Field trip, event explore Whitefish Trail project

Whitefish Legacy Partners and the city of Whitefish are holding a field trip and presentation on the Close the Loop project of the Whitefish Trail. Both events are on Monday, Nov. 13.

For those wanting to explore the project on foot or on skis, a public outing is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Smith Lake. To carpool, meet at the Whitefish Library parking lot at 12:30 p.m.

An evening presentation will be held at 6 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center, followed by a question and answer session. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

The final phases to Close the Loop is expected to bring the Whitefish Trail around Whitefish Lake, while also providing permanent protection for those lands. The project is planned to connect Beaver Lakes to Haskill Basin, and find permanent recreation and conservation solutions at Spencer Mountain.

Work to construct a 55-plus mile loop trail surrounded by permanent protection will also provide watershed protection, wildlife habitat connectivity, and continue to support sustainable forestry and local jobs, according to Whitefish Legacy Partners.

Through thoughtful design and management, Legacy Partners plans to establish permanent, public access to a broad group of users and create world-class recreation opportunities that will enhance the local economy, provide place-based education, and grow a conservation ethic in the community that will benefit these Places Worth Protecting for generations to come.

The Whitefish Trail is the anchor project of Whitefish Legacy Partners and the result of collaborative partnerships. To date, Whitefish Legacy Partners and the city have established over 42 miles of a recreational trail system accessed by 12 trailheads.