Trail effort reaches $2.25 million goal
Foy’s to Blacktail Trails has met its capital campaign fundraising goal to finish expanding Herron Park west of Kalispell.
Clifford Kipp, chairman of Foy’s to Blacktail Trails, announced Friday the group had raised enough money to finish an ambitious land purchase near Herron Park southwest of Kalispell.
“Back in 2007 we set an ambitious goal of raising $2.25 million to purchase 320 acres of land adjacent to Herron Park that was at risk of sale and development,” Kipp said in a news release.
“Since 2010, we have purchased and added 260 of those acres to the park. As of today, we have raised enough to purchase the last 60 acres, which includes the Foy’s Overlook. We are deeply grateful to all of those who supported us in this effort. The generous gifts we have received and the dedication and energy of our campaign volunteers have been overwhelming.
Kipp said the organization has received donations from nearly 1,000 individuals, businesses, foundations and agencies.
“Their belief in the value of this trails project has been unwavering throughout the campaign,” Kipp said.
Grants from the U.S. Forest Service, Montana State Parks, Montana Fish & Wildlife Conservation Trust and Flathead County Parks accounted for just under half the money raised, with the remainder contributed from hundreds of private donors.
The Cross Charitable Foundation announced a grant award of $15,000 this week, which helped Foy’s to Blacktail Trails reach the final goal.
The organization has set a December closing date for purchase of the last 60 acres, with simultaneous transfer of that land to Flathead County Parks as the final addition to Herron Park.
Foy’s to Blacktail Trails invites the community to celebrate this achievement at the upcoming Ales for Trails event from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 18 at Kalispell Brewing Co., 412 Main St., in Kalispell.
Foy’s to Blacktail Trails is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization based in Kalispell.
Its mission is to secure historic access to trails and lands connecting Herron Park (near Foy’s Lake) to the forest lands at Blacktail Mountain.
For more information, visit www.foystoblacktailtrails.org or call 406-203-3939.