Whitefish Vs. Montana FWP Showdown: Trail Tiff Near the River

Montana recreation lovers all over the state know Whitefish for its multitude of outdoor opportunities.

And while a proposed new trail hardly seems like it would have a major impact and at the same create easier access through a portion of the city, that is not the view of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. And the city is ready to take them on.

Montana FWP tells us that a showdown is brewing between the City of Whitefish and FWP's rejection of a proposal to construct a section of trail near the Whitefish River. The city published the following response:

"NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Mayor John Muhlfeld calls a special meeting of the City Council on Monday, March 31, 2025. The purpose of the special meeting is to discuss the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ denial of the City’s permit application to construct a section of trail along the Whitefish River connecting the existing trail on BNSF property downstream to the existing trail terminus near Veterans Bridge on Second Street and whether the City will agree to modify its plans or seek arbitration of FWP’s decision."

MONTANA FWP RESPONSE

Fisheries Division Administrator Adam Strainer responded with the following:

"Based on environmental review of the project, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks must deny the permit application. While this decision was not taken lightly, I applaud your innovative idea to expand the Whitefish River Trail and increase its connectivity throughout your community. That being said, FWP takes seriously its responsibility to
balance outdoor recreation and our state’s natural resources.
"This decision rests on our responsibility to protect and conserve our fisheries and habitat. Our hard-working biologists concluded this project would have long-term adverse impacts to the Whitefish River’s bed, banks, and fishery. Impacts
include major modifications to in-stream and bank habitat, and decreased bank stability resulting in erosion. The proposed project footprint alone, including piers, asphalt, and the associated retaining walls, would result in direct loss of significant riparian vegetation and increase erosion. In short, this project would fundamentally change the natural, existing state of fish habitat in the project area."

Public comment will be taken at the special meeting.