Grant will help boost river access

Flathead Rivers Alliance has received a $30,411 grant to help fund its effort to improve American Disability Act (ADA) accessibility on the Flathead River.

The grant was secured through the Flathead National Forest and the Flathead Resource Advisory Committee. The goal of the project is to provide those living with a disability more direct access to natural resources.

The multi-year project will improve accessibility of 12 vehicle-access river access sites for individuals with disabilities on the Middle and North forks of the Flathead River. Access sites currently meet limited accessibility standards, according to the Alliance.

In 2022, the group tackled Phase I of the project by assessing baseline conditions of select river access sites through on-location visits and a workshop. This produced conceptual designs and recommendations for two top priority access sites for Flathead National Forest’s consideration.

Phase II will produce conceptual designs for the remaining 10 access sites, and finalize and prioritize recommendations for each of the sites, and produce an ADA/Universal Design River User Guide for existing conditions. A series of stakeholder workshops will be held to assist with these efforts.

“The Forest Service is committed to integrating accessibility into the full range of recreation opportunities while protecting natural resources and settings so that people of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors together,” said Deputy Forest Supervisor Tami MacKenzie.

Flathead Rivers Alliance is working collaboratively on the project with DREAM Adaptive Recreation, Flathead National Forest, Glacier National Park, Jackola Engineering and Architecture, Summit Independent Living, HydroLogistics, Montana FWP, Underwater Soldiers, Glacier Raft Co, Wild River Adventures, Glacier Guide & Montana Raft Co, and other stakeholders.

“We are thrilled to be teaming up on this project,” said DREAM Adaptive Recreation Director Julie Tickle “One in four adults (61 million people) in the United States have a disability. It is critical that this historically marginalized group is better included in our communities, including in the outdoor recreation space, and that they have access to all the benefits that stem from it.”

Flathead Rivers Alliance is seeking funding for the remaining $13,000 to complete Phase II. Contact Sheena Pate, executive director at info@flatheadrivers.org for donations specific to this project. Stakeholder workshops will be held in spring 2024.