Major grant boosts fundraising for Beaver Lakes easement

The push to wrap up fundrasing for a conservation and recreation easement in the Beaver Lakes area received a major lift Monday.

Whitefish Community Foundation presented a $100,000 matching grant to Whitefish Legacy Partners to help narrow the fundraising margin. With the matching grant, about $185,000 remains to be raised from the original $2 million campaign.

“Since we negotiated the easement two years ago, we’ve been trying to raise our portion of it,” said Fred Jones, Legacy Partners board chairman. “We’re down to the wire, and if we can meet this challenge grant, we’ll be there. This is fantastic.”

The easement approved in 2012 allowed expansion of the Whitefish Trail to connect Murray, Beaver, Woods, Dollar and Little Beaver Lakes. It also retired development rights and allowed public access to 1,520 acres of school trust state land. The Montana Department of Natural Resources will continue to manage the land as a sustainable and active forest.

The total purchase price of the easement was $8 million, with a significant portion being funded by Whitefish philanthropist Michael Goguen.

Legacy Partners is responsible for raising the remaining $2 million.

The easement purchase was structured over a two-year period, with the final payment is due at the end of this year.

Even with a Dec. 31 deadline looming, Legacy Partners director Heidi Van Everen said the final fundraising goal is within reach.

“With this grant, it’s achievable,” she said. “To now be at about $200,000 — that’s doable.”

Jones said the group will be making a final push this fall and winter.

“The grant helps with people who are on the fence because their dollar now becomes two dollars,” he said. “Every bit helps at this point.”

For more information about how to donate or on the fundraising initiatives, visit www.whitefishlegacy.org.