Whether it’s a family on a hike, single-track mountain bikers, horseback riders or cross-country skiers, folks of all ages regularly enjoy the trails above Herron Park, less than 10 minutes from downtown Kalispell. Our goal is to secure permanent public access to this popular area right outside the “front door” of many Flathead Valley residents. This easily accessible forested area is also the gateway to timberlands extending south to Blacktail Mountain above Lakeside.
Our Mission
- To secure historic access to trails and lands connecting Herron Park to the forest lands at Blacktail Mountain
- To provide for long term stewardship of these trails
- To accomplish this mission through voluntary and cooperative means
What We’re Doing
Friends at the Foy's Overlook (Jessica Lowry photo).
FTBT is currently focusing its efforts on purchasing the 320-acre parcel above Herron Park. This is the gateway to forest lands extending south to Blacktail Mountain, and is the land most frequently used by the public for recreation. Our goal is to raise a total of $2.3 million by September 2012 in order to purchase this land from The Conservation Fund, a non-profit organization holding it temporarily while we raise the money to buy it.
Fast fun at the 2010 Herron Hustle
We’re making solid progress toward this lofty goal. FTBT has been receiving donations and pledges from many private donors and grants from several foundations. In December 2009 we received a $70,000 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant to help purchase land. In April 2010 the Flathead County Parks Board, with approval from the County Commissioners, committed $62,500 from their Parks in Lieu funds for land purchase. Much fundraising remains to be done, however. Please join us in our efforts to keep “front door recreation” open to everyone.
In broad terms, our strategy for protecting access to this land and enhancing the user experience includes:
- Creating safe, signed trails that accommodate the needs of diverse users, from families with small children to thrill-seeking mountain bike riders
View of Foy's Lake From the Overlook
- Phasing purchase of The Conservation Fund parcel so that FTBT can buy it in approximately eight sequential phases
- Working on partnerships encouraging use of this property as a teaching tool for forest stewardship and education (Foy’s Community Forest).
For more insight into the importance of keeping the door open to this special place, take a moment to read our brief Case Statement .
Join our Trail Talk blog.
