Whitefish Legacy Partners works to protect open space and public access and manages recreation on the Whitefish Trail for public benefit surrounding the Whitefish community in partnership with the City of Whitefish. Much of the Whitefish Trail lies on State Trust Land managed by the DNRC, and as a result, we are tracking two statewide issues that may be proposed during the upcoming 2025 Legislative Session:
(1) Land Sales and Commercial-Residential Leases on trust lands, and
(2) E-bike use on natural surface trails.
MT Public Radio recently reported on DNRC's "proposed agency bill concepts" including 7 concepts impacting Forestry & Trust Lands, #3 "Land Sales & Commercial-Residential Leases". The report provides evaluations of possible land sales in Billings, Kalispell, Whitefish, Missoula, and the Gallatin Valley with maps and opportunities identified.
For more local information, contact Michelle Anderson, Trust Lands Program Manager, Northwestern Land Office, 406.751.2244, MAnderson@mt.gov.
Regarding e-bikes on natural surface trails in Montana, we are encountering a number of concerns and challenges with past Montana legislation proposals that inadequately addressed management issues. Stakeholders are working together to develop a legislative proposal to ensure there is place for everyone on Montana's trails - without all forms of recreation on all trails - and a process that is fair and controlled by local communities.
We will continue to update you with more information, ways to comment, and guidance on how to be involved.
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