Whitefish Legacy Partners, the local organization overseeing recreational opportunities on state school trust lands surrounding Whitefish, has been awarded a $500,000 Recreation Trails Program grant from the Montana State Parks Recreation Bureau.

WLP and its partners, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and the city of Whitefish, are exploring ways to create public recreation areas on these state lands that include trails, forest management, view sheds, wildlife and watershed protection while compensating Montana’s schools and universities.  

To celebrate the awarding of the state grant, a public reception will be held at the Whitefish Trail trailhead, off Lion Mountain Loop Road, on Wednesday, March 2, at 1 p.m. The Whitefish Trail is in good condition for skiing or winter hiking after the event.

Gov. Brian Schweitzer and representatives from the Forest Service, DNRC and FWP will join community members and area business owners at the reception. A well-stocked and staffed information tent will be on hand, and representatives from WLP will be present for information.

For more information about Whitefish Legacy Partners, visit online at www.whitefishlegacy.org.