Groups explore trail expansion

Kaniksu Land Trust (KLT) alongside Thompson Falls Trails Committee has plans to design a walkway along Highway 200 from Wild Good Landing to Harvest Foods in Thompson Falls. In order to fund the project, KLT will be applying for a Reconnecting Communities Program Planning grant through the Department of Transportation.

“The goal is to have an ADA accessible trail connecting the east and west ends of Thompson Falls that would allow safe pedestrian walking, biking or rolling,” KLT Recreation and Outreach Coordinator Kayla Mosher said in a news release. “The total walkway would be just over one mile. The path would be constructed using asphalt along the flat, wide sections along the highway with a metal boardwalk over the reservoir.”

In 2018, Sanders County Community Development, Thompson Falls Trails Committee and WGM group completed a feasibility study regarding the project. Mosher says NorthWestern Energy, Montana Department of Transportation, Montana Rail Link, Sanders County, US Army Corps of Engineers and Fish Wildlife and Parks were all consulted about the possibility of constructing the trail and all claimed it is possible.

“The DOT grant we are applying for is all about increasing connectivity and mobility where highways are causing barriers,” Mosher said. “The Eastward Extension Trail would do just that – improve access to businesses downtown and east Thompson Falls for people of all abilities.”

For more information on the project, contact Mosher at [email protected].