Land Bridge Purchase Will Provide Access to Public Lands

Beaverhead Trails Coalition has recently entered into an agreement to purchase 40 acres of land. The land connects to the North side of the High Trails property. It would provide a land bridge to access public BLM lands all the way to the Pioneers, including the Birch Creek area. From the beginning BTC has had a goal of connecting the High Trails with the BLM to the North and we are closer than ever to achieving that goal.

The High Trails system consists of over 1,100 acres of land with nearly 12 miles of trails. With easy access to the community of Dillon, MT, they provide a great way for people to get outside, go for a hike, and enjoy nature. The trails are seeing use from upwards of 50 persons a day and are often used for community events. For more information on our High Trails system please visit our website page.

We are excited for the opportunities this will provide recreation enthusiasts and it includes some excellent horseback riding possibilities!

We have recently applied for grant funding with Montana Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund (MWCTF) to help assist with the purchase. If you are interested in providing our organization with additional funding for this project, please email us at beaverheadtrails@gmaill.com.

United Way of Dillon Supports Cornell Park Improvements

Cornell Park, a longtime favorite of local Dillon residents, has recently been approved for United Way of Dillon grant funding. The funds will be used to complete arborist work which began Fall 2021. Many of the cottonwood trees were in need of pruning. Trees have been trimmed to promote healthy growth. Additionally, safety issues from dead and dying tree limbs have been mitigated.

Last Fall, BTC also received grant funding from the local chapter of the AARP. This funding has been used to create and design interpretive signs around the park. Keep a look out for these signs to be put up this Spring!

Future plans for Cornell Park are in the works. We are partnering with Fish, Widlife, and Parks, Kiwanis Club of Dillon, Beaverhead Watershed Committee, and Montana Trout Unlimited to develop the park as a future Fishing Access Site. “Proposed development at the site includes installing a gravel put-in boat ramp; creating walk-in access points along the river; restoring 325 feet of stream bank for improved habitat and shoreline stability; adding new picnic sites with tables and fire rings; replacing the latrine with a modern concrete vault latrine; and moving the parking area and approach to Park Street, a county road. The existing parking are and approach to Park Street would be reclaimed.” — Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks

For more information or to comment on the proposal please visit the FW&P site here.

https://fwp.mt.gov/homepage/news/2022/april/0401-fwp-seeks-comments-on-proposed-new-fishing-access-site-along-beaverhead-river

Owen Ditch Bridge Gets an Update

PIGTAIL TRAIL CONNECTOR AND OWEN DITCH BRIDGE

The Pigtail Trail is a walking and biking path on the west side of Dillon near the YMCA. The project was completed in October of 2016. Recently, Exterior Designs, a local painting and contracting company finished applying a fresh coat of stain. We are happy to see the bridge being maintained!

New Bench off of Tim's Ridge Trail

Volunteers installed a bench up off the bend on Tim's Ridge Trail. This can also be accessed by travelling up to the top of Pete's Gully and heading east on Tim's Ridge Trail. Please let us know how you like the views! Better yet...take a moment to thank Katherine Hoyland Barnett for her generous donation.

If you are interested in purchasing a bench as a form of donation please contact me via email at beaverheadtrails@gmail.com.

Caution…Wet Cement!

Meet BTC's new Executive Director: Breanne (Bre) Smith

Bre is a long-time member of the Dillon community where she and her husband plan to reside and continue raising their family.

Her background is in Psychological Science; she studied at MSU, where she earned her Master of Science, with interest in developmental psychology. Bre believes that nature-based play contributes to higher cognitive functioning. It cultivates empathy for the natural world and creates long-lasting personal connections to nature and animals alike. The benefits of exploring and experiencing nature and the outdoors benefit everyone across the entire lifespan.

Bre also teaches violin from her home and spends summers operating heavy equipment on wildland fire for the family business.

Her goal is to bring the opportunity of a nature-based education program to the community. Bre has three sons and one daughter aged 2 months to 14 years, one dog, and two cats! In their free time, Bre and her family love to go camping and explore the wilderness.

BTC is hiring

The BTC is seeking a new Executive Director! 

“The BTC is a local, grassroots coalition formed by people who share the vision of a community with easy access to trails, parks and programs that offer options and encouragement for walking, bicycling and other outdoor activities.”

This is a great opportunity to use your skills and energy to become actively involved in the Dillon community. The job involves facilitating all of BTC’s activities including creating and improving public trails and parks.

Applications will be accepted through May 28th or until the position is filled. 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.

Rate of pay and benefits:

Starting pay is $18/hour, on a 20 hours/week basis.
The position does not include benefits.

To apply:

If you are interested in this position, please send us an application by May 28th, 2021 or until position filled. Email to beaverheadtrails@gmail.com.

A successful application would include a detailed resume with your contact information and three references, and a cover letter explaining how well your abilities and interests fit the needs of the job, and how well the job fits your own needs.  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 it.

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

The Whys and How’s of Getting Your Family Into Nature More Often

Image via Unsplash

Playing inside might seem like a safe way to raise your youngsters, but too much of that could actually be hurting their well-being. In fact, there’s a term for what happens when we spend too much time inside: nature-deficit disorder. Here’s what you need to know about it, as well as how to ensure your family doesn’t fall into this seemingly safe lifestyle-trap.

Damaging Nature-Deficit Disorder

The Disconnection Between Humans and Nature

Kids Who Spend More Time in Nature Become Happier Adults

Just Two Hours in Nature Per Week Brings Health Benefits

Dig Into Daytime Family Fun

Visit Beaverhead Trails for a Great Family Hike

20 Outdoor Games for the Most Fun Backyard Ever

7 Mind-Blowing Backyard Science Experiments for Kids

4 Simple Picnic Ideas for Families

Don’t Stop When the Sun Sets

How to Plan a Fun Backyard Family Camping Adventure

Low Light, High Adventure: Night Hiking with Kids

15 Classical Fun Family Activities Around the Campfire

Want to play it safe with your kids? Get them into nature! Look for daytime and nighttime fun, and you can make memories while protecting the health of yourself and your children.