during the Challenge, so give BIG this summer. 

     

WLP PRIMARY USE OF FUNDS: Funds will support maintenance projects on the Whitefish Trail such as tread work at Lion Mountain, Woods Lake, and Haskill, brushing and drainage work, Adopt-A-Trail volunteer crew support and training, replacement of damaged trail signs, and trailhead cleaning and plowing. 

WLP SECONDARY USE OF FUNDS: Additional funds will support Whitefish Legacy Partners' ongoing programs to secure permanent conservation at Smith Lake, provide recreation access on the Whitefish Trail system, and provide free outdoor education opportunities. 
2020 WT Legacy Run - Event Planning
Covid - 19 Precautions 

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused us to develop an event implementation plan to help decrease the spread of the virus for race participants, volunteers, and the community of Whitefish, MT. We will take steps to reduce crowding and congestion, and the proposed health plan for the event will be reviewed and approved by Flathead County Health Department in hopes of ensuring the health and safety of participants and volunteers.

A final decision regarding the race and possible cancellation will be made on or before September 1st based on guidance from Flathead County Health Department and the Montana Governor's Office.  

Covid-19 Cancellation/Refund Policy: In the event that Whitefish Legacy Partners cancels the Legacy Run due to the Covid-19 pandemic, registered runners will have the option to receive either 50% refund or registration deferment to 2021.

Some changes to the race that we are considering in order to reduce congestion and crowding at the start/finish, at aid-stations, and on the trail:
  • Within each race, provide wave start times to spread out runners
  • Increase staggered race start times to lessen crowding at start and finish
  • Consider changing race courses to further decrease congestion and overlap
  • Cap registration for each race to allow for appropriate management of participants
  • Reduce and/or move aid stations to lessen congestion and overcrowding. For example, the 5k may not have an aid station, the 10k may have just 1 aid station, and the half marathon may have only two aid stations. The 50k aid stations are not anticipated to change.
  • Cancel the Family Fun Run.
  • All snacks and food provided will be grab and go.
Additional guidelines and/or protocols may be added prior to race day. We will communicate more via email and on our Facebook page.


If you have been enjoying the Whitefish Trail recently,
we need your help with our 2020 fundraising!

Be a WT Friend or Family this year and make an investment
in the future of our local lands. 

The Whitefish Trail - Summer 2020
Trail Use Reminders

We would like to remind everyone when accessing local trailheads to drive slowly through residential areas and ride your bike directly to the trailhead when you can. Importantly, when driving to the Lion Mountain trailhead in your car, stay on Hwy 93 North and turn right at the top of the hill. When returning to town from the trailhead, turn left onto Lion Mountain Loop Road, but PLEASE respect the 25 mph speed limit and slow down for pedestrians and when dust is present as you pass through the residential area. Always be considerate!


Following federal and state land management partners, we have opened vault toilets at our trailheads. Hand sanitizer is provided, and trailheads are being cleaned 1-2 times per week. Please remember to follow appropriate social distancing, wear a mask or face covering, and adhere to proper trail etiquette.

   
Whitefish Trail Report - Early July 
by Alan Myers-Davis, WLP Director of Development 
The rain has continued this summer keeping trail conditions ideal for all types of non-motorized recreation on the Whitefish Trail. Huckleberries are now ripening in lower elevations in Beaver Lakes and wildflowers continue to put on a show along the trail. Now is the time to enjoy our local open lands before summer could bring heat, dusty trails, and wildfire smoke. Explore a new trail today!

Have you seen the new bench on the South Beaver Loop? It's placed at the top of the loop so that hikers, bikers, and trail runners can stop to take in the views. This new bench was made possible by the Ellison Family and we greatly appreciate their support. 

The Whitefish Trail has been such an important resource for our community this year offering close-to-town outdoor recreation opportunities during the Covid-19 pandemic. We have seen a sharp increase in trail use since March that has created an increased need for trailhead cleaning, maintenance, and outreach. Trail data from infrared trail counters at Lion Mountain reveals a 27% increase in trail usage this spring (April-June) compared to the last three years. Increased trail use requires increased maintenance and outreach, and we need your help now more than ever to keep the Whitefish Trail a world-class community resource. Consider a donation this summer and give back to the trail and open spaces you love. 

      
Photo Credit Left to Right @nh.pfeiffer, @joosbrian, @thewhitefishtrail

As you get out and explore the Whitefish Trail this summer, we'd love to see your photos and hear your trail stories! 


Have an old brush trimmer to donate?
The Whitefish Trail needs one!

It's been a very wet spring, and the trail has gotten pretty brushy in places. Keeping the corridor open helps control moisture and maintain lines of sight. We are looking for a used weed whacker or brush cutter that can be used by our Trail Coordinator to more easily and efficiently brush the trail corridor. 
Contact info@whitefishlegacy.org or call 406-862-3880.
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.    




Spotted Bear Spirits is a Montana-made craft distillery inspired by our local wild places. Twice per year, they donate time to clear drains, rake tread, and brush the lower Haskill trail corridor. Next time you go out for a drink or need to buy that special gift, consider a local business that gives back to the community!

Thank you Spotted Bear Spirits for being a WT Adopt-A-Trail Crew!
Flathead Area Mountain Bikers (FAMB) is our local mountain bike advocacy non-profit working to advance mountain biking in the Flathead Valley. FAMB partners with the City to manage the Spencer Freeride Trails AND adopt the WT at North Spencer. Every year, they perform trail work and take care of the Twin Bridges trailhead!

Thank you Flathead Area Mountain Bikers for being an Adopt-A-Trail Crew!