Valerie Parsons was a volunteer for Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana for 17 years, so she fully understands that ambitious trail projects take time.
But she also understands that trails don’t build themselves and they require grassroots mobilization. And if there’s one other thing Parsons has learned it’s that a party is always a good way to kick start grassroots mobilization.
On Aug. 6 from 5-9 p.m., advocates of the proposed Gateway to Glacier Trail are hosting their first annual “Pints for Paths Brewfest” at Heaven’s Peak Resort in West Glacier. It is the initial fundraising event for the Gateway to Glacier Trail project, which would eventually build a separated bike and pedestrian path along U.S. Highway 2, running from Badrock Canyon to Glacier National Park.
The path would connect the communities of Hungry Horse, Coram and West Glacier, which form a popular recreation corridor just outside of Glacier Park. One section of path already exists between Coram and Hungry Horse, but along the rest of the way cyclists, joggers and walkers must use the highway’s shoulder, which Parsons said is unnerving.
A traffic study showed that nearly 7,000 cars per day pass through the area on Highway 2 in the offseason, Parsons said, and that number increases to 12,000 in the busy summer tourist season.
“When we moved to West Glacier five years ago, I quickly realized it was horrible riding to the park,” Parson said. “It was super scary.”
“I live up here and I see all of the walkers and bikers,” she added. “This will tie the communities together. It will be a place where people can recreate and it’s not just for the tourists.”
The first section of the project is an eight-mile segment from West Glacier to Coram that will connect to an existing stretch of path between Coram and Hungry Horse. Parsons anticipates needing to raise about $130,000 for matching money for a state Community Transportation Enhancement Program (CTEP) grant. Money from fundraising efforts and available grants will be used.
Parsons acknowledges it will take time to raise sufficient funds, but hopes “within five years to get something started.” She thinks the Aug. 6 fundraiser is a good start.
“We’re starting from the ground up and it’s a kickoff fundraiser and I know it will take years to do this but I think it’s really necessary,” she said. “I know with Rails to Trails it took a long time to raise $50,000.”
The project’s second segment would connect Badrock Canyon to Hungry Horse in conjunction with a proposed Montana Department of Transportation plan to improve that section of highway, Parsons said. The department held an informational meeting in May to gauge public interest for such a plan.
In a best-case scenario, Parsons would eventually like to see a continuous trail all the way into Columbia Falls.
“When MDT improves Badrock Canyon, they want to provide some kind of trail,” Parsons said. “We kind of see our role as working with MDT.”
The Aug. 6 event will feature eight breweries, including local favorites Tamarack Brewing Company, Great Northern Brewing Company, Glacier Brewing Company and Flathead Lake Brewing Company. Food will be for sale. Admission is $20 ahead of time or $25 at the gate, which includes five beer tickets and a pint glass.
Designated drivers get in for $5 and receive water, soda and a pint glass. Safe rides are available from 6-10 p.m., taking passengers to Apgar Village or as far as the Columbia Falls park and ride. The Marshall Catch Band will provide live outdoor music.
Parsons thanked Rails to Trails members for encouraging her to move forward with the project and loaning her money to put on the fundraiser.
“There’s been so much community support in volunteering and donating,” she said. “In my years volunteering for Rails to Trails, it was a wonderful experience of meeting great people, and we saw it succeed.”
For more information, contact Valerie Parsons at (406) 387-5282 or by email at [email protected], or log on to www.glaciertrail.org.