Northwest Montana trail projects awarded state grants

A number of grants were awarded last week to various trail projects around Northwest Montana.

The Montana Trail Stewardship Program, authorized by the 2019 Legislature, funds Montana trail projects with money from the state’s vehicle registration fee. The program is intended to assist with the development and maintenance of recreational trails.

About $1.4 million in grants were awarded for 2022.

In Northwest Montana, the Flathead Land Trust was awarded $75,000 for the Bigfork-Harrell Forest Community Trails effort.

Foy’s to Blacktail Trails received $75,000 for the Emmons Ridge corridor clearing effort, while Whitefish Legacy Partners received $50,000 for general maintenance work on the Whitefish Trails system.

Swan Valley Connections will get about $48,000 for Mission and Swan mountain trail work, and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation will take in $36,000 for wilderness conservation and stewardship projects.

Montana Trail Vehicle Riders Association was awarded $75,000 to maintain motorized trails on BLM land.