The past fiscal year was filled with excitement and dramatic success for the Trails Committee.  Initially, the Committee spent much of its time on two very important issues, working with Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT) to try to coordinate community concerns with the construction on Rt 93 while laying the foundation for local trails which were not in the MDOT plan; and putting together a non-monetary grant for assistance in developing and funding monetary grants for trails with the National Park Service, Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program. 

Regarding the former, various members of the Committee attended several meetings with MDOT over the summer.  Particular issues were the high speed limits at the Rt 93 Bridge and support for trails within the MDOT right of way.  MDOT heard our concerns regarding the bridge and lowered the speed limit during construction and kept it at a lower level subsequent to construction.  Unfortunately, there was no resolution to providing walk ways across the bridge.  Efforts will continue in this regard. 

Results on the latter issue were more positive.  MDOT gave the Committee a letter of support for its efforts to get the RTCA grant and informed the Committee that they would work with us to use their rights of way for trails.

On October 16, the Committee received notice that our grant request for assistance via the RTCA program was successful.  Our first meeting with the person assigned to assist the Committee was held November 4.

During the fall months the Committee was also laying groundwork with the Lake County Commissioners for Community Transportation Enhancement Program (CTEP) funding for our trail plan.  There were four meetings with the Commissioners including a December 2 formal presentation.  On February 4 the Committee was notified that Lake County awarded us a $150,000 CTEP grant.

With the guidance of the RTCA support person, the Committee learned of two other grants to fund trails including a Safe Routes to School grant and a National Park Service Challenge Cost Share Program.  Both grants had to be submitted within a very short time frame and would require significant effort.  In this regard the Arlee Schools offered to submit the Safe Routes to School grant and the Committee was offered, gratis, the services of a grant writer for the Challenge grant.

The Committee was notified in March that the submission for the Challenge Cost Share Program was the highest rated they received.  Unfortunately, the Congress has not yet approved funding for the program, but when and if it does, the Committee could receive $30,000.  The Committee and the Schools also received notice the bulk of our request for the Safe Routes to School grant was favorably received, but that they had questions regarding a couple of issues for us to receive the full $250,000 requested. 

In all, the Committee applied for $430,000 in grants and, at this writing, could receive the bulk of funds requested, subject to aforementioned considerations.

During the year, the Committee also made efforts to solidify support from both the Tribes and the local community.  There were two presentations to the Tribal Cultural Committee, both of which were very favorably received.  Also, in conjunction with Tribal representatives, the Committee hosted a community meeting in Arlee on March 3.  An estimated 60 people attended to hear a brief presentation and then have questions answered.  Again, the meeting was well received.

Finally, while soliciting support for our efforts, the Committee made significant inroads.  The Committee received offers of assistance from Lake County in the form of donated gravel for trail base and the Kicking Horse Job Corps offered to supply labor and equipment for trails.  The Committee also added to its members the Conservation Project Manager for the Five Valleys Land Trust.  She was and will be invaluable for her expertise in easements, experience with other trail efforts as well as her contacts.  Indeed, through the Land Trust, the Committee was introduced to the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment Program (SNRE).  Several of the students have designed a study program approved by the SNRE staff to assist in trail development and community support and awareness in 2010 and 2011.  They have scheduled a second community meeting in conjunction with the Arlee schools in May and will be conducting a written survey gauging community interest and opinion on trails.