Rails to Trails gets $2,000 grant

The newly organized Mineral County MT Rails to Trails organization is the recipient of a $2,000 connectivity grant from the Rails to Trails Conservancy, an organization based in Washington D.C., whose goal is to build the Great American Trail.

This trail would cross the country from Washington D.C. to Washington State and would, at least in the west, follow along the route of the old Milwaukee Railroad as much as possible.

In coordination with the Rails to Trails Conservancy, the Mineral County organization will work on trail sections throughout the county with the end purpose of connecting them together to assist in the Conservancy’s effort. The grant funds will be used to start work on accomplishing this overall goal.

Mineral County MT Rails to Trails is a public benefit corporation registered with the Montana Secretary of State and, once appropriate projects are identified, the group will work with landowners, public land entities, and others to create bike trails throughout Mineral County. The overall goal is to find ways to eventually connect these trails to each other in assisting to create the Great American Trail.

These trails will be built to specific criteria and will be useable by bicycle riders (including those using e-bikes) as well as to allow for foot traffic. Because of the nature of Mineral County, modifications in some areas will allow for motorized vehicles such as 4 wheelers and snow machines, including over the Saltese Trestle, which is currently under renovation.

Additionally, recognizing that segments of the old railroad bed have passed into private hands, alternative routes will be found unless the current owners are willing to grant a right-of-way to allow for a public bike trail.

For more information about Mineral County MT Rails to Trails, contact Diane Magone, Board Member, at 406-822-4429.