We are overwhelmed with gratitude that 297 Great Fish Challenge donors gave $95,991 in support of our local trail and protected lands. Thank you! Learn more below, participate in this year's DIY WT Legacy Run, and read the latest trail report including road closures in Beaver Lakes and trail closures in Haskill. 
$95,991 raised! Thank you Great Fish Donors!
 
We are overwhelmed with gratitude that 297 donors gave $95,991 in support of the Whitefish Trail and our local conservation lands during this year's Great Fish Community Challenge. As Whitefish Community Foundation calculates the additional match, we are thankful to have such dedicated and generous donors supporting permanent conservation, education, and recreation in our community. 

Additionally, WLP also won two $500 incentive grants during the Great Fish Challenge! We had the most donors during the last week of giving (112) and joined the '200 Club' for surpassing 200 total donors! Thanks to everyone who made this possible. Your gifts will directly support maintenance of our trail system, upcoming conservation at Smith Lake, and diversified outdoor education programs.

    
Well folks, the weather is perfect and NOW is the time to get out and enjoy our local open lands. Whitefish Credit Union has stepped up to allow the WT Legacy Run to go on as a free Do-It-Yourself event for the entire community. Simply complete a run on the Whitefish Trail between October 1 - 18, and you'll be entered to win prizes such La Sportiva shoes, Darn Tough socks, Whitefish Trail merchandise, running gear, gifts cards, and much more! Stay tuned on social media for weekly prize updates.

How can you participate?

1.) If you're on Strava, run one of the below segments between October 1-18, and we'll see your participation through Strava.
2.) If you aren't on Strava, consider one of the below suggested segments, go for a run on the WT between October 1-18, and send us an email with your route, distance, and a trail report. You can email info@whitefishlegacy.org or simply fill out this simple Google Form after you complete your DIY run on the Whitefish Trail.

Lion Mountain 3 miles
Beaver Lakes 10k

What if you aren't local but still want to participate?

No worries! We want you to get outside to connect with your local lands wherever they are. Go explore a new local trail in your area and fill out this Google Form to tell us about your experience. Out of town participants will still be entered into the drawings.

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. 

Whitefish Trail Closures and Notices 

Beaver Lakes Road Construction

The DNRC has begun road work in Beaver Lakes to prepare for the upcoming timber harvest. Specifically, the section of Beaver Lake Road from the Beaver Lake Trailhead down to the Beaver Lake Fishing Access Site is under major construction. Expect delays up to an hour during the day and trailers are not recommended. The closure impacts the road highlighted green on the below map. The road will be open in the evenings and on the weekends. We will be sure to share additional information about the timber harvest in the next few weeks.

Haskill Trail Closure

Stoltze is logging in Haskill near the Whitefish Trail, and a WT closure is in place from 6am - 5pm this week on a small section of the Whitefish Trail highlighted below. The closure is between the cell tower and the footbridge and will last through October 2nd. 


Smith Lake Closure Update
Logging is currently underway to clear the massive downfall event from last March. The trail from the Smith Lake parking area to the road crossing at Lower WhitefishLake Road remains closed as we assess the damage. We are still hopeful the trail can open this fall. Stay tuned for updates!
Whitefish Trail Report - Early Fall
by Alan Myers-Davis, WLP Director of Development 

Credit HeartStone Advisors

Wow...if you haven't been outside yet this week, drop everything and GO! The picture perfect fall weather continues through the weekend, so get out and enjoy the colors of early autumn on the Whitefish Trail. We have been clearing downed trees from a recent wind event, so take care as we finish the last few trees at Lupfer and in Beaver Lakes. 
     
        Photo credit left to right: @aliwunderman, @krisheap, @warbleswithbella

Fall is most certainly my favorite time of year. The air is crisp, the sun is still warm, and the crowds of summer have temporarily retreated. You can feel the buzz of autumn as animals and humans alike prepare for the upcoming winter season. The golden afternoon light begs us outside to wrap up those last minute chores - put away the garden hose, stack up some fire wood, and harvest those last tomatoes in hopes they'll ripen inside. 

Animals are also busy this time of year. Last evening, we had a rather large black bear saunter through the backyard in search of last minute calories for his upcoming winter slumber, and it was a good reminder to brush up on bear safety.

Fall is a great time to remember bear and wildlife safety as you are out recreating on local trails and open lands. Carry bear spray and know how to use it, recreate in groups if possible, and be smart with food storage that could attract wildlife. Lastly, if you see a bear on the trail, remain calm, make yourself known, and don't run!

 
Recent rains have settled the dust from summer and have made the trail a little more tacky. As fall rains continue, we are focusing our maintenance work back on the tread at Lion Mountain and Haskill. Thanks for your patience while we're working! Trail conditions couldn't be better, and the views will only improve as Larch start their slow transition to gold. Enjoy.

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

Email info@whitefishlegacy.org 


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.  
Bulldog Saloon has been a Corporate Sponsor of the Whitefish Trail since the beginning. In addition to donating cash back to the project, they host our annual volunteer appreciation party every November! Next time you need a burger and fries, consider a local restaurant that gives back to the community. 

Thank you Bulldog Saloon for being an annual WT Corporate Sponsor!
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. 

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.