Annual Community Report June 23, 2018
Our 2017 Annual Community Report is hot off the press! Read about how your 2017 donations worked for more conservation, education, and recreation opportunities on our local lands and hear about new and exciting projects for 2018. 2017 Annual Community Report >>
Reservoir Trailhead Opens! May 16, 2018
The Reservoir Trailhead is officially open! Enjoy access to the new Whitefish Trail in Haskill and explore the park-like trailhead complete with benches, picnic areas, and an ADA interpretive trail. The trailhead is the site of a historic homestead, and you can learn about artifacts recovered during construction and view a historic outdoor chimney used… Read more »
Economic Impact of the Whitefish Trail May 3, 2018
We are excited to announce the results of our recent economic impact study of local outdoor recreation and the Whitefish Trail! The community’s investment in conservation, recreation, and education opportunities on our local lands is paying off in a big way. This research study was produced by Headwaters Economics in partnership with Whitefish Legacy Partners and the… Read more »
WLP Wins Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Grant April 4, 2018
Whitefish Legacy Partners has been awarded $3,000 from the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative to support protecting Smith Lake and connecting areas of community conservation with managed recreation. Thank you Y2Y for investing in the future of the Crown of the Continent! Read an except from our grant application below: “The Close the Loop Project… Read more »
DNRC Releases Close the Loop Draft EA April 3, 2018
Anytime a project is proposed on State Trust Lands, the DNRC must adhere to the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and complete an extensive environmental review. Experts in soils, hydrology, wildlife, safety, and economics review each proposal and determine the cumulative effects and impacts of No Action and Action alternatives. The City of Whitefish formally… Read more »
Close the Loop Video March 5, 2018
Connecting our community’s legacy: 6,100 acres protected forever, 42 miles of trail, and counting…
Winter Grooming in Beaver Lakes February 16, 2018
Have you been out on the Whitefish Trail this winter? Whether taking the dog for a walk, cross country skiing, or exploring with snowshoes, our community trail offers an option for everyone. Lion Mountain stays busy through the winter with packed trails even after the biggest storms, while the single-track in Beaver Lakes offers a… Read more »
Big Mountain Trailhead Open! January 24, 2018
The Big Mountain Trailhead is officially open! The new trailhead offers ample parking, a vault toilet, and groomed winter access for the existing trails in Haskill Basin. We are excited to partner with Glacier Nordic Club to offer this new destination for the community. Snowshoers and fat bikers can explore the new section of Whitefish… Read more »
Close the Loop Presentation December 4, 2017
On November 13th, 2017, the City of Whitefish & Whitefish Legacy Partners held a public open house outlining the next steps in our Close the Loop Project. VIEW THE PRESENTATION HERE
Close the Loop Series: Connecting Community Through Outdoor Education & Stewardship November 10, 2017
The Close the Loop Series has discussed how the Whitefish Trail benefits our local economy, wildlife, and quality of life. At the core of the project also exists an invaluable connection to the natural lands surrounding our community. Locals and visitors from all walks of life can gain meaningful experiences by exploring local lands on the Whitefish… Read more »
Close the Loop Series: Wildlife Habitat October 19, 2017
In mid-August, a family of mountain lions sauntered down the trail revealing glowing eyes under a cloak of darkness. A month later, the unmistakable rump of a solitary black bear waddled off into the woods, using the adjacent public land as a safe habitat to his larger range. These photos were taken at the Lion… Read more »
Close the Loop Series: Outdoor Recreation Economy September 28, 2017
Did you know the Whitefish Trail Master Plan (A Trail Runs Through It) was published in 2006?! The 91-page document was adopted by the City of Whitefish and serves as a guiding document for the future of our local lands. It states, “The trail system will create an outstanding recreational amenity for the community that… Read more »
Close the Loop Series: Protecting Smith Lake from Development September 7, 2017
In the beginning, creating a community trail system was seen as a solution to the impending sale and development of vulnerable MT State Trust lands surrounding Whitefish. With a sharp increase in property values and development, the risk to lose public land to private buyers was increasing, and the community came together to make a… Read more »
2017 Hootenanny Photos What a great party in support of the Whitefish Trail! We would like to thank our sponsors, Don K Subaru, First Interstate Bank, National Parks Realty, Edward Jones Financial Advisor- Claudine Johnson, BNSF, and many volunteers for making the event possible. Here are some great photos from the event!
Devil’s Club and Huckleberries? WLP Conservation at Work July 27, 2017
by WLP Executive Director Heidi Van Everen and Director of Development Alan Myers-Davis Our legs are burning. Not from the elevation gain but from an abundance of unkempt wild raspberries and devil’s club. Native hollyhocks line the banks of upper and lower Smith Creek, and male western tanagers are flashing and swooping by, hoping… Read more »
City Approves Trail Agreement With Resort July 26, 2017
July 25, 2017 at 4:57 pm | By Heidi Desch The city of Whitefish has approved an agreement for a public recreational trail easement on Big Mountain. When the Haskill Basin conservation and trail easement were created the city contacted Winter Sports Inc. about obtaining an eaesement on its property for a trailhead and connector… Read more »
