The future for a bigger Herron Park, with uninterrupted access to an even larger trail, just got brighter.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks recently announced that a $70,000 grant has been secured for the purchase of 40 acres of land adjacent to Herron Park west of Kalispell.

It’s part of a larger effort led by the nonprofit group Foys to Blacktail Trails.

“This is a major milestone in the community’s goal to permanently protect access to 320 acres of forested land and trails next to Herron Park and far beyond,” said Clifford Kipp, chairman of the all-volunteer trails group.

The grant was the largest so far from the state’s Recreational Trails Program. The funds will be disbursed in 2010, allowing for a purchase that will effectively expand Herron Park from 120 to 160 acres.

The purchase will effectively secure access to another neighboring 280 acres of land that the group intends to purchase. That parcel is secured under an agreement with the Conservation Fund and a commitment to purchase the property by 2012.

The group is in the midst of a campaign to raise $2.3 million for the purchase over the next two years.

If successful, the overall property will provide future access through other ownerships all the way to national forest lands surrounding Blacktail Mountain.

“Other popular recreation areas have been lost forever behind no-trespassing signs and fences,” Kipp said. “We want to make sure that doesn’t happen here.”

Foys to Blacktail Trails has developed a plan to create 15 miles of horse, hiking and biking trails throughout the overall 440 acres. The heart of the system is a central “Family Trail” with adjoining looping trails. The group has scheduled a public meeting for Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Lone Pine Visitors Center to solicit public comments on its proposed plan.

“We want to float our ideas to the public, see what they have to say and adjust our ideas appropriately,” Kipp said.

For more information on Foys to Blacktail Trails online, go to:

http://www.foystoblacktailtrails.org