Great turn out at the Public Meeting!

The BTC held a public meeting on Wednesday, September 13th. The meeting was at the Old Depot Theater, from 6:30 pm to 8 pm. It was well attended by the public and discussion encompassed the proposed trail on Noble Ave. This trail will run along Noble Ave, from Highway 41 to Skihi St. The proposed trail will be 1400 feet in length, divided into 4 segments for engineerings purposes. The cost of the project is estimated currently to $126,000 plus the cost of a protective fence/net along the segment near the golf course, protecting walkers/bikers from stray golf balls. A gravel trail is proposed instead of paved, as it will keep costs and maintenance down. Grant funding from the LOR Foundation and United Way will pay for the pre-engineering costs, and then the BTC plans to apply to Fish Wildlife and Parks for a grant of $90,000. If we do not get this grant, we will aim next for a $45,000 grant. This trail would provide much needed connectivity between the two parts of town. 

BTC is now a Non-profit partner with 1% for the Planet

1% for The Planet is a global network of businesses, non-profits and individuals, working together for a healthy planet.  As a global organization that connects dollars and doers to accelerate smart environmental giving, they recognize that the current level of environmental giving - only 3% of total philanthropy - is not enough to solve the most pressing issues facing our planet.

Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, members have given more than $150 million to environmental nonprofits to date. Today, 1% for the Planet is a network of more than 1,200 member businesses, a new and expanding core of more than 120 individual members, and thousands of nonprofit partners in more than 40 countries. 

The foundation of the 1% for the Planet network is the member-nonprofit partnership.  Business and individual members engage directly with approved nonprofit partners, providing financial donations, volunteer time, in-kind donations, and other shared-value collaborations. Thriving partnerships help deliver longer-term support and greater impact.  Inclusion in the network is currently free for nonprofit partners.

As an approved nonprofit partner, donations made directly towards BTC would also count towards any member's 1% commitment.

Click this link to go to their website: 1% for the Planet

Click this link to see our profile page: Beaverhead Trails Coalition

BTC is Montana Rural Health Initiative's Profile of the week!

The Montana Rural Health Initiative's mission is to create a dynamic network linking prevention and community-based wellness programs throughout Montana to stimulate a higher level of wellness across the state. They have chosen the Beaverhead Trails Coalition to be a part of their initiative, helping those in Montana to know about our mission. This week they have chosen BTC to be the profile of the week! Go to their MHRI's website to see full profile, as well as check out other organizations in the area with the same mission of health. Click here to view the BTC profile on their page!

Thank you Montana Youth Challenge Cadets!

A huge thank you goes out to the Montana Youth Challenge Cadets! We had 40 cadets help pull noxious weeds on our high trails system, at the Dillon Town Overlook trails on Saturday morning, August 26th, 2017. They, along with BTC members, volunteered to help remove noxious weeds in the area. These weeds threaten to take over our healthy native plants, and ruin the amazing natural beauty in the area. Their efforts filled 2 truck beds full of weeds. Thank you, MYC! 

Thank you Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust!

Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust recently awarded the BTC $50,000 in grant monies to be put towards the Phase III land acquisition project. Our goal is to acquire the last 327 acres in our high trails project, which will end in over 1,100 acres of private land to be used freely by the public for non-motorized use, and land conservation efforts. This project creates trails for the public close to town, and encourages outdoor activity for all ages. To date we have acquired over 750 acres which are already in use. The total cost for Phase III is $180,000, and this recent award helps to jump start the effort. To learn more about the project, click here. To donate, click here. Thank you all for your letters of support! 

New Trail Junction Markers added!

A huge "Thank You!" to local artist Cathy Weber. She not only created the beautiful, hand painted trail junction markers, she installed them herself too! Take a hike up to the high trails and check them out! We are working on new maps with these markers to help trail users find their way across the land. As we work on our last 327 acres, consider donating to the project! 

Seeking Executive Director!

The BTC is looking for a new Executive Director! This is a great opportunity to use your skills and energy to become actively involved in the Dillon community. Applications will be accepted through August 21.Below is an overview of what the position entails, as well as instructions on how to apply. Any questions, please email us at beaverheadtrails@gmail.com.  Click JOB DESCRIPTION for more details such as hours, compensation, and qualifications. 

To apply:

If you are interested in this position, please send us an application by August 21, 2017 or until position filled. Mail to PO Box 586, Dillon or email to beaverheadtrails@gmail.com.

The application should be 1-3 pages in length. We are looking mostly for “fit” – how well your abilities and interests fit the needs of the job, and how well the job fits your own needs. Tell us in your own words why the fit would be good. We are interested in your skills, interests, personal loves and special talents; your recent job history; your roots and connections in Dillon. If there’s something you’re especially proud of, not necessarily job-related, tell us about that. We are biased toward somebody with a history of success and lots of energy. If you can think of any times when you brought together people of different viewpoints, or found common ground with people different from yourself, those stories would count for a lot in this particular job. 

Please attach a resume. Include your address, phone number, email and/or other contact information. 

Please list 3 references and their contact information.

If you have questions, please feel free to  beaverheadtrails@gmail.com.

 

Wonderful Weed Pull!

Thank you to all who came out to our Weed Pull Day! It was a productive morning, spraying and pulling noxious and invasive weeds on the High Trails area. Thank you to the BLM for providing the spray and spray packs. We hope to do another large weed pull in August, stay posted for date and time details! Until then, enjoy the pics of some great weed pull action! 

One amazing project, 3 moving parts

We have recently begun work on an amazing project, and would love your help! We want to help the community of Dillon be more connected as a whole, and connect easier with a precious resource: WATER.

We plan to:

• build a public park at Laknar Lane/Selway Drive
• begin to implement a safe crossing across Highway 41 at Laknar
• put into motion a trail connecting Laknar Lane to Skihi through Noble St.

We have recently received generous grant funding from the LOR Foundation in support of this project. To learn more about the LOR Foundation, visit their website, or their Facebook page. 

If you are interested in helping out, please contact us through Facebook, or our website and let us know!! To learn more specifics on each project, go to Laknar/Selway Public Park, and Trails Connectivity. 

Thank you Patagonia Outlet!!!

Patagonia Outlet of Dillon put on a Worn Wear fundraiser for the BTC! They offered a great deal to the public, helped repair any worn wear, and new wear, and helped raise over $3,000 for the BTC! Thank you Patagonia!