December, 2006
From Doug Wicks and the RTI Board
To Friends of the River’s Edge Trail

A year end progress report
A look forward to new trails in 2007

Thanks to Trail Friends like you, River’s Edge Trail continued to grow in 2006.

This year the trail hosted more interpretive hikes, fun runs, walks, races and school field trips than ever before. A new single-track between Ryan Trailhead and Dry Waterfall and a new trail connection to Black Eagle were completed. Design of other planned trail segments advanced, a new map was produced and key riverfront parcels were preserved.

This year RTI was awarded grants of $33,078 for an asphalt overlay in Giant Springs State Park and $505,000 to complete the design and construct the Bay Drive Trail. However, RTI and trail partners must provide almost $100,000 in matching funds to use these grants.

Please help us. Your year end donation to RTI will help leverage these trail grants and complete these projects. Your gift will also help us keep working to achieve the 2007 trail goals listed on the back of this letter.

Over the last 16 years the River’s Edge Trail has transformed our riverfront and made Great Falls a better place to live and play and visit. Many of you have been with us every step of the way. Community support made it happen.

RTI is working with our agency and corporate partners to fill the remaining gaps in our urban riverfront greenway and trail system, while that is still possible. We are working to link River’s Edge Trail with more neighborhoods and community destinations. Your financial support will help make the most of unique and time-sensitive opportunities that will enhance our public riverfront for generations.

Thanks for your help.

Happy Trails,

check out the new

Progress Photos for 2006

River’s Edge Trail - 2006 Progress

• Completed new gravel trail connection between River’s Edge Trail and Black
• Eagle using former railroad bridge over 15th Street N.
  
• FWP and partners completed new High Plains single-track loop trail between the
• Ryan Trailhead and Dry Waterfall along Morony Reservoir
  
• Wrote a successful $33,078 NRTA grant to fund asphalt overlay on segments of
  the trail in Giant Springs State Park.
  
• Worked with partners to produce and distribute a high-quality fold-up map
  
• Worked with partners to develop and place new trailside interpretive panels
  
• Worked with PPL MT to open Cochrane Dam Trail Crossing for 14 days
  
• City crews repave and realign trail segments 15th St. to Giant Springs Road
  
• MDT begins design on new connector trail along 38th St. & Giant Springs Road
  
• MDT begins design on bike/hike underpass of the S. end of 6th St. SW bridge
  
• FWP and partners upgrade the single-track between LC Overlook and Whitmore
  
• Continued to work with CCCD and partners on Whitmore Ravine erosion
  
• Wrote a successful $505,000 CTEP grant to fund construction of Bay
  Drive Trail
  
• Organized and staffed successful 11th Annual Blues & Brews fundraiser
  
• LCIC Foundation purchases key north shore parcels needed for future trail
  
• Worked with MCC and volunteers 100s of hours on trail cleanup, weed control,
  planting, watering, fencing and maintenance projects
  
• Added new memorial trees, benches, tables and shelters along the trail
• River’s Edge Trail – 2007 Goals
  
  
• Complete the design and begin construction of the Bay Drive Trail between
  West Bank Park and Garden Home Park
  
• Continue to work with agencies to advance design of 3 bikeway projects and
  construction of new trail segment from Odd Fellows Park to Upper River Road
  
• Work with City, FWP and public to develop and implement a Cochrane Reservoir
  Natural Area Management
• Plan and a Natural Areas Program Plan
  
• Continue to work with all partners to acquire key trail easements and riverfront
  lands that help complete the public open space greenway and trail system
  
• Work with City and FWP to complete needed asphalt overlays and repairs,
  drainage and culvert maintenance and upgrade striping and pavement markings
  
• Write grant applications for federal, state and foundation funds to make specific
  improvements and extensions to the trail system
  
• Work with PPL MT on seasonal public use of the Cochrane Dam Trail Crossing
  
• Work with CCCD and others to reduce soil erosion in Whitmore Ravine
  
• Organize and staff a successful 12th Annual Blues & Brews fundraiser
  
• Coordinate MCC crews and community volunteers to assist with trail cleanup,
  weed control, planting, watering, painting and other maintenance projects
  
  

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