Three MALT members—Flathead Land Trust, The Montana Land Reliance, and The Trust for Public Land—are collaborating on a 236-acre project near Bigfork that would provide new outdoor recreation opportunities and forest conservation. The trail portion of the project is currently in design phase, local creation of a management plan is ongoing, and fundraising is underway. The Montana Access Project is also a partner. TPL currently owns the property, with plans for Flathead Land Trust to ultimately own the land, protected by a conservation easement held by MLR. The goal is to complete the trail system in early 2023 and open the area to the public in summer of 2023. The project is a great example of land trust cooperation and leadership on a community project that provides signifiant conservation and outdoor recreation benefits.

Photo: The 236-acre Harrell Forest property near Bigfork will soon be owned by Flathead Land Trust and will offer over 4 miles of trails to the public. Photo courtesy of The Trust for Public Land.