FWP announces trail grants for local projects

Montana State Parks announced last week that 58 trail organizations, communities or land management agencies across the state were awarded $1.6 million in federal funds through the Recreation Trails Program.

The program awards grants through an annual competitive application process. Projects range from construction and maintenance of trails, or development of trail-side and trailhead facilities to ethics and avalanche education, or interpretive programs.

Local recipients received $190,000, including:

• Bob Marshall Foundation, $35,000 for the “50 Miles For 50 Years” trail maintenance and weed control program commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act.

• Montana Wilderness Association, $35,000 for the Continental Divide Trail volunteer trail maintenance program.

• Flathead Avalanche Center, $35,000 for safety education and information programs.

• Flathead Snowmobile Association, $40,000 for grooming and maintenance operations, including the Canyon Creek Trail from the North Fork Road to the summit of Big Mountain.

• Whitefish Legacy Partners, $40,000 for continuing construction of the Whitefish Trail around Whitefish Lake.

• Lone Pine State Park, $15,000 for restoration work at the park above Kalispell.

• Foy’s to Blacktail Trails Inc., $30,000 for the final Phase 6 of trail work.