Seeley Lake Trails Project Presents Survey Results

SEELEY LAKE – Part I of the report on the March 7, 2018 public trails meeting gave the results of the resident and visitor survey conducted in 2017 by the CRC Trails Advisory Council. Part II presents the views of local business owners and discussion on partnerships. Part III will present recommendations derived from the surveys, and suggestions for how to proceed in the future.

In addition to the survey information submitted by residents and visitors to Seeley Lake, the Seeley Lake Trails Advisory Committee surveyed local business owners to get their insight into how a trails project might impact them and the economic health of the community.

Jenny Rohrer presented the results of the business survey representing 24 respondents. Additionally, more extensive interviews were conducted with 10 business owners.

Rohrer said, "The survey results showed that 95 percent of the business owners in town believe that outdoor recreation is very important to the economy of Seeley Lake. It brings new visitors, keeps visitors coming back, keeps visitors staying longer and brings in new residents."

Expanding Outdoor Recreational Opportunities: A 77 percent majority indicated they were in favor of expanding recreation, though their interest ran the gamut from cautious to major expansion. Another 18 percent said a solid infrastructure, including a sewer system, needed to be in place prior to expansion efforts. Business owners generally agreed the town's economy ought to have a broader basis than tourism, Seeley Lake needed to keep its small town feel and there needed to be a balance between motorized and non-motorized recreation.

Asked whether Seeley Lake would benefit from improved tourism facilities such as lodging, RV parks, vendors, restaurants and better signage and maps, 82 percent of the businesses surveyed said yes. Better signage was strongly recommended.

Types of Outdoor Recreation Most Beneficial to Current Businesses: Snowmobiling topped the list at 62 percent. Next was hiking at 52 percent, followed by ATV/OHV at 48 percent. Nordic skiing, hunting, canoeing/kayaking and motor boating all ranked the same at 43 percent and mountain biking was 38 percent.

Types of Outdoor Recreation Contributing most to Overall Economy: Camping was felt to be the highest contributor at 95 percent. Next came snowmobiling and fishing at 91 percent; motorboating 86 percent; hiking at 68 percent and canoeing/kayaking at 64 percent.

Events Currently Helping Economy: Seventy-seven percent of business owners felt the economy derived the most benefit from the July 4th fireworks and surrounding events. The Bob Marshall Music Festival was named by 33 percent; Pond Hockey, Snow Joke and Winterfest by 29 percent; OSCR Nordic Ski Race and Ride the Divide bicycle trek by 19 percent.

Activities to Improve Economy: Eighty-six percent of business owners felt mountain biking had the greatest chance of improving the economy. Following that came hiking at 68 percent, ATV/OHV and snowmobiling at 55 percent and Nordic skiing at 45 percent.

Suggestions to Stimulate Economy During Slower Months: Rohrer reported a number of ideas were offered including movies, concerts and indoor sports if a suitable venue could be found and enhanced marketing and advertising. Other potential activities: rifle target shoots, archery competitions, basketball tournaments like Hoop Fest, Iron Men and Iron Women competitions and competitive events for the disabled. Also suggested was a monthly marathon around the lake when that trail is completed. Additional warming huts and yurts, clinics and educational classes and two- and three-day motorized and mountain bike events were also suggested along with things for family members to do while parents are competing in activities.

CRC past president Bill Wall said the key to the success of implementing trail projects was forming partnerships between user groups and land-managing agencies where both sides mutually benefit. He pointed to the Seeley Lake Nordic Ski Club and the Driftriders Snowmobile Club as outstanding examples of such partnerships. Representatives of the two clubs spoke briefly about those partnerships.

Ski club president Mike McGrew said the United States Forest Service built the cross country ski trail system with the understanding that the ski club would accept the responsibility for grooming and maintaining them. Thirty years later that agreement is still in effect.

Driftriders representative Curtis Friede said for the past 30-35 years the Driftriders Snowmobile Club has had the same type of agreement with USFS, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and more recently The Nature Conservancy. The Driftriders seasonally groom 365 miles of snowmobile trails crossing properties held by those land managers.

Seeley Lake District Ranger Rachel Feigley said the District would not be capable of maintaining its 713 miles of trails without volunteer help and partnerships with groups such as the Ski Club and the Driftriders. She said the current priority is to take care of trails damaged in the summer fires.

In addition, she said funding is declining at the same time new congressional rulings and USFS internal policies are demanding quality trail systems. This necessitates either prioritizing and putting resources into only the most used trails or else partnering with more volunteers and groups willing to take responsibility for their desired trails.

Feigley said, "I think this idea of a partnership is going to become more of a norm."

Other land managers expressed their willingness to partner also, qualifying the parameters for their organizations.

Kristin Baker-Dickenson said DNRC is tasked with generating revenue on the public lands they manage and accordingly must ask for compensation for recreation taking place.

Steve Kloetzel noted partner groups must share The Nature Conservancy's conservation goals.

Scott Eggeman said trail projects on Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks lands must be compatible with wildlife and wildlife habitat management

The next issue of the Pathfinder will present the final results of the CRC trails presentation: Trails Advisory Council recommendations and suggestions for implementation.