SWAN VALLEY - The Swan Valley Elementary School (SVE) received a $2,500 matching grant from Missoula County Park and Trails. Superintendent Chris Stout applied for the grant on behalf of SVE school board to help fund the interpretive trail, part of the students’ community forest project, located on the school’s property. The students want the trail to be used by the community to enjoy and to gain knowledge about the site’s trees and vegetation.
In 2013, the SVE junior high students created their plans for the community forest project using mapping software along with consultation with local experts. They spoke to people familiar with the many aspects of the project including the mapping process and trees and vegetation growing on the site. A local logger worked with the students and thinned out the timber and shipped the logs to the mill.
Missoula County Parks and Trails Coordinator John Stegmaier said that the funds are awarded to deserving applicants by the Missoula County Parks and Trails Advisory Board twice a year. The board consists of seven appointed members and Missoula County Commissioner Stacy Rye. According to Stegmaier, the funds given for SVE’s project are separate from the money in the $3 million trails bond passed in 2014, even though they are both managed by his department.
“The board liked the idea of the student-led [rural] community project and forest plan that has social and recreational value. They want to see areas aided that are outside urban area facilities,” Stegmaier said.
According to Stegmaier, the school must match the grant with cash or in-kind such as volunteer and donated services.
According to Stout, the proceeds from the timber and firewood sale, volunteer work and donated services will be applied as the matching funds.
Even though much of the labor to finish the student-designed trail project will be done by the students and volunteers, signage, machinery work and landscaping will require use of the funds said Stout.
“When the work starts up in the spring the school will advertise for volunteers for a work day complete with refreshments on the Swan Valley Facebook page.”
Stout said he appreciated Missoula County’s help and interest in the project that is far from the urban area of Missoula.
For more information or to offer help with the project call SVE at 406-754-2320 or Stout at 406-677-2265.
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