February 1, 2019
Attn: Mikey Church
Recreation Staff Assistant
Lolo National Forest,
Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District
p: 406-826-3821 x4319
[email protected]
408 Clayton St. Plains, MT 59859
To Mikey Church and other relevant USFS Staff:
The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (MTBHA) is happy to support a project on the Lolo National Forest that will improve the accessibility, safety, access and ease of use of an existing trail— West Fork of Swamp Creek #1400—by addressing a dangerous and inadequate stream crossing.
Our Chapter includes roughly 3,000 MTBHA members advocate to protect large parcels of fish and wildlife habitat as well as the opportunity for traditional non-motorized hunting and fishing experiences. Our organization advocates for healthy, connected habitat for wildlife, open spaces, and the continuity of Montana’s heritage of working lands. The primary benefits of this project align with our organization’s values due to our desire to support the maintenance of National Forest trails in areas where access is inhibited.
We would like to contribute $1,500 to this project to use used as needed in this bridge’s construction. We are also interested in contributing our member’s time and muscle in the construction phase, as needed and communicated by USFS staff in the summer of 2019.
Please inform us of any additional activity on this proposed project and how we might continue to support this and other such efforts.
Sincerely,
Hannah J. Nikonow, Region 2 Board Member
The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers
About Hannah Nikonow
Hannah works as a communications specialist for a bird habitat conservation organization in Missoula. She is eager to follow in the boot tracks of those currently speaking out for the protection of public lands.