The Fish Trails Story

History of Fish Trails

“14.9 miles of bike trails that will link people and places within our community...”

Whitefish has changed significantly over the past 25 years. Initially built around natural resource-based industries and railroad operations, the local economy is now heavily reliant on the community’s appeal as a year-round resort destination for outdoor recreation and as a great place to live and retire. As these fundamental economic changes have occurred and the population of both the city and surrounding areas have increased, Whitefish has worked to respond to the changing conditions and demographics. The City’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Trails Project is the result of nearly fifteen years of exhaustive work between the City Council, the Whitefish Parks Board, and the Whitefish Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee. Community organizations supporting the project include the Whitefish School District, Cross Currents Christian School, Whitefish Chamber of Commerce, and Whitefish Housing Authority. The Whitefish Pedestrian and Bicycle Trials Master Plan are the work product and collective vision of all the above listed groups.

The Whitefish Pedestrian and Bicycle Trails Project envisions construction of 14.85 miles of asphalt and concrete paths within the general vicinity of the Whitefish community. This project also includes construction of two trailhead parking areas, four footbridges, and reconstruction of an existing footbridge. The project seeks to implement a major component of the City’s Master Plan which calls for “an integrated system of non-motorized trails and greenways connecting neighborhoods, commercial areas, schools, water bodies, recreational amenities, and rural trails.” The Master Plan was the result of extensive citizens involvement and community participation.

The project is estimated to cost approximately $7.3 million. The City just completed the sale of $1.6 million in tax increment revenue bonds for the support of the trails project. Additional City dollars committed to the project include approximately $230,000 in existing Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Funds and Resort Tax proceeds. The City is also requesting additional funding from CTEP, Federal Appropriations Funding, and the Montana Air and Congestion Initiative. Yet even with these committed funds we will be short of turning the entire trails vision into reality.

‘Fish Trails’ is the newly established fundraising organization for Whitefish’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Trails project. Fish Trails is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing safe, accessible, and scenic trails connecting people and places in our community. Our goals include the following:

• Enhance the quality of life by providing alternative transportation routes connecting neighborhoods, schools, and public places;
• Provide safe routes for everyone; and
• Promote better health and fitness in our community.