After a donation of $85,000 from a “mystery donor,” Whitefish Legacy Partners has only $39,000 left to raise to fund a permanent conservation easement on 1,520 acres in the Beaver Lakes area.  

In late October, the Whitefish Community Foundation gave Whitefish Legacy Partners a $100,000 Challenge Grant. This left the trail group with $185,000 left to raise to match the Community Foundation challenge and complete the easement payment.  

Recently a “mystery donor” pledged $85,000 to complete the Beaver Lakes Easement once the match with the Whitefish Community Foundation grant is achieved. 

Whitefish Legacy Partners has raised $61,000. Adding the mystery donation of $85,000, the balance is now $39,000.

Both the Major Challenge Grant and the mystery donation are contingent upon the community raising the final $39,000. Many people have generously supported this effort and Whitefish Legacy Partners is currently 98 percent of the way to the goal.

The conservation and recreation easement purchase was structured over a two-year period, with a significant portion being funded by philanthropist Michael Goguen of Whitefish. Whitefish Legacy Partners is responsible for raising the remaining $2 million from the community; the final easement payment is due by Dec. 31. 

A news release from Whitefish Legacy Partners said the Beaver Lakes project:

— Secures permanent public access,

— Ensures no development.

— Provides continued forest management by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

— Offers more money than ever for schools and universities in Montana.

— Provides the community a quality recreation amenity, the Whitefish Trail. 

The Beaver Lakes area is close to Whitefish, featuring seven pristine lakes, quality wildlife habitat and existing recreation. The easement will provide watershed and viewshed protection, new trails, an education pavilion, and access in perpetuity. 

For more information or to make a donation, go to www.whitefishlegacy.org or call 862-3880.