Canyon group unites for tourism bid

A group of business owners in the Canyon have joined together to create a group called "Gateway to Glacier - The Canyon" in order to explore opportunities to expand shoulder-season business.

Doug Woehler, owner of the Lodge, noted that while business is booming during the summer, the locals face heavy unemployment eight to nine months a year.

"As business owners, we don't want to be so (Glacier National) Park dependent," Woehler said.

The group invited Paula Peterson, recreation specialist for the Hungry Horse Ranger District. One of the challenges facing the Canyon communities is they're surrounded by the Flathead National Forest. For-profit activities are not allowed on public land without a permit from the U.S. Forest Service, and there are a limited number of permits.

Currently, J & L RV Rentals holds the only snowmobiling permit for the area.

"We have a unique struggle up here with our Forest Service restraints," Woehler said. "And (people) wonder why the Canyon doesn't grow."

Members of the group want to use the land and the Hungry Horse Reservoir for commercial use. The list of summer commercial activities proposed is extensive: kayaking, wildlife tours, geo-caching, photography tours and guided fishing trips to name a few.

But while the ability to pursue these ventures on public land would be a boon, it's the fall and winter activities the Canyon businesses have their eyes on. Members suggested dog sledding, winter camping, ice fishing, snowshoeing and expanded snowmobiling.

In order to begin offering these activities, though, the businesses have to go through the Forest Service.

"My job is to come with up a list of activities you all are interested in, to provide in the Forest," Peterson said. "Just because someone has an idea to provide a commercial service on the public's land doesn't necessarily mean there's a need."

Sandy Welch, a math teacher at Evergreen Junior High and a federal grant consultant, who is also running as a Republican candidate in House District 3, asked what defines need.

Peterson said she will ask the regional Forest Service office in Missoula to conduct a needs assessment of the area and hopes it will be completed in 2011.

"It's our job to look at those services that have the best chance of meeting the existing forest plan on Hungry Horse and Glacier View," Peterson said. "It has to meet the forest plan. I am a huge proponent and I will go to bat for the community, but we have to do it right and follow the process."

Meeting attendees expressed frustration at the lengthy process and perceived inaction by the ranger district. Lolo and Helena national forests have made changes to meet their local area's needs.

"I think it's time for the Hungry Horse Ranger District to stand up and be the squeaky wheel," said Darwon Stoneman of the Glacier Outdoor Center.

Peterson suggested that Glacier to Gateway - The Canyon submit a list of activities that are largely low impact to comply with forest service regulations. The current forest plan has been in effect since the 1980s.

Gateway to Glacier - The Canyon plans to form a contact team to work with the Forest Service to move the process of gaining permits to use public land as fast as possible.

The group has also created a Facebook page, events calendar and is working on a marketing campaign.

The group met April 14 and about 45 people attended. The next Gateway to Glacier - The Canyon meeting is scheduled for April 28 at 7 p.m. at the Historic Tamarack Lodge