Downtown business owner supports trail

I am writing in support of the Whitefish Legacy Partners work with the city of Whitefish to purchase an easement to permanently protect public access and recreation in the Beaver/Skyles areas, a recreation license in the Spencer areas and to expand the Whitefish Trail.

As a Whitefish resident for 29 years, I have been a regular user of state lands over the years. Murray Lake particularly has a special place in my heart as my husband and I had our first date there 28 yrs ago. We brought up our kids swimming and canoeing Murray and Beaver lakes. Now, as empty nesters, we still swim Murray and walk and bike the nearby Whitefish Trail.

I am also a small business owner of Imagination Station on Central Avenue in downtown Whitefish. I know first-hand the economic impacts of our tourism-based economy and talk with families every day who visit here because of the beauty of our area, which is shaped by the state lands surrounding Whitefish.

My partner and I chose to give proceeds from sales as part of the Whitefish Trail Friends Week this summer, when more than 20 local businesses participated in the fundraising and awareness efforts, because we feel strongly about this project from an economic development catalyst for Whitefish. I encourage everyone to make a donation by becoming a Whitefish Trails Friend at www.whitefishlegacy.org.

I am thankful for the city of Whitefish, citizens like Mike Goguen, and the Whitefish Legacy Partners for all their efforts to enhance our landscape and recreation opportunities while helping our town grow economically in positive ways.

— Mary Witbrod