Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan

July 2018 Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan

July 2018

Students learn about Tree Circus at Sculpture in the Wild, photo by Caleb Fey Cover photo: The Blackfoot River, photo by Chris Gibisch

The Trust for Public Land Blackfoot Challenge 1007 East Main St., Suite 300 405 Main St. Bozeman, MT 59715 Ovando, MT 59854 406-522-7450 406-793-3900 tpl.org blackfootchallenge.org

2 Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan Table of Contents

4 Preface 5 Introduction Lincoln, Montana Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan Trail Benefits 8 Purpose Vision Statement 9 Public Input Envision Lincoln 2018 Survey 2018 Workshops 11 Proposed Trails Types of Trails Field Verification Trail Prioritization Highway 200 Pedestrian Crossings 15 Implementation Trail Development Constraints Education Funding 18 Action Plan 21 Conclusion

24 Appendix 1. Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan Participants 26 Appendix 2. Summary of the 2018 Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan Community Survey 31 Appendix 3. Funding for Trails

Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan 3 1. Preface

Acknowledgments Project Partners

The Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan (Trails Plan) The Trust for Public Land is a national non- was made possible with generous support from profit organization dedicated to creating parks the LOR Foundation, Blackfoot Challenge, and and protecting land for people, ensuring healthy, The Trust for Public Land. More than a hundred livable communities for generations to come. people participated in the Lincoln community trail survey. In addition, more than 25 people Blackfoot Challenge coordinates efforts that committed their valuable time to Trails Plan conserve and enhance natural resources and the workshops, and 15 provided local knowledge rural way of life in the Blackfoot watershed for and expertise to the trails plan steering commit- present and future generations. tee. Twelve people volunteered to participate in the trail verification process. The names of those who participated in the workshops and the steer- Project Staff ing committee are shown in Appendix 1 (Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan Participants). We appreciate Amy McNamara, The Trust for Public Land the time, energy, resources, and passion that part- Karyn Good, Blackfoot Challenge ners, community members, and the LOR Founda- Chrissy Pepino, The Trust for Public Land tion contributed to make this in-town trails plan possible.

Project Team This Trails Plan was prepared by The Trust for Public Land in partnership with the Blackfoot Challenge.

4 Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan 2. Introduction

“What makes a trail is the journey, Lincoln In-Town whether it’s on dirt, through a railroad tunnel, over a boardwalk, or along Trails Plan a scenic waterway. Trails in all their Between October 2017 and 2018, Lincoln variety connect us to our world, our brought community leaders and residents togeth- history, and our heritage of wild places.” er to set a solid foundation for collaboration. Lin- —Stuart MacDonald, American Trails Magazine (2008) coln’s community leaders guided a process called Envision Lincoln that was designed to build on Lincoln, Montana Lincoln’s existing efforts and accomplishments and invite all residents to participate and share Lincoln, Montana is a town of approxi- their perspectives. Envision Lincoln developed an mately 900 people that is surrounded by incredi- overarching vision to guide a collaborative effort ble scenic beauty and located within a 90-minute that would help attract families to Lincoln and re- drive to three major Montana cities: Helena, tain them, spur economic opportunities, and keep Missoula, and Great Falls. Located just west of what makes Lincoln a special place to live. the Continental Divide and halfway between Together, Lincoln residents worked to devel- Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, Lincoln op the following vision for this effort and their is bordered by the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat community: Wilderness areas to the north and the celebrated Blackfoot River to the south. Lincoln is a community with a small-town Residents and visitors enjoy outdoor activities atmosphere and unique natural environment all year round in Lincoln. These include but are that is working together to be a place that thrives not limited to hiking, snowmobiling, mountain economically and culturally and supports the well- biking, fly fishing, hunting, and wildlife watch- being of its residents. ing. The Lincoln Ranger District of the Hele- Moving forward, Envision Lincoln will be na-Lewis and Clark National Forest “hugs” Lin- implemented by the Envision Lincoln Core Team coln and offers many amenities, including trails. as well as the Economy, Natural Environment, Trail opportunities within the town of Lincoln, and Health and Well-Being action teams. All three however, have been limited. Blackfoot Pathways: action teams recognized that trails can contribute Sculpture in the Wild provides trails within the toward a prosperous future for Lincoln and its park to walk between sculptures, and the new residents. As such, the community identified de- Blackfoot River Community Park has a short path veloping an in-town trails plan as an implementa- from the parking lot to the river. Also, the com- tion priority. munity has used the borrow pit along Highway In April 2018 the Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan 200 as a multiuse trail for decades. Steering Committee (steering committee) was created. The steering committee is made up of Envision Lincoln participants, residents, Lincoln stakeholders, and state and federal agencies. Blackfoot Challenge and The Trust for Public Land worked with the steering committee to solicit community input and convene workshops

Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan 5 to develop this Trails Plan. Using grant funding 5. Trails support active lifestyles to improve (from the LOR Foundation) and financial support health and reduce stress. from local groups, the project partners complet- 6. Trails help people access open space, and help ed the Trails Plan, which prioritizes potential showcase culturally and ecologically signifi- new trails based on community input. While cant areas. this final report lays out a set of Priority I trails 7. Trails can be designed to make it safer to walk for development, this plan should be considered and bike between community assets such a living document. Envision Lincoln and other as schools, libraries, parks, and downtown local groups should revisit priority-setting and businesses. implementation goals frequently as development patterns, community priorities, and funding op- 8. Trails help build a strong sense of community. portunities change over time. 9. Trails increase the opportunities for walking, Based on input from the community survey bicycling, and active transportation and com- and from the steering committee, the Trails Plan muting. focuses primarily on nonmotorized trails and on- 10. Trails provide meaningful opportunities to road bike and walk lanes. Lincoln has more than connect to the outdoors. 250 miles of snowmobile trails on adjacent Nation- al Forest lands that are groomed by the Ponderosa Economic Benefits Snow Warriors. Also, the U.S. Forest Service’s By attracting tourists and providing recreational Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena-Lewis and opportunities for residents, trails can create jobs Clark National Forest completed a summer travel and spawn new businesses. Trail-seeking tourists plan in 2017 to address motorized and nonmotor- buy supplies, rent equipment, dine, and stay over ized use of the Lincoln Ranger District. in trailhead communities. Property values can be enhanced with new, accessible trail amenities. Destination trails attract visitors whose spend- Trail Benefits ing has ripple effects throughout the local areas Many factors motivate communities to surrounding the trails. Trails that attract visitors plan and develop trails. Trails can make a com- for overnight stays are particularly beneficial, as munity more attractive to tourists, prospective are trails that are directly linked to towns by spur employers, and potential future residents. A well- trails or shuttles. planned trail system creates a safer and more For example, in Wyoming, Teton County’s livable community and can be a tool to preserve trail system attracts tens of thousands annually. green space and provide access to public places Significant tourism dollars are generated by the and waterways. Trails can also encourage resi- trails’ attractions. An investment of $1.7 million dents to be healthier and more active. Trails can has been made in the county’s trail system in the provide the following benefits: past decade. Nearly $18 million flowed into the 1. Trails support the local economy through tour- community in 2010 alone as a direct result of the ism and civic improvement. Teton County trail system—an enormous economic return on the initial investment. Similarly, 2. Trails strengthen the historic and cultural fab- in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, the cost of pub- ric of local communities. lic investments in trails has been far outstripped 3. Trails increase property values. by the economic contributions of visitors to the 4. Trails can provide opportunities for physical local economy. Recreation-focused visitors who activity for a wide range of people, including later become residents and business owners can those with disabilities, children, youth, and also play a big role in growing local economies. seniors.

6 Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan Well-designed trail systems can also increase increases in self-esteem and mental well-being property values. Studies in San Antonio and after participants exercised outdoors. Austin, Texas; southwestern Ohio; New Castle Increasing fitness from trail use can lead to County, Delaware; Methow Valley, Washington; savings in health care costs. Although the exact and Indianapolis, Indiana, have found increases trail-related savings can be difficult to calculate, in property values of 6 percent to 20 percent as a researchers have found that health care savings result of nearby trails. far outweigh the costs of developing trails. Using data from the National Medical Expenditure Health Benefits Survey, one Nebraska study determined that Trails can play a big role in improving communi- for every $1 spent on trails, there was almost $3 ty health by providing attractive and convenient in savings in direct medical costs. Once people opportunities for physical fitness—including began using local trails, they found their over- safer recreational and commuting routes for all physical activity increased. Easy access and pedestrians and cyclists. Studies have shown connectivity to neighborhoods, parks, or commer- that increases in physical activity related to trails cial areas play an important part in encouraging are most significant in rural places with narrow people to use trails. A Massachusetts study found road shoulders and limited park resources—and that among 363 adults studied, the likelihood of among people at the greatest risk of low physical using a suburban rail-trail decreased by 42 per- fitness, including low-income families and senior cent for every 0.25-mile increase in distance from citizens. A study in West Virginia showed 60 per- home to the trail. A similar Minneapolis study cent of trail users reporting more regular exercise also found sharp declines in trail use among since beginning to use trails. In the United King- bicyclists who had to travel 1.5 miles or farther to dom, numerous studies have shown significant access the trail.

Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan 7 3. Purpose

The purpose of the Trails Plan is to (1) cre- Vision Statement ate a vision; (2) determine community priorities Lincoln envisions pleasant walking and for new trails; (3) identify general locations and biking trails that are well designed and educational desired routes for trails; (4) serve as a guide to for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities. The help evaluate and develop trails; and (5) develop system’s goals include safely connecting community strategies for implementing the plan. assets while respecting private landowners and main- The plan is not a means to acquire land taining natural values of the land. through eminent domain. However, the plan can help identify priorities and suggest trail routes and extensions as developers or planners lay out new roads and neighborhoods. It is also not meant to be set in stone. The plan should be considered always “under construction” as new funding sources and trail priorities arise. Finally, trail locations and desired routes are general. The document will be used as a guide to help evaluate and develop trails and serve as a jumping-off point for more in-depth studies or plans. The following vision was finalized by the steering committee using input from a community workshop and the trails survey.

8 Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan 4. Public Input

More than a hundred people participated 2018 Survey in the Lincoln community trail survey. In addition, In May 2018 the steering committee with the more than 25 individuals committed their time support of The Trust for Public Land developed to community workshops, and 15 provided local an online survey to assess community perspec- knowledge and expertise to the trails plan steering tives on trails. Approximately 100 people re- committee. Twelve of those participants volun- sponded to the survey. All questions and re- teered to partake in the trail verification process. sponses to the survey are available in Appendix 2 (Summary of the 2018 Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan Community Survey). Envision Lincoln Key Findings The Envision Lincoln process prioritized community trails as a leading strategy to bene- • Ninety-eight percent of survey participants fit the economy; support individual health and supported expanding the trail/pathway well-being; and promote the community’s natural system. environment, arts, and culture. Both the Economy • Survey participants are most likely to use and Natural Environment action teams included in-town trails for exercising, followed by strategies that pertained to creating and enhancing recreation and alternative transportation. in-town trails. The following strategies from En- • Participants identified (1) Sculpture in the vision Lincoln pertain to this plan: (1) develop an Wild, (2) downtown businesses, (3) Lincoln in-town trails plan that focuses on connecting com- School, (4) Lincoln Community River Park, munity assets, and (2) develop a natural history and (5) Hooper Park as community assets that educational trail as part of the in-town trails plan. should be prioritized to connect via trails. The Natural Environment team also committed to furthering the goals of nonmotorized and • Survey participants prioritized (1) creating motorized trail outcomes on the Lincoln Ranger new pathways within town to ensure safe District of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National places to walk and cycle (marked bike lanes Forest. While not a part of this plan, community and/or separated multiuse paths); (2) creating leaders and residents have expressed a desire to new trails that are accessible to users of connect in-town trails with trails on the Hele- all abilities, including users with mobility na-Lewis and Clark National Forest. This could restrictions and baby strollers; and (3) creating include connections to nearby hiking, moun- new dirt trails for walking. tain-biking, or ATV trailheads in the summer. Also, • While not part of this trails plan, 93 percent the Continental Divide Trail passes within miles of of people were in support of creating trail Lincoln’s downtown. In the winter, Lincoln enjoys connections between the town of Lincoln and the benefits of more than 250 miles of snowmobile the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest in trails on the national forest as well as cross-country the future. skiing opportunities in and outside of town.

Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan 9

2018 Workshops Three trail workshops were hosted over the course of the spring and summer of 2018. These workshops invited community members to create a trails vision, identify new trails, identify solutions to perceived constraints, develop education priorities for the trail system, and prioritize trails.

10 Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan 5. Proposed Trails

The Lincoln In-town Trails Plan Steering • Natural surface trails: Natural surface trails Steering Committee and community workshop can be as simple as a mineral soil, mulched, or participants emphasize the need to respect the graveled pathway, or as developed as elevated rights of private property owners as central to or raised boardwalks and bridges. any trail-planning effort. The trails proposed in Note: The descriptions for the following three types of this plan represent general trail corridors and not trails come from the Small Town and Rural Multi- specific trail alignments. Specific alignments will modal Networks report by the U.S. Department of always be negotiated with the appropriate land- Transportation Federal Highway Administration.1 owners—including public agencies. • Physically separated paved paths As noted previously, Lincoln’s existing in- The following are two types of paved paths that town trails infrastructure is limited. Within this provide physical separation from motorized traffic: plan’s study area boundaries, Lincoln has 3.7 miles of existing trails. The existing trails are º Shared-use path: A shared-use shown on Figure 1 in solid lines. This Trails Plan path provides a travel area separate proposes to increase this number by almost 250 from motorized traffic for bicyclists, percent by adding approximately 9.4 miles of pedestrians, skaters, wheelchair users, trails (11 trails or trail segments). This is an ambi- joggers, and other users. These facilities tious long-term vision for a small community that are often located in parks, along rivers, is starting with such limited trail infrastructure. and in greenbelts or utility corridors All of the proposed trails are shown on Figure where there are few conflicts with 1 in dashed lines. Approximately 50 percent of motorized vehicles. Shared-use paths these proposed trails, representing 4.7 miles, are can provide a low-stress experience for being highlighted as Priority I trails. a variety of users using the trail network for transportation or recreation. They are generally appropriate outside built-up areas and as a corridor connection within Types of Trails built-up areas. Providing a dedicated includes four types of pro- The trails plan facility for users of all ages and abilities, posed trails. While each trail segment has been shared-use paths support tourism through proposed as a certain type of trail, with further convenient access to natural areas or as an planning, land managers, partners, and land- enjoyable recreational opportunity itself. owners may conclude that a different type of trail treatment is more appropriate. The following º Sidepath: A sidepath is a shared-use path types of trails are proposed in this plan: located immediately adjacent and parallel to a roadway. Unlike on-roadway facilities

1 U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, in heavy traffic environments, sidepaths Small Town and Rural Multimodal Networks. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ can offer a high-quality experience for environment/bicycle_pedestrian/publications/small_towns/fhwahep17024_ lg.pdf. The Small Town and Rural Multimodal Networks report is a resource users of all ages and abilities, allow for and idea book intended to help small towns and rural communities support safe, accessible, comfortable, and active travel for people of all ages reduced roadway crossing distances, and abilities. It provides a bridge between existing guidance on bicycle and maintain rural and small-town and pedestrian design and rural practice, encourages innovation in the development of safe and appealing networks for bicycling and walking in community character. small towns and rural areas, and shows examples of peer communities and project implementation that is appropriate for rural communities.

Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan 11 • Visually separated facilities when transitioning to a built-up area from The following are two types of visually separated a highway context. A wide solid line or facilities that Lincoln can consider as it implements buffer area separates the bike lane from its trails plan: the roadway. Dotted lines at crossings maintain a clear path for bicyclists. º Paved shoulders: Paved shoulders on the edge of roadways can be enhanced to • Mixed-traffic facilities or yield roads: A yield serve as a functional space for bicyclists roadway is designed to serve pedestrians, and pedestrians to travel in the absence of bicyclists, and motor vehicle traffic in the same other facilities with more separation. They slow-speed travel area. Yield roadways serve are appropriate on roads with moderate to bidirectional motor vehicle traffic without high volumes and speeds and on roadways lane markings in the roadway travel area. with a large amount of truck traffic. Paved Yield roadways can effectively serve local shoulders are appropriate outside and travel needs, maintain aesthetic preferences, within built-up areas, near school zones and are a common approach for low-volume, and transit locations, and where there is local rural roads. When operating at very low expected pedestrian and bicycle activity. volumes and at low speeds, pedestrians and Walkable shoulders should be provided bicyclists are comfortable walking and biking along both sides of county roads and within the travel area of the roadway. No highways routinely used by pedestrians. markings are necessary to implement a yield Wide solid white lines or buffer areas roadway, although signs are encouraged to enhance the visual separation; colored or warn road users of the special characteristics contrasting pavement can also be used to of the street. Appropriate signage could increase contrast between the shoulder and include (1) a pedestrian warning sign with the roadway. Recommended minimum- an on-roadway legend plaque and (2) a two- paved shoulder widths vary from five to way traffic warning sign to clarify two-way eight feet depending on traffic and speed operation of the road if any confusion exists. conditions. º Bike lane: Bike lanes designate an exclusive space for bicyclists through the Field Verification use of pavement markings and optional From May through June 2018, volun- signs. A bike lane is located directly teers helped field-verify, or “groundtruth,” 12 adjacent to motor vehicle travel lanes proposed trails segments. Trails were evaluated and follows the same direction as motor in segments designated by The Trust for Public vehicle traffic. A designated bike lane can Land’s planning team. provide a consistent area for bicyclists to The purpose of groundtruthing was to iden- travel outside the path of motor vehicles. tify “hot spots” (either positive or negative) Bike lanes are used in or between built- along each proposed trail segment corridor. Field up areas where increased bicycle activity verification volunteers filled out forms on which is present or expected. Bike lanes can they were asked to describe their segment; note support school access by bicycle when their groundtruthing approach (by foot, bicycle, configured as a wide bike lane on lower- car, or desktop analysis); check potential trail uses speed, lower-volume streets. They can (pedestrian, trail bike, road bike, all-ability access, serve as additional visual cues to drivers cross-county skiing); note whether the segment that they should expect bicyclists on the would share a road with cars and trucks; describe roadway. This can be particularly useful any special opportunities or notable impedi-

12 Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan ments; and determine (on a scale of 1 to 5) an • Community preference: priority connections overall score and scores for equity, viability, trail identified by survey and workshop feedback condition, and user experience. Because the trails • Health/equity: trails near important public plan is conceptual and not an alignment study, amenities or community assets; accessible by field verification was intended to provide a broad many, including people who don’t have a car; overview of each trail segment. These data were shade for people to rest then reviewed at the July 11, 2018 trails workshop • Viability: existing trail infrastructure to and by the steering committee to adjust the trails connect with or build from, appropriate for map and prioritize trails. One of the 12 field ver- proposed uses ified segments was deemed unviable and there- fore not included in the final trails plan. • User experience: pleasant views and other outdoor experiential considerations; traffic, noise, and safety considerations Trail Prioritization • Trail condition: cost required to create the Priority I trails were identified based on the envisioned trail, private land concerns, time expertise of the steering committee and work- frame required to achieve desired outcomes shop participants and proximity to parks and schools, accessibility, feasibility, and user expe- The following tables list the trail prioritization for rience. The list below includes some additional the Trails Plan. Please refer to Figure 1 to locate detail on the factors used in prioritizing trails: these trails on the map.

2 Table 1. Priority I proposed trails

Segment Trail Segment Potential Trail Uses Potential Partners Trail 3 Number Miles 3 Lambkin Park Path pedestrians, trail and Ponderosa Snow Warriors, 4th Street 0.8 road bikes, all ability homeowners, Lewis and Clark County, access Sculpture in the Wild Board

7 Blackfoot River pedestrians, skis private landowners, Five Valleys Land Trust, 1.8 Path U.S. Forest Service, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Montana Department of Transportation

8 Downtown to the pedestrian, trail and Lewis and Clark County, Five Valleys Land 0.6 Lincoln Community road bikes Trust, NorthWestern Energy and/or Lincoln River Park Telephone Company, property owners along Stemple Pass Road

9 South of Town Safe pedestrian, trail and landowners along the route, Lincoln School, 1.5 Route to School road bike Lincoln Library, Lincoln Senior Center, Lincoln Parks Board

2 Proposed trail locations are approximations based on community suggestions. Trail viability will depend on many factors, including willing landowners. 3 Trail lengths in this and Table 2 are approximate.

Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan 13 Table 2. Additional proposed trails

Segment Trail Segment Potential Trail Uses Potential Partners Trail Number Miles 1 Parker Medical Trail pedestrian, trail and Parker Medical Center, Lincoln Senior Center, 0.3 road bike, all ability Montana Department of Transportation access

2 Main Street Bike/ pedestrian, trail and Montana Department of Transportation, 1.0 Walk Lanes road bike, all ability Chamber of Commerce, Main Street businesses, access Lewis and Clark County Commission

4 Lambkin Park to pedestrian, trail and Lincoln School, Lincoln Parks Board, Ponderosa 0.2 Lincoln School and road bike, all ability Snow Warriors, Lincoln Senior Center, Lincoln Hooper Park access Library

5 Sucker Creek Road pedestrian, trail and private landowners, Sculpture in the Wild 1.1 to North Airport road bike, all ability Board, Montana Department of Natural Drive access Resources and Conservation, Five Valleys Land Trust

6 Forest Path pedestrians, skis U.S. Forest Service, Sculpture in the Wild Board, 1.0 Lincoln School

10 Parks to the River pedestrian, trail bike private landowners, Northwestern Energy, 0.5 Connector Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

11 Hooper Park to pedestrians, trail bike private landowners, U.S. Forest Service, Lincoln 0.6 Forest Service Path Parks Board

Highway 200 Pedestrian Crossings The Trails Plan identifies four areas where the proposed trails cross Highway 200. These areas will lead to increased safety hazards as pedestrian and bike use increases in Lincoln. Crosswalks, traffic calming measures, and other actions should be explored with Montana De- partment of Transportation to insure the safety of individuals using Lincoln’s trail system, Lin- coln residents and visitors moving around Lin- coln’s downtown core for day-to-day activities, and those driving on Highway 200. The four locations are identified on Figure 1 as proposed crosswalks.

14 Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan 6. Implementation

This section provides an overview of the connections. Coordination with Montana challenges for implementing the Trails Plan, de- Department of Transportation and Lewis and tails on potential funding sources for local trails, Clark County Road and Bridge Department and an outline of the education opportunities for is necessary to discuss coordinating the the trails system. As noted previously, this Trails community’s priorities as expressed in the Plan will always be “under construction.” Over Trails Plan. State and county road schedules time, more work with neighborhoods, landown- are set years in advance. ers, land managers, and other partners will be • Landownership—Private Land: One of the needed. major hurdles in developing trails is securing The current action plan developed by the ownership or access rights for trail rights-of- steering committee is included in Section 7 (Ac- way. Private landowners may have concerns tion Plan). about trespass, trash and vandalism, and potential legal liability for injuries to trail users. As a result, it can be complicated and Trail Development expensive to secure access rights or acquire trail easements. Communication upfront about Constraints these concerns, clear signage, and building on May 9, 2018, At the first workshop initial trails in public areas can develop models participants focused on identifying the major for private landowners to see in use. constraints for developing the Trails Plan. These constraints are described below. • Landownership—Public Land: On public lands, it can be difficult to coordinate with • Coordination: Strong coordination is needed agencies to get approval for trails. Both state to advance the Trails Plan. The Lincoln In- and federal agencies often have limited staff Town Trails Steering Committee was an capacity to dedicate to planning for new trails ad hoc committee that came together to and limited budgets for trail maintenance. The develop and steer this plan’s creation. This federal planning process can be slow; formally committee was dissolved on July 23, 2018 designated trails must go through the public and a new committee, The Lincoln Valley review process required under the National Trails Committee was formed. This group Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). will have to coordinate and communicate with the community as well as with partners, • Wayfinding: Signage and maps will be helpful agencies, and landowners as it moves into assets as Lincoln moves forward. Investing implementation. As the names suggests, this in both can help community members and committee will implement the Trails Plan and visitors take advantage of existing trail work to coordinate trail efforts in other parts infrastructure and increase support for future of the valley to ensure long-term connectivity investments. Branding a trail system with a of trails in the town of Lincoln and the Lincoln name and a logo using a creative placemaking Valley. approach can engage more community members, build community pride, and • Physical Constraints: There are many increase participation from the arts community narrow roads in the community, which can in the trail program. make it difficult to add bike lanes and trail

Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan 15 • Cost: The costs involved in trail development priorities, limited capacity of trail advocates, include access rights/trail easement environmental and permitting requirements, acquisition; building costs (design/ geophysical constraints (terrain, steepness, engineering, grading/contouring, surfacing waterways), sensitive habitat, and cultural [dirt, gravel, asphalt, concrete], bridges, resource considerations. amenities [benches, bathrooms, trailheads, parking lots, drinking fountains], and signage); and maintenance costs (repairs, trash removal). Education A review of recent trail studies indicates a very The Trails Plan vision prioritizes education wide range of costs for trails—from $1,000 to as a component of the Lincoln trails. Education $1.2 million per mile—depending on location, on the trails can serve several goals. Education trail type, and labor used. Dirt trails typically can (1) help trail users learn about the Lincoln cost $1,000 to $50,000 per mile; gravel from area, history, and its natural environment, (2) $80,000 to $1 million per mile; and paved trails increase stewardship of the trails, and (3) increase from $150,000 to $1.2 million per mile. interest in the trails from area visitors. • Other Challenges: Other challenges to At the June 4, 2018 workshop, participants expanding trails may include political identified the education opportunities outlined in and community resistance, competing Table 3.

Table 3. Potential education opportunities on trail segments

Segment Number Segment Name Education Opportunities 1 Parker Medical Trail Biography of Dr. Smith

3 Lambkin Park Path snowmobiling and snow sports information and education

4 Lambkin Park to Lincoln School trail map and kiosk in Hooper Park and Hooper Park

5 Sucker Creek Road to North wildlife and birds, history of ranching in the Upper Blackfoot Airport Drive

6 Forest Path fire-adapted ecosystems information, cavity dwellers in ponderosa pines

7 Blackfoot River Path animals, plants, and flora; Native American history; Road to the Buffalo; history of Meriwether Lewis and the Blackfoot River; history of backcountry airstrips, aquifer along the river

8 Downtown to the Lincoln river and willow bottoms, leave no trace, Native American Community River Park history

N/A not-tied to a specific trail trumpeter swan reintroduction program, Lincoln history of mining, Continental Divide Trail, history of Mixer Mill

16 Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan Photo by Chris Gibisch

opment, and land acquisition. These grants Funding can also help to encourage local investments. takes the sup- Funding trails typically Having an adopted comprehensive trails plan port of the business community, elected officials, is important for communities seeking grant government agencies, and community leaders. It funds. An adopted plan demonstrates that is crucial to educate trail users and the communi- the community is sufficiently organized and ty about the benefits of an improved trails system capable of administering grant funds and has (outlined in Section 2 [Introduction]). a vision of its future trails system. Successful There are a wide variety of potential fund- grant applications also need to show inter-juris- ing sources for Lincoln trails, including state dictional cooperation between organizations at and federal funding, local and regional fund- all levels of government and the private sector. ing, and funding from nongovernmental orga- More detailed discussion of funding options is nizations. Federal, state, and private grants can included in Appendix 3 (Funding for Trails). help communities with trails planning, devel-

Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan 17 7. Action Plan

The Action Plan for the Trails Plan was finalized by the steering committee on July 23, 2018 (Table 4).

Table 4. Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan—Action Steps

Action Plan Component Implementing Entities Time Frame

A. Identify highest-priority trails

A.1 Prioritize Priority I trail segments based on public feedback Trails Plan Steering Committee July 2018 and trail verification data • Choose some “low-hanging fruit” to ensure early successes Note: This step is complete. Priority I trail segments were confirmed at the July 23, 2018 Trails Plan Steering Committee Meeting.

B. Create a governing structure to implement the Trails Plan

B.1 Determine best long-term structure to support plan Trails Plan Steering Committee July 2018 implementation Note: This step is complete. The Trails Plan Steering Committee’s work is done with the completion of this Trails Plan. A new committee, the Lincoln Valley Trails Committee, was established to implement this plan and connect these trails to other trail efforts in Lincoln Valley. Details about who will serve on this committee have yet to be determined.

B.2 Evaluate Trails Plan implementation annually. Lincoln Valley Trails October 2019, Committee ongoing annually

C. Develop a strong communications and outreach strategy

C.1 Create a sub-committee that focuses on outreach and Lincoln Valley Trails Fall 2018 and communication so that messaging is consistent and will Committee ongoing encourage support for a trail system in Lincoln

C.2 Build a strong communications and outreach action plan to Trails Communications Winter 2018 build public support. Outline specific steps to take: who, what, Sub-Committee when, where, how For example, plan should include: • Key partners (Chamber of Commerce, business community, landowners) • Types of outreach (web-based marketing, trail signage, branding for Trails Plan, Facebook page) • Outreach to state and county representatives • Contributions from local businesses, partners, or other civic groups; crowd funding

18 Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan Action Plan Component Implementing Entities Time Frame C.3 Create maps and charts for tracking progress, and make Lincoln Valley Trails Ongoing that data easily accessible to the public Committee • Focus on creating more general information about trails easily available, including existing trails

C.4 Host events and fundraisers to increase public awareness of Lincoln Valley Trails First events in 2018, the Trails Plan and to raise funds for specific trails Committee ongoing • Host annual fall party after trail-building season to celebrate accomplishments

D. Incorporate Trails Plan into county planning documents and future state highway projects

D.1 Create a subgroup within the Lincoln Valley Trails Lincoln Valley Trails August 2018 Committee to coordinate plan adoption by the county and Committee coordination with Montana Department of Transportation

D.2 Facilitate adoption of the Trails Plan by the Lewis and Trails Plan Adoption Committee, Fall 2018 County Parks Department Lewis and Clark County

D.3 Develop and implement regional best-practice standards Lincoln Valley Trails ongoing for trail and pathway development to ensure proper design of Committee new trails and pathways and reduce future maintenance needs and costs; work to ensure easy and safe access to trails

D.4 Work to ensure that all jurisdictions are coordinating their Lincoln Valley Trails initial meetings trail and pathway plans, and that future highway and road Committee, Montana Fall 2018, ongoing projects in the region are consistent with this Trails Plan Department of Transportation, coordination Lewis and Clark County Department of Roads and Bridges

D.5 Engage federal and state land management partners in Lincoln Valley Trails ongoing ongoing implementation of Trails Plan Committee, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, U.S. Forest Service

E. Identify champions for each priority trail to facilitate implementation

E.1 Identify individuals or groups (trail champions) who will Lincoln Valley Trails Fall 2018, ongoing take the lead on implementing each Priority I trail Committee

E.2 Create a checklist/basic framework for the elements that trail Lincoln Valley Trails Fall 2018 champions need to address in developing implementation plans Committee

E.3 Champions should create a clear plan for implementation trail champions ongoing that includes: • Funding sources, tools and equipment needed, workers, agency personnel who are involved • Strategy for getting landowner permission early • Budgets and timelines for each specific trail segment

Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan 19 Action Plan Component Implementing Entities Time Frame

F. Identify and pursue traditional and nontraditional funding sources to implement the Trails Plan

F.1 Establish a finance committee to oversee research on Lincoln Valley Trails Fall 2018 funding options Committee • Need to be ready to take advantage of funding when it is available

F.2 Identify funding sources and create clearinghouse for Trail Finance Committee Winter 2019, ongoing funding options

F.3 Work with county and partners on grant applications and Trail Finance Committee, trail ongoing raising funds champions • Coordinate on Montana Recreational Trails Program funding applications

F.4 Work on developing a Lincoln strategy to fund ongoing trail Lincoln Valley Trails maintenance Committee

20 Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan 8. Conclusion

Lincoln’s spectacular beauty and or including pathways as part of a subdivision unique recreational resources provide tremen- design. In the eyes of potential funders, the dous quality of life for residents and visitors. The Trails Plan should also serve as substantial evi- Trails Plan is intended to help guide coordinated dence of the community’s interest in and capaci- development of priority trails in the community. ty for trail development. The Trails Plan will serve as an organizing With continued help from the community’s document for Lincoln and the Lincoln Valley energetic outdoor enthusiasts, the Trails Plan Trails Committee and the other groups working will help maintain and enhance exceptional local on trail development. The Trails Plan should be quality of life by increasing opportunities to use factored in when road projects and development trails for recreation, health and fitness, commut- projects are being considered; this could mean ing safely, and connecting to the outdoors for setting aside adequate rights-of-way to accom- many years to come. modate trails when roads are being constructed

Enjoying the Lincoln Community River Park, photo by Five Valleys Land Trust staff

Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan 21 Proposed trail locations are approximations based on community suggestions. Trail viability will depend on many factors, including willing landowners.

Figure 1. Proposed trails and trail segments

Segment Trail Segment Trail Miles*

Number Blackfoot Pathways: = (!5 Sculpture 1 Parker Medical Trail 0.3 Lambkins Park (!3 p r o p o s e d r o u t e k in the Wild = k k Lincoln (!6 2 Main Street Bike/Walk 1.0 Airport (!4 Lincoln Lanes k Forest Service

Downtown kK-12 = District Office Lincoln School 3 Lambkin Park Path 0.8 (!2 k 11 k (!1 (! t e Parker r o u Hooper Park o s e d Medical LINCOLN k p r o p 4 Lambkin Park to Lincoln 0.2 Center !9 = School and Hooper Park (!8 (!10

5 Sucker Creek Road to 1.1 North Airport Drive

(!9 (!7 (!7 (!9 o = 6 Forest Path 1.0 r u t d e s e o 7 Blackfoot River Path 1.8 p o r k p = 8 Downtown to the Lincoln 0.6 Lincoln Community River Park Community River Park 9 South of Town Safe Route 1.5 to School

10 Parks to the River 0.5 Connector

11 Hooper Park to Forest 0.6 Service Path

*Trail lengths are approximate

0 0.25 0.5 Miles ±

k Identified asset Snowmobile Crosswalk US Forest Service land Study area Natural surface Existing Montana State Trust land !9 Campground Proposed trails Proposed County park Proposed trails Swamp or marsh Yield road Freeway or highway Other County land Waterbody Visually separated bike/walk Local road Other protected or public land* L I N C O L N T R A I L P L A N , M O N TA N A Existing trails Physically separated paved Service or other minor road Private land July 30, 2018. Copyright © The Trust for Public Land. The Trust for Public Land and The Trust for Public Land logo are federally registered marks Multi-use Natural surface USFS administrative boundary *Does not include conservation easements of The Trust for Public Land. Information on this map is provided for purposes of discussion and visualization only. www.tpl.org or other private conservation lands.

22 Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan Proposed trail locations are approximations based on community suggestions. Trail viability will depend on many factors,

including willing landowners. Blackfoot Pathways: = (!5 Sculpture Lambkins Park (!3 p r o p o s e d r o u t e k in the Wild = k k Lincoln (!6 Airport (!4 Lincoln k Forest Service

Downtown kK-12 = District Office Lincoln School (!2 k 11 k (!1 (! t e Parker r o u Hooper Park o s e d Medical LINCOLN k p r o p Center !9 = (!8 (!10

(!9 (!7 (!7 (!9 o = r u t d e s e o p o r k p = Lincoln Community River Park

0 0.25 0.5 Miles ±

Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan 23 Appendix 1. Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan Participants

Table 5. Lincoln Trails Plan Steering Committee

Becky Garland, business owner Josh Lattin, U.S. Forest Service Lincoln Ranger District

Bill Cyr, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Joyce Ferguson, resident Conservation

Bob Frank-Plumlee, resident Karyn Good, Blackfoot Challenge

Connie McCafferty, Lincoln Bible Church Michael Stansberry, U.S. Forest Service Lincoln Ranger District

Erin Dey, Blackfoot Valley Dispatch and Lincoln Chamber Paul Roos, Sculpture in the Wild of Commerce

Ernie Lundberg, resident and Lincoln Parks Board Ron Zarr, Community Council and Ponderosa Snow Warriors

Gary Moseman, resident (committee chair) Ryan Chapin, Five Valleys Land Trust

Jordan Reeves, The Wilderness Society

24 Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan Table 6. Trails Plan Workshop Attendees

Amy McNamara, The Trust for Public Land Josh Lattin, U.S. Forest Service Lincoln Ranger District

Becky Garland, business owner Joyce Ferguson, resident

Bill Cyr, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Karen Frank-Plumlee, resident Conservation

Billy Saylor, resident Karyn Good, Blackfoot Challenge

Bob Frank-Plumlee, resident Laurie Richards, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and business owner

Chris Owen, resident Michael Stansberry, U.S. Forest Service Lincoln Ranger District

Chrissy Pepino, The Trust for Public Land Pat McElgunn, resident

Debbie Sayler, resident Paul Roos, Sculpture in the Wild

Dick Birkholz, Sportsman Hotel Renee Lundberg, resident

Erin Dey, Blackfoot Valley Dispatch and Lincoln Chamber of Roger Dey, Blackfoot Valley Dispatch and Upper Blackfoot Commerce Valley Historical Society

Ernie Lundberg, resident and Lincoln Parks Board Ryan Chapin, Five Valleys Land Trust

Frank Malek, resident with ATV trails interest Sharon McElgunn, resident

Gary Moseman, resident Terry Spath, resident

Jerry Cain, Smiling Gulch Ranch, Lincoln Airport, and Wanda Owen, resident Lincoln Hospital District

Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan 25 Appendix 2. Summary of the 2018 Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan Community Survey

1. Summary of Respondents 3. Detailed Survey Results • In total, 104 people participated in the com- Q. 1. What forms of transportation do you munity survey. Survey participants were not currently use to get around town? Check all required to complete all survey questions. The that apply. number of respondents is listed by question. Of the 103 responses, the primary mode of trans- • Of the 84 responses, nearly 60 percent of par- portation is driving, followed by walking, biking, ticipants were female. ATV, and other. Other includes horseback riding, skateboarding, and golf cart. • Of the 84 responses, nearly 40 percent of participants had one or more children in their household. Table 7. Transportation Modes • Of the 83 responses, 15.6 percent of participants have a member of their household who Response Number Percent has a need for ADA accessible trails. Drive 94 91%

• Of the 84 responses, one-fifth of participants Walk 66 64% were under the age of 18. There was minimal representation from ages 18–34. One quarter of Bike 36 35% survey participants were 65 and over. ATV 28 27% • Of the 84 responses, 75 percent of participants lived in zip code 59639. Other 6 6%

2. Methods

The survey was available online from April 24 Q.2. Do you support expanding the trail/path- until May 29, 2018. The survey was announced on way system in the Lincoln Study Area? the Envision Lincoln Facebook page on April 29. Of the 104 responses, 98 percent of survey partici- It was shared with Lincoln residents through an pants support expanding the trail/pathway system. advertisement in the Blackfoot Daily Dispatch the week of May 2 and also referenced in an article about the Lincoln Trails Plan the week of May Table 8. Trail Expansion in Lincoln 16. Information kiosks about the Trails Plan with maps and details about upcoming meetings and Response Number Percent the online survey were placed in three locations Yes 102 98% around town: the post office, the bank, and the No 2 2% Lincoln School. Finally, information about the survey was emailed to all parents and teachers in the Lincoln School District and to people on the Envision Lincoln list, which has more than 125 names on it.

26 Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan Q. 3. What would you use in-town paths/trails Q. 4. Please select five (5) community assets in for? Check all that apply. the Lincoln Study Area that you would prioritize Of the 84 responses, survey participants are most for connecting paths or trails. likely to use in-town trails for exercising, followed Of the 84 responses, participants identified (1) by recreation and alternative transportation. Sculpture in the Wild, (2) downtown businesses, (3) Lincoln School, (4) Lincoln Community River Park, and (5) Hooper Park as community assets Table 9. Trail use that should be prioritized to connect via trails.

Response Number Percent Table 10. Community Assets Exercising 66 79%

Recreation 51 61% Response Weighted Total Sculpture in the Wild 31.2 Alternative 51 61% transportation Downtown businesses 26.8

Socializing 40 48% Lincoln School 26.4

Walking my dog 29 35% Lincoln Community River Park 22.4

Commuting to school 8 10% Hooper Park 22

Commuting to work 6 7% Lincoln Airport 6

Lincoln Post Office 5.9

4x4 Road 4.7

Lincoln Library 4.6

Lincoln Community Hall 4.4

U.S. Forest Service District Office 4.4

Lincoln Senior Center 3.8

Parker Medical Center 3.6

Lambkin Park 2.8

Lincoln Springs Subdivision 2.6

Other 1.6

Places of worship 1

Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan 27 Q. 5 Please select up to three (3) priorities for Q. 6. Please prioritize three (3) amenities you trails and path-related investments in the Lin- would like to see along an in-town path or trail. coln Study Area. Of the 82 responses, survey participants priori- Of the 84 responses, survey participants prioritized (1) benches, (2) wayfinding signs, and (3) tized (1) creating new pathways within town to nature education. ensure safe places to walk and cycle (marked bike lanes and/or separated multiuse paths); (2) cre- Table 12. Amenities ating new trails that are accessible to users of all abilities, including users with mobility restrictions Response Weighted and baby strollers; and (3) creating new dirt trails Total for walking. Benches 48

Table 11. Investments Wayfinding signs 33.8

Nature education 28.4 Response Weighted Total Art 17.1 Create new pathways within town to 57 ensure safe places to walk and cycle Mile-markers 16.5 (marked bike lanes and/or separated multiuse paths). Workout station 13.6

Create new trails that are accessible to 33 Bike repair station 7.7 users of all abilities, including users with mobility restrictions and baby strollers. Other 4.5

Create new dirt trails for walking. 23.9

Create new access points for water 19.3 activities. Q. 7. Within the Lincoln Study Area, please sug- Create new routes for ATVs. 16.6 gest up to two (2) corridors or neighborhoods where you would like to see trails or paths. Create new dirt trails for biking. 15.6 Please include details such as starting and end- Create new routes for snowmobiles. 9.4 ing points, and what type(s) of activities could take place on the trail. Create equestrian trails. 6.8 Of the 48 responses, survey participants provided Other 1.8 the following feedback on trail corridors. Not all participants provided two corridor suggestions. Eight responses were outside the study area, and an additional 5 responses were unrelated to trails (e.g., dog parks, splash parks) and thus outside the scope of work of this plan.

28 Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan Table 13. Trail Corridors

Trail Corridor Number of Sample Description with Activities Responses Main Street/Hwy 200 17 • Beaver Creek Road to town: nicer path for walking while pushing wheelchair or stroller • Hooper Park to Parker Medical Center: walking safely and biking • All of Main Street: safe walk path on both sides • Main Street: needs a decent trail for safe walking, biking, snowmobiling in the winter, cross-country skiing • Beaver Creek into town: ATV, bikes, hiking

River Trail 11 • Sculpture in the Wild to Lincoln Community River Park: biking and walking • River trail from Lincoln Community River Park to Hooper Park, then to the airport: walking, biking

Trail North of the Highway 11 • Downtown to Sculpture in the Wild: walking, biking • 1st Avenue North to Sleepy Hollow: walk, bike • Sucker Creek Road to Beaver Creek Road (from about 5th Street to Lambkin Park and westward): exercise, walking, running, biking, wildlife education, history education

Hooper Park to Lincoln 7 • A dirt trail for walking and biking to and from Hooper Park safely from Community River Park the dead end on D Street • Hooper Park to Lincoln Community River Park: walking, biking, skiing

Downtown to Lincoln 6 • North–South route to connect the north edge of town with the river for Community River Park walking and biking. Safe highway crossing would be nice. • Trail or marked lane on road/bridge to safely get from downtown across the river to the Lincoln Community River Park: walking, bikes, all access for strollers, wheelchairs, etc.

Trails at Sculpture in the Wild 6 • Sculpture in the Wild loop: art, walking, music • Wild and beautiful nature park: walking and looking at sculptures

Lambkin/Hooper Park/ 5 • Lambkin Park to Hooper Park: runs right through/along the school Downtown Walking areas crosses over by Library/Sr. Center, then over to Hooper Park: walking, biking, strollers, joggers, rough distance loop indicators for tracking and maybe some educational information at each park area. • Downtown/Hooper Park: safe walking areas

Other 4 • Forest Service land: Sucker Creek Road through Sculpture in the Wild, then to Airport Drive • Forest Service Administrative Area: Sculpture in the Wild, Administrative Area: walking, biking

Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan 29 Q. 8. Within the Lincoln Study Area, do you Q. 9. While not part of this trails plan, or this think there are adequate public access points to Study Area, in the future do you support creat- the Blackfoot River? ing trail connections between the town of Lin- Out of the 80 responses, 71 percent of people did coln and the Helena-Lewis and Clark National not think there were adequate public access points Forest? to the Blackfoot River. Of the 79 responses, 93 percent of people were in support of creating trail connections between the town of Lincoln and the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.

Lincoln Community River Park grand opening, photo by Chris Gibisch

30 Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan Appendix 3. Funding for Trails

Funding trails typically takes the support enhancing forestlands. The foundation offers of the business community, elected officials, gov- a suite of grant programs that support place- ernment agencies, and community leaders. It is based organizations in implementing conser- crucial to educate trail users and the community vation work and building internal capacity in about the benefits of an improved trails system, order to increase the impact and benefits to such as expanded economic benefits from tour- their community, environment, and economy. ism, increased quality of life for local residents, • National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and energy savings associated with alternative trans- Conservation Assistance Program: The portation, and increased safety with dedicated National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, and bike lanes and separated pathways. Conservation Assistance Program provides There are a wide variety of potential funding technical assistance grants for conservation sources for Lincoln trails, including state and fed- and recreation projects. State or local agencies, eral funding, regional funding, and funding from tribes, nonprofit organizations, and citizen nongovernmental organizations. Federal, state, groups are eligible to apply for this funding. and private grants can help communities with • Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks: Montana trails planning, development, and land acquisi- Fish, Wildlife and Parks provides a variety of tion. These grants can also help to encourage lo- funding programs and grants to government cal investments. Having an adopted comprehen- entities in Montana for the provision of equip- sive trails plan is critical for communities seeking ment and the creation and renovation of outdoor grants funds. An adopted plan demonstrates recreational facilities. Relevant grant programs that the community is sufficiently organized and include the Land and Water Conservation Fund capable of administering grant funds and has a and the Recreational Trails Program. vision of its future trails system. Successful grant applications also need to show interjurisdictional • Lewis and Clark County Land, Water, and cooperation between organizations at all levels of Wildlife Bond: In November 2008, voters in government and the private sector. Lewis and Clark County, Montana, approved the Land, Water, and Wildlife bond measure, State and Federal Funding a $10 million general obligation bond measure for “protecting drinking water sources and Note: State funds can be used to match federal funds, ground water quality; protecting water quality which can help with securing and leveraging federal in and along rivers and streams; conserving funding. working farm, ranch and forest lands; protect- • Safe Routes to Schools: The Safe Routes to ing wildlife areas; preserving open lands and Schools Program is a federal program working natural areas; providing for recreation; and to enable children to bike and walk to school. managing growth and development.” Funds Federal funding is available for Safe Routes to generated by sales of these bonds will be Schools projects through the federal Transpor- distributed through the Open Lands Program. tation Alternatives Program. The primary purpose of the program is to con- • National Forest Foundation: The National serve resources on private lands in Lewis and Forest Foundation is a partner of the U.S. Clark County that fulfill the objectives of the Forest Service that focuses on protecting and bond measure.

Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan 31 Nongovernmental Sources and User Fees the Boathouse Cantina. Patrons can opt out • Private foundations: Numerous foundations in of the donation if they wish. In addition to Montana and nationally fund projects related to the one percent donation, the Boathouse trails, pathways, and open spaces. This funding Cantina contributes an additional 10 per- is usually secured through a competitive grant cent of the total collected from this pro- application processes. Many groups in the area gram. Since inception in 2014, this program have been successful at securing grants and has provided more than $75,000 directly to other funds from private foundations. Salida Mountain Trails to build new trails, redesign trails, and add signage to trails. • Business support: Local businesses, which Grants from recreation advocacy organiza- often benefit from the tourism and economic • tions: activity generated by trails, open spaces, and Many biking organizations, such as the other recreational amenities, may provide League of American Bicyclists and the Inter- funding, donations of goods, and other forms national Mountain Bicycling Association, offer of in-kind support for trail, open space, path- grants and other programs to support trail and way, and connectivity projects. Businesses pathway development and maintenance. These can help with events, donate products for funds typically are targeted toward helping fund-raising efforts, and make direct contribu- with specific projects and maintenance. tions, as well as help with marketing trail and • Voluntary contributions fund: It may be pos- connectivity efforts. sible to set up a fund at the local level to which people could make voluntary contributions º Opt-in by customer: In Salida, Colorado, the Boathouse Cantina, a locally owned to support trail efforts in Lincoln. The Lewis restaurant, created a voluntary one percent and Clark County Community Foundation, donation program (from all of its sales) to Montana Community Foundation, and Black- raise funds for the trail construction efforts foot Challenge are organizations that can help of Salida Mountain Trails, a local nonprofit. facilitate charitable contributions for such a An additional one percent is automatically purpose. added to the pretax food/beverage bill at

32 Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan Notes

Lincoln In-Town Trails Plan 33 Photo by Chris Gibisch

The Trust for Public Land 1007 East Main St., Suite 300 Bozeman, MT 59715 406-522-7450 tpl.org