January has been a highly variable month starting with no valley snow, then a week of hard-core winter, and now rain and mixed precipitation. Read the latest trail report below, learn about WLP's current job opportunities, and learn more about DNRC's upcoming timber sale at Beaver Lakes. 
Whitefish Legacy Partners is hiring! 
Interested in working for an exciting community non-profit? Whitefish Legacy Partners is hiring THREE regular, part-time positions to help with our community programs and events for the Whitefish Trail. These jobs are open until filled:

Development Coordinator
Education Coordinator
Whitefish Trail Coordinator 

Click HERE for full job descriptions and application information.
DNRC's Beaver to Boyle Timber Sale 

The Environmental Assessment (EA) for the DNRC's upcoming timber sale in Beaver Lakes has been released and will be sent to the MT Land Board for approval on February 18, 2020. WLP and the City of Whitefish have been working with the DNRC in hopes of ensuring that existing and future recreation opportunities are protected. The timber sale objectives are:
  • Establish areas of tree regeneration to improve tree growth and bio-diversity
  • Reduce fuel loading within the Wildlife Urban Interface (WUI)
  • Contribute to DNRC's statewide and local annual timber harvest targets
  • Apply Best Management Practices to promote long-term water quality
  • Assure Streamside Management Zone (SMZ) laws and Forest Management rules are met
  • Maintain existing recreation uses including provisions for future identified recreation development

Logging will take place from 2020-2023 during the winter season to lessen impacts to soils, wildlife, water quality, and recreation. Road improvements are planned throughout the year, and WLP and the DNRC will provide logging operation updates to the public and trail users. View DNRC's proposed harvest units and road improvements in the full EA linked below. 

 

Did you know Lion Mountain was logged in 2008? The area now boasts abundant wildflowers, huckleberries, increased fire resilience, and improved lines of sight. Active timber management is integral to the Whitefish Area Neighborhood Plan (2004) and generates revenue for MT Schools and Universities, supports local jobs, improves biodiversity, and increases fire resilience in our community.

 

Click HERE for full Beaver to Boyle Timber Sale EA

Anonymous donations from the Lion Mountain TH

It literally takes a village to keep WLP and the Whitefish Trail thriving. Do your part today!


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

Whitefish Trail Report - Late-January
by Alan Myers-Davis, WLP Director of Development 

  Credit @jpaturalski
What a roller coaster! January started with bare ground, transitioned to snow nearly everyday, and is now back to above average temperatures and melting valley snow. Popular destinations on the Whitefish Trail are currently packed snow and ice with best traction in the morning. Increased temperatures and forecasted rain might create slushy and soft conditions in the afternoon hours. Traction devices such as micro-spikes or Yaktrax are still recommended for hiking and running, and fat biking conditions at Lion Mountain, Beaver Lakes, and Swift Creek are superb. 

We are busy planning programs and projects for the 2020 season and hope to build new trails at Smith Lake this fall! Education programs will be finalized later this winter, and mark your calendars for our 2020 major community events:
  • Hit the Trail Challenge - May 2020
  • Whitefish Trail Hootenanny - Friday, August 21
  • Whitefish Trail Legacy Run & Oktoberfest- October 3-4 (registration opening soon!)
Credit @nancy_of_montana
Whether getting out for a quick walk or embarking on a half-day adventure, take a moment to appreciate how much our community has accomplished. In just 10 years, we have developed free public access to 42 miles of trail AND helped permanently protect over 6,000 acres of wildlife habitat, watersheds, and working forests. It would not be possible without your support, so thanks for making it all possible! Every day is a good day to get outside, so start your new year off on the right foot with an adventure on your local trail. 
Renewing your vehicle's MT registration?
Show your pride for the WT! If you are buying a new vehicle or renewing your registration, consider a Whitefish Trail sponsor license plate. WLP will receive $25 of your annual registration fees AND you will show your support for conservation, education, and recreation on our local lands. It's a WIN-WIN for WLP and the Whitefish Trail.
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.    
 

Glacier Bank has been supporting the Whitefish Trail every year since the beginning. They are a Founding Sponsor and of WLP and sponsor our Hit the Trail Challenge every year. For all of your banking needs, support a local bank that gives so much back to the community.

Thank you Glacier Bank for being a 
WT Founding Sponsor!
Nelson's ACE Hardware has been supporting the Whitefish Trail as a Founding Sponsor since the beginning! For all your home improvement needs, support a locally owned business instead of the big box stores. Nelson's is vested in the future of our community ! 

Thank you Nelson's ACE Hardware for being a WT Founding Sponsor!
Click here to learn more about becoming a Corporate Sponsor of the Whitefish Trail.