Montana State Parks Proposes Policy for Classifying and Prioritizing Park Resources

Montana State Parks presents a proposed policy for classifying and prioritizing park resources. The proposed policy identifies the approach that State Park Staff and the Montana State Parks & Recreation Board (Park Board) will use for allocating staffing, funding, and capital development resources at sites across the system. Comments are accepted through Friday, November 20th at 5pm.

The policy is an outcome of the Montana State Parks 2015-2020 Strategic Plan, Charting a New Tomorrow, which the Park Board adopted at the end of 2014. The Strategic Plan directs staff to complete several analyses to align investment in parks with the most significant, relevant, and accessible sites while improving visitor experiences and expectations based on a range of site types and experiences.

The proposed policy presents a systematic direction to guide future funding and staffing decisions. In addition, the policy contains a proposed classification grouping of current parks that reflects the level of investment based on the significance, relevance and accessibility of the site.

“Instead of being all things to all people, the policy presents a differentiated approach that sets priorities and better aligns with the public expectation of what a state park is,” says Chas Van Genderen, Montana State Park Administrator. “The aim is to prioritize investment of available resources and make the priorities transparent to the public.”

From the viewpoint of hikers, MSP wants to:

* Lead by example on nationwide initiatives such as National Public Lands Day and First Day Hikes.

* With dedicated sources in place, the Montana State Parks & Recreation Board will establish a state grant program to supplant federal funding for use in renovation and replacement of facilities and resources in parks, recreation and trails for city, county, state, school districts, Tribal lands and others as a means of supporting communities, our tourism economy and assuring all providers have a stable, supported program.

* Operations and Recreation Program Staff will revise and update the Montana State Trails Plan by 2020 through a collaborative process with partnering agencies and user groups. Improve the availability, usability, and awareness of trails data on public lands around the state.

To view the proposed Classification and Resource Allocation Policy, click here. Additional information about the Strategic Plan and the classification process can be found online here.

To comment online, click here.

The public may also send comments by email to ParksClassification@mt.gov.

Or by regular mail to Montana State Parks Classification Policy, c/o Maren Murphy, PO Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701.

Public comments will be accepted for 30 days. Comments must be submitted by Friday, November 20th at 5pm.



Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Montana State Parks Announces Strategic Plan

Montana State Parks announced earlier this week that the Montana State Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan, Charting a New Tomorrow is now available.

Charting a New Tomorrow is a ground-breaking, business-minded management approach that will maximize the Division’s available resources, develop partnerships and build public engagement to create a bright future for outdoor recreation across Montana.

“This plan will strengthen the state’s park system and recreation programs,” said Chas Van Genderen, Montana State Parks Administrator. “Montana State Parks will lead the way for parks and recreation throughout the state.”

The Montana State Parks & Recreation Board tasked the Division with creating the strategic plan to serve as a guiding framework for management of the park system and state-wide recreation programs through 2020. The plan addresses budgetary and staffing shortfalls which have historically challenged the park system while focusing on strategic partnerships and engaged constituents.

“We want to provide residents and their guests with the best experience possible.” said Van Genderen.

Implementation of the strategic plan is underway and will continue to be Montana State Park’s focus for the next few months. The first stage involves conducting a facility condition assessment and establishing operational and staffing standards based on peer analysis with surrounding state park systems. Once the analysis is complete, the Division will begin the process of reallocating resources to the most significant sites in order to meet standards and improve visitor experiences at those parks.

Charting a New Tomorrow is the result of a year long process that included contributions from the Parks Division, legislative members, agency partners, user groups and other stakeholders through surveys, community listening sessions, and public review. The plan was approved by the Parks Board at their December 17, 2014 meeting.

To view Charting a New Tomorrow visit: http://stateparks.mt.gov/about-us/strategicPlan.html



Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Usher in the New Year with "First Day Hikes" at Montana State Parks

Montana State Parks invites the public to usher in the New Year with "First Day Hikes" at Montana State Parks on New Year's Day, January 1, 2015.

Start your New Year off on the right (or left) foot with a "First Day Hike" at your local state park. Explore history, view winter wildlife, enjoy fresh air and connect with nature at this fun, family-friendly event. "First Day Hikes" are a healthy way to rejuvenate with family and friends after the long holiday rush.

These free, guided hikes are easy to moderate in difficulty and range from 1 to 3.5 miles in distance. Hikers should dress for the winter weather, wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots appropriate to the conditions, and bring water and snacks.

"First Day Hikes" is an annual, nationwide special event co-sponsored by America's State Parks. Last year, the event saw record participation with over 800 hikes and 28,000 participants across all 50 states.

First Day Hikes originated over 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Massachusetts. The program was launched to promote both healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year round recreation at state parks. Last year marked the first time all 50 state park systems have joined together to sponsor First Day Hikes.

To find a Montana State Parks' First Day Hike near you, please click here.



Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Montana State Parks Seeks Public Comment on Draft Strategic Plan

Montana State Parks is seeking public comment on a draft Strategic Plan. This plan, Charting a New Tomorrow, establishes a shared direction for Montana State Parks and Recreation programs through the year 2020.

The draft plan was prepared with guidance from the Montana State Parks & Recreation Board to address longstanding resource challenges and propose solutions to moving the park system forward given the available resources.

The plan proposes a number of targets and actions to develop diversified and sustainable funding for the Parks system and statewide recreation programs. It will also seek to foster strategic partnerships and build an engaged constituency to ensure the success of Montana State Parks and outdoor recreation across the state.

Throughout the planning process, the Parks Division conducted internal and external outreach; including a staff survey, evaluation of statewide recreation trends, and a series of 8 community listening sessions around the state which engaged over 117 Montanans, organizations, and partners.

Montana State Parks provides diverse, family-friendly, affordable, and enriching recreational opportunities to more than 2 million park visitors each year. Additionally, the Division supports community recreation through its four grant programs, and is an essential component of Montana’s multi-billion dollar tourism and recreation industries. The plan outlines five goals designed to enhance the park system and uphold the Montana State Parks brand promise; providing significant, relevant and accessible parks that preserve and protect our historic, cultural, and recreational resources for the future of Montana and all people.

On October 15, 2014, the Montana State Parks & Recreation Board proposed that the draft strategic plan be made available for a 30-day public comment period.

The draft strategic plan can viewed on the Montana State Parks website, public comment page, direct link here.

Additionally, Montana State Parks will be hosting a statewide public meeting on Wednesday, October 29. The meeting will be from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the following locations:

• Kalispell – FWP Region 1 - 490 North Meridian Rd
• Missoula – FWP Region 2- 3201 Spurgin Rd
• Bozeman – FWP Region 3 - 1400 South 19th Ave
• Great Falls – FWP Region 4 - 4600 Giant Springs Rd
• Billings – FWP Region 5 - 2300 Lake Elmo Dr
• Glasgow – FWP Region 6 - 54078 US Highway 2 West
• Miles City – FWP Region 7 - 3521 I-94 Business Loop
• Helena – FWP HQ - 1420 E. 6th Ave

For more information about the statewide public meeting contact Maren Murphy at (406) 444-3364.



Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

2014 Recreational Trails Program Grants Awarded - Wide Diversity of Trail Projects Funded

Montana State Parks announced last week that 58 trail organizations, communities, and various land-managing agencies throughout Montana will receive federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant awards for projects in 2014.

A record 89 RTP applications were received this year from a variety of eligible applicants, including federal and state agencies, towns, cities, counties, and private clubs and organizations.

The Recreational Trails Program awards total approximately $1,600,000 in federal funds. The funds are appropriated to the states in the 2012 Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) legislation passed by Congress. MAP-21 legislation expires on September 30, 2014 after which Congressional action is needed to continue funding this program.

"The Recreational Trails Program makes a tremendous difference for so many communities and trail enthusiasts across Montana," said Beth Shumate, Trails Program Manager for Montana State Parks. "The fact that RTP is one of the only programs to remain as a stand-alone program with dedicated funding in MAP-21 validates the strong local and national support for funding recreation and trails."

The RTP Program awards grants through an annual competitive application process. Projects can range from construction and maintenance of trails, development of trailside and trailhead facilities, ethics and avalanche education and trainings, and interpretive programs.

A list of the successful 2014 Recreational Trails Program grant recipients is available by clicking here.



Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

Montana State Parks Announces 2013 Annual Visitation - Highest Visitation on Record

Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) announced earlier this week that the 2013 annual visitation numbers are the highest on record, with more than 2,112,000 visits to Montana’s 54 state parks from January – December 2013. The 2013 visitation numbers represent a 5% increase over 2012. Annual visitation is also up 28% over the 10-year trend (2004-2013).

The North Central Region (Great Falls area) had the highest annual visitation overall in 2013, and Giant Springs State Park in Great Falls had the highest visitation for the year of all state parks with more than 307,000 visits. Visitation is up for the Montana State Parks system despite Bannack State Park being closed for 7 weeks last summer due to a flash flood.

“These numbers are incredibly strong and exciting,” said Chas Van Genderen, Administrator for Montana State Parks. “Montana families and out of state visitors know that our state parks are affordable places to explore and experience some of the best camping, hiking, fishing, floating and outdoor recreation in the state. We also provide tours, special events, ranger programs and education opportunities enjoyed by more than 100,000 visitors each year. Last year, more than 25,000 school students experienced state parks as outdoor classrooms. We thank the public for their continued support, and look forward to continuing this exciting upward trend in visitation this year in celebration of our 75th Anniversary.”

By comparison to national parks, Glacier National Park was up +2% in 2013 (with 2,190,374 visits) over 2012, and Yellowstone National Park visitation was down -8% for 2013 with (3,188,030 visits) over 2012.

This Montana State Parks 2013 visitation record, compares equivalent data collection dating back for the past decade.

The Top 10 Parks for Annual Visitation:

1- Giant Springs State Park in Great Falls at 307,666 visits (up 5% over 2012)
2- Lake Elmo State Park in Billings at 172,357 visits (down 20% over 2012)
3- Spring Meadow Lake State Park in Helena at 158,842 visits (up 55% over 2012)
4- Cooney State Park in Roberts at 157,198 visits (up 17% over 2012)
5- Wayfarers State Park in Kalispell at 124,949 visits (up 11% over 2012)
6- Lone Pine State Park in Kalispell at 77,591 visits (up 16% over 2012)
7- Tongue River Reservoir State Park near Decker at 76,297 visits (up 36% over 2012)
8- Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park in Whitehall at 70,617 visits (up 9% over 2012)
9- Whitefish Lake State Park in Whitefish at 62,003 visits (down 3% over 2012)
10- Pictograph Cave State Park in Billings at 60,072 (up 17% over 2012)



Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

Montana State Parks' Recruiting for AmeriCorps Spring/Summer Positions

Montana State Parks have announced that the Montana State Parks AmeriCorps’ program is now recruiting members for 2014 Spring/Summer positions.

AmeriCorps is a national service program where members earn money for college or to pay off student loans, gain job skills and give back to local communities.

Montana State Parks’ AmeriCorps members help strengthen volunteer and interpretive programs, enhance the condition and quality of park lands, and create public awareness and outreach with local communities. In 2013, Montana State Parks’ AmeriCorps program, which included 18 members, contributed more than 19,500 service hours.

“Our members have an opportunity to spend time in the outdoors helping kids and families learn, connect, and explore nature, Montana’s heritage/culture and recreation in our great state parks,” said Katie McKeown, Montana State Parks’ AmeriCorps Program Specialist.

There are 5 spring/summer positions currently available with members serving terms of either 18 or 23 weeks.

23-week (March – August) positions are available at:
• Travelers’ Rest State Park in Lolo near Missoula (900 hours) – National Historic Landmark
• Giant Springs State Park in Great Falls (900 hours)

18-week (April-August) positions are available at:
• Missouri Headwaters State Park in Three Forks (675 hours) – National Historic Landmark
• Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park in Whitehall (675 hours)
• Cooney State Park in Roberts near Billings (675 hours)

To learn more about the specific positions listed above, click here.

Montana State Parks’ AmeriCorps members can earn an Education Award of either $2,775 (23 week) or $2,114 dollars (18 week) to be used towards a college education or to pay off student loans. Members who are 55 years or older can transfer the Education Award to a child, grandchild or foster child. All Montana State Parks’ AmeriCorps members will also receive a modest living allowance to help cover incidental costs, such as commuting.

Montana residents and out-of-state applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as positions are open until filled.

Members can range in age from young adults to retirement, but all members must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Some college experience is preferred.



Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

Montana State Parks Recruiting for 2014 AmeriCorps

Montana State Parks announced last week that the Montana State Parks’ AmeriCorps program is now recruiting new members for the 2014 season.

AmeriCorps is a national service program that offers members the opportunity to gain job skills, earn up to $5,550 for college, or to pay off student loans while giving back to local communities.

In 2013 Montana State Parks’ 18 AmeriCorps members improved 393 acres of land in state parks, recruited more than 450 new volunteers, and led 400 educational and interpretive programs for over 9,000 visitors.

Montana State Parks is currently recruiting now for 1700 Hour Positions at Lone Pine State Park, Milltown State Park, and a Leader position at Helena Headquarters.

Applications for 900 Hour Positions will be accepted starting December 1. These positions are at Travelers’ Rest State Park, Smith River State Park, Pictograph Cave State Park, and Giant Springs State Park.

Members can range in age from young adults to retirement, but all members must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.

Montana State Parks’ AmeriCorps members earn an Education Award from $1,415 to up to $5,550 per year depending on their term of service, to be used toward a college education or to pay off student loans. AmeriCorps members who are 55 years or older can transfer the Education Award to a child, grandchild or foster child. All Montana State Parks’ AmeriCorps members will receive a modest living allowance to help cover incidental costs, such as commuting.

To learn more and apply, please visit: http://stateparks.mt.gov/americorps/


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

Montana State Parks Seeks Public Comment on Statewide Recreation Plan - Meetings Tomorrow

Montana State Parks has announced that public comment is being sought on the draft Montana Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). The plan provides strategic recommendations to help maintain outdoor recreation as a priority in Montana because it benefits the quality of life for Montanans, and helps sustain economic vitality of our communities.

This plan, titled Creating a Vibrant Future for Montana’s Outdoor Recreation Heritage, provides a roadmap for recreation in Montana for 2014-2018. In Montana, demands for outdoor recreation are increasing. From 2008-2012, Glacier National Park visitation was up 16.4%, Montana State Parks visitation increased by 10%, Bureau of Land Management visitation is up 9%, and from 2000-2010, off-highway vehicle registration has tripled and fishing is up 5%.

Outdoor recreation is defined as hiking, walking, biking, motorized use (off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles), wildlife-associated recreation, aquatic activities, and more. In 2012, 77% of Montana households reported participating in walking and biking.

This statewide draft plan was developed through a collaborative process with an advisory committee representing federal, state, and local recreation managers, and tourism partners, along with public surveys of Montana residents by the University of Montana Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research and additional national and state agency data collection.

The 2014-2018 SCORP key findings show that while Montana residents and more than 10 million out-of-state visitors, enjoy a diverse array of outdoor recreation opportunities on Montana’s 38 million acres of public land, each year, outdoor recreation managers and entities are struggling to accommodate the increased demand due to decreasing budgets, increasing maintenance costs and lack of coordination between federal, state, and local governments along with stakeholder organizations and associations.

SCORP offers a roadmap for the next 5 years recommending ways that outdoor recreation can be prioritized at a higher level, so that the capacity of agencies to manage recreation safely and adequately on public lands does not diminish. The plan looks at Montana’s existing outdoor recreation facilities and resources, growing demands for recreation activities, and evaluates national and state trends.

In addition to its value as a planning document, the completion of a SCORP continues Montana’s eligibility for the stateside Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program, a federally funded program that has supported community recreation projects in Montana communities since 1965 and is administered by Montana State Parks.

Today, Montana receives approximately $300,000 in federal funding per year for local community grants. Recent LWCF projects include the acquisition of park land on Mount Ascension in Helena and development of a city swimming pool in Malta.

This week, the Montana State Parks & Recreation Board proposed that the draft SCORP be made available for a 30-day public comment.

The 2014-2018 SCORP can viewed on the Montana State Parks website, public comment page.

The public is invited to review the draft plan and provide comments to Montana State Parks by Monday, November 18 at 5pm.

The public can also send comments by mail to: Montana Draft 2014-2018 SCORP Public Comment, PO Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701.

In addition, Montana State Parks will be hosting a statewide public meeting on Wednesday, October 23. The meeting will be from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the following locations:

1. Kalispell – FWP Region 1 - 490 North Meridian Rd (contact: Dave Landstrom (406) 751-4578)

2. Missoula – FWP Region 2- 3201 Spurgin Rd (contact: Chet Crowser (406) 542-5517)

3. Helena – FWP HQ - 1420 E. 6th Ave (contact: Maren Murphy (406) 444-3750)

4. Bozeman – FWP Region 3 - 1400 South 19th Ave (contact: Jerry Walker (406) 994-3552)

5. Great Falls – FWP Region 4 - 4600 Giant Springs Rd (contact: Matt Marcinek (406) 454-5856)

6. Billings – FWP Region 5 - 2300 Lake Elmo Dr (contact: Doug Habermann (406) 247-2954)

The public is invited to attend the meeting to review and discuss the development of the 2014-2018 SCORP, the priorities and recommendations of the plan, and the value of the plan at the community level.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

No Fireworks at Montana State Parks

Visiting a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks site on the July Fourth weekend is a great idea—just leave the fireworks at home.

FWP Director Joe Maurier urged Montanans to be extremely cautious with fire of any kind this holiday weekend.

"Montana's 2012 fire season is off to a fast start. When recreating please be sure to check local conditions and be aware of any fire restrictions put in place," Maurier said.

Maurier said fireworks are illegal on FWP sites including fishing access sites, wildlife management areas and other sites April through September.

At Montana State Parks fireworks are not allowed at any time of the year. Please also obey all local rules posted on-site.

Anyone using fireworks on FWP lands may be charged with a misdemeanor that can result in a fine.

Under Montana's administrative rules campfires, where campfires are allowed, must be confined to designated fireplaces or fire rings maintained for such purposes.

For updates on fire and drought conditions, click here.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Book your Montana State Parks campsite online

Montana State Parks is reminding the public that they can book campsite reservations for the 2012 summer season online at stateparks.mt.gov or by phone at 1-855-922-6768.

Start dates for reservations booked online or by phone are for the peak season which starts Friday, May 25 of Memorial Day weekend.

Twenty of Montana’s State Parks are available through the campsite reservation program with 12 of the 20 parks featuring electric hookups. There are more than 500 sites in total to reserve, including several yurts, cabins and tipis.

Montana State Parks reservation campsites: Bannack, Beavertail Hill, Big Arm, Black Sandy, Brush Lake, Cooney, Finley Point, Hell Creek, Lake Mary Ronan, Lewis & Clark Caverns, Logan, Makoshika, Missouri Headwaters, Placid Lake, Salmon Lake, Thompson Falls, Tongue River Reservoir, Wayfarers, West Shore, and Whitefish Lake.

Basic campsite costs: $15 dollars per night for residents and $23 dollars per night for non-residents during peak spring/summer season. To reserve a campsite online or by phone is $10. Montana seniors and residents with disabilities are to phone the call center for accommodations and special rates.

Spontaneous campers are not left out as each park holds back approximately 25% of their campsites outside of the reservation program, for traditional first-come, first served camping visits, which are available starting May 1.

To make a reservation, visit: stateparks.mt.gov.

The campsite reservation program launched in March of 2011 and saw more than 7,500 campers making their reservations through the new program during the 2011 spring/summer season (March – September).


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Montana State Parks AmeriCorps Now Recruiting for Summer Positions

Montana State Parks AmeriCorps’ is now recruiting for new AmeriCorps members to begin service in May. AmeriCorps is a national service program where members can earn money for college, gain job skills and give back to local communities.

“We are very excited to launch our AmeriCorps program this year,” said Katie McKeown, Program Coordinator for Montana State Parks AmeriCorps. “These new members will join members already serving in our state parks since January. They will help to strengthen our parks’ volunteer and interpretive programs, enhance the condition and quality of park lands, and create public awareness and outreach with local communities.”

There are 17 positions available with members serving terms of either 12 weeks, from May to August, or 24 weeks from May to November. Montana residents and out-of-state applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as positions are open until filled.

12-week (May – August) positions are available at:
• Region 1 NW District near Kalispell
• Travelers’ Rest State Park in Lolo
• Salmon and Placid Lake State Parks in Seeley
• Bannack State Park in Dillon
• Missouri Headwaters State Park in Three Forks
• Spring Meadow State Park in Helena
• Giant Springs State Park in Great Falls
• Cooney State Park in Roberts
• Lake Elmo State Park in Billings
• Pictograph Cave State Park in Billings
• Makoshika State Park in Glendive

24-week (May-November) positions are available at:
• Travelers’ Rest State Park in Lolo
• Giant Springs State Park in Great Falls
• First Peoples Buffalo Jump in Ulm
• Chief Plenty Coups State Park in Pryor
• Makoshika State Park in Glendive

AmeriCorps members can earn an Education Award of either $2,675 or $1,415 dollars depending on their service term, to be used towards a college education or to pay off student loans. Members who are 55 years or older can transfer the Education Award to a child, grandchild or foster child. All Montana State Parks AmeriCorps members will receive a modest living allowance to help cover incidental costs, such as commuting.

Members can range in age from young adults to retirement, but all members must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Some college experience is preferred.

Montana State Parks launched an AmeriCorps program in January and currently has 7 members serving for the year at Bannack State Park, Lone Pine State Park, Wild Horse Island State Park, Division HQ in Helena, Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, upcoming Milltown State Park and Pictograph Cave State Park.

To apply for an AmeriCorps position, click here.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Montana State Parks Launches New AmeriCorps Program

This past Thursday Montana State Parks announced that it has launched a new AmeriCorps program. Montana State Parks AmeriCorps will include 23 members serving in state parks during the year, to preserve and promote Montana’s natural and cultural resources. Six members were sworn-in this week, in Condon, Montana during their program orientation.

“We are excited to partner with this outstanding national service program,” said Chas Van Genderen, Administrator for Montana State Parks. “Our new AmeriCorps members will help our parks staff enrich educational opportunities, increase volunteerism, and expand community outreach.”

The initial members will be serving in Lone Pine State Park, Wild Horse Island State Park, Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, Pictograph Cave State Park, upcoming new Milltown State Park and Parks Division headquarters.

Montana State Parks AmeriCorps is now recruiting for seasonal and summer positions, across the state. Montana residents and out-of-state applicants are encouraged to apply by visiting: stateparks.mt.gov

AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages more than 50,000 Americans each year, nationwide, in service to meet community needs in education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, public safety, homeland security and more. Funding for AmeriCorps is provided in part by the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency and administered through the Governor’s Office of Community Service.

“Our members will have their offices literally amid stunning scenery, dazzling waters, geologic wonders and cultural history,” said Katie McKeown, Program Specialist for Montana State Parks AmeriCorps. “This program is a great way to share your talents, learn new skills, help promote and preserve our state parks while earning money for college.”

Montana State Parks AmeriCorps members earn an Education Award from $1,415 to up to $5,350 per year depending on their term of service, to be used towards a college education or to pay off student loans. Members who are 55 years or older can transfer the Education Award to a child, grandchild or foster child. All Montana State Parks AmeriCorps members will receive a modest living allowance to help cover incidental costs, such as commuting.

Members can range in age from young adults to retirement, but all members must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.

To apply: visit stateparks.mt.gov


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

2012 Recreational Trails Program Grants Awarded

Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) announced earlier in the week that 52 trail organizations, local communities, tribal entities and more will receive Recreational Trails Program (RTP) federal grant awards for trail projects in 2012.

The current federal appropriation is nearly $600,000. It is only a percentage of the anticipated total amount based on the latest apportionments from the Montana Federal Highway Administration.

“Fifty-two successful project sponsors throughout the state can be certain of partial funding for their projects,” said Beth Shumate, Trails Coordinator for Montana State Parks. “The funding received will provide a boost to local economies and rural communities across Montana.”

The federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is an important funding source for Montana trail projects. Administered by Montana State Parks, a division of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, RTP funds are awarded each year for local trail projects such as the construction and maintenance of trails, development of trailside and trailhead facilities, ethics education and interpretive programs, and weed control.

Montana State Parks received a record 72 project applications this year from local communities, counties, federal and state agencies, tribal entities, private associations and organizations.

Some of the recipients include trails in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex and the Chief Joseph X-Country Ski Trails in the Bitterroot Mountains. For a full list of Grant Award Recipients, please click here.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com