Grants to help Glacier trails

Two priority projects for Glacier National Park will get a total of $150,000 from the National Park Service to fund improvements at the popular Swiftcurrent Lake and Avalanche Lake trails.

The federal agency announced that it awarded a $50,000 grant to the Glacier National Park Conservancy through the Centennial Challenge Fund for the 2.5-mile Swiftcurrent Lake Trail from the Many Glacier Hotel.

In 2011, a 1,300-foot stretch of trail was built from the Grinnell Picnic area and the new money will be combined with matching dollars from the conservancy to add another 1,000 feet extending from the hotel.

Conservancy President Mark Preiss said Friday that the conservancy successfully raised the matching funds needed for the project during its end-of-the-year campaign in 2015.

“We can’t do it all in one season, because the season is so short and the logistics make it such a challenge to get the materials up there,” Preiss said. “It’s one of those few places in Glacier that you have the geography that allows for that accessibility.”

The other grant will contribute $100,000 toward upgrading facilities at the popular Avalanche Lake trailhead and campground.

The conservancy will match that money to install new plumbing fixtures, restroom accessories and doors for restrooms near the beginning of the trail.

In an interview last October, Preiss noted that the project is a top priority for the park since it is one of the most heavily used facilities given its the accessibility from Going-to-the-Sun Road. Beginning at the Trail of the Cedars, the trail winds along Avalanche Creek to scenic Avalanche Lake.

While Glacier’s 100-year anniversary has since passed, 2016 marks the centennial of the National Park Service.

The centennial grant program will provide $45 million in federal funding to 150 projects in national parks throughout the country.

In a press release Friday, Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., hailed the grants as an economic boost to the region.

Preiss added that the rest of Montana’s congressional delegation has helped push the organization’s and the park’s priorities.

“We worked very closely with Sen. Tester, Sen. [Steve] Daines and Congressman [Ryan] Zinke. They certainly understand the value the conservancy brings to the park, so we want to thank them for their leadership in making this happen,” he said. “It’s a great way to kick-start the centennial at Glacier.”

Reporter Sam Wilson can be reached at 758-4407 or by email at swilson@dailyinterlake.com.