Foundation provides grant for conservation project

Whitefish Community Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to Flathead Land Trust to help complete the Bad Rock Canyon Conservation Project, an effort to protect 772 acres of critical habitat along the Flathead River while creating new public access and recreational opportunities.

The grant was made possible by members of the Whitefish Community Foundation’s Circle of Giving and other donors who support the Major Community Project Fund.

The Major Community Project Fund is dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations complete capital projects that will have a significant and positive effect on communities in the Flathead Valley. Since the inception of the fund in 2010, $644,000 has been awarded to projects selected by the Whitefish Community Foundation Board of Directors.

The Bad Rock Canyon Conservation Project will protect habitat utilized by 43 species that have been identified by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks as Species of Greatest Conservation Need. The project will also offer an opportunity to expand the Gateway to Glacier Trail system for use by hikers and bicyclists.

“We are so excited and grateful to the Whitefish Community Foundation for this grant,” Flathead Land Trust Executive Director Paul Travis said. “The proposed Bad Rock Canyon Wildlife Management Area will protect a critical piece of wildlife habitat along the Flathead River and secure public access to a wild place right on the doorstep of Columbia Falls. Thank you to Whitefish Community Foundation for this generous show of support to protect a special place in the Flathead.”

Whitefish Community Foundation is dedicated to fostering philanthropy, building endowments, and helping donors and nonprofits benefit communities in the Flathead Valley. For more information, visit www.whitefishcommunityfoundation.org.