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Bob Walker will be leaving Montana state trails job

Bob has been State Trails Coordinator for both Montana and Iowa

Bob Walker

I want to take this opportunity to let you know that after 15 years as your State Trails Programs Coordinator, I have been asked to assume a new responsibility with Fish Wildlife & Parks as the Parks Division's Special Projects Coordinator. This is an exciting opportunity for me and certainly a new challenge! The Trails Programs Coordinator's position will be advertised sometime in the near future. In the meantime, all questions about non-motorized trails and the Recreational Trails Program should go to Steve Gilbert (444-7642) and questions about motorized trails and the OHV and snowmobile programs to Ray Paige (444-7317).

We have all worked together for trails for all Montanans and what a great experience it has been. We now have more than $2 million dollars per year for trails grants from the three grant programs FWP administers. We have a State Trails Plan that assists in addressing trail issues and in establishing priorities.

In winter we have a vast system of snowmobile trails groomed by 26 snowmobile clubs, ever increasing kilometers of groomed Nordic ski trails maintained by 8 ski clubs and more commonly some winter groomed trails enjoyed by dog mushers. The maintenance of summer backcountry trails is ongoing through cooperation among USDA Forest Service Ranger Districts and forests, the Montana Conservation Corps and many private non-profit associations such as the Back Country Horsemen of Montana and its chapters, Bob Marshall Foundation and the Swan Ecosystem Center. Cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management on trail opportunities has improved and we will continue to see an increase in recognized system trails on BLM lands.

One of the most exciting parts of Montana trails in the year 2006 is the ever increasing number and mileage of urban trails and connector trails, close to people's homes! One of the most important needs identified in the State Trails Plan is more trails close to people's homes. At the 2006 State Trails Conference (the 6th such conference), community after community told stories about their new trails and the number of people using their trails. Communities included Red Lodge, Darby, Shelby, Townsend, Montana City, Cascade, Ronan, Havre, Seeley Lake, Three Forks, Libby, Manhattan, Roundup, Hamilton, Dillon, Lewistown, Whitefish, Kalispell, Livingston, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, Missoula, Bozeman, Billings and the list goes on.

It has been a pleasure and an honor working with and getting to know all of you. Keep up the great work for Trails For All Montanans!

P.S. I still plan to be involved with trails as a volunteer, trail recreationist and as a continuing member of the Board of Directors of American Trails.

Bob Walker

Parks Division

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

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