Community Briefs

Space Available at Clearwater Alliance Church for Evacuees

GREENOUGH - Clearwater Alliance Church, just east of Clearwater Junction, has offered space to park RV’s, camper trailers and set up tents for evacuees. Those camping can use the facility including three bathrooms, showers and a kitchen available. There is an RV dump across the road at the Rest Stop.

For more information call Pastor Bruce Williams at 499-0345 or 499-0009 or Evelyn Holbrook at 529-3500.

Blackfoot Challenge Swan Release Cancelled

OVANDO - The Blackfoot Challenge Trumpeter Swan Release scheduled for Thursday morning, Sept. 7 at Jones Lake has been cancelled due to the evacuation warnings and threat of the Rice Ridge Fire. At this time a future release date has not been scheduled.

Follow the Blackfoot Challenge Facebook page for updates or visit their webpage, http://www.blackfootchallenge.org for further information.

Seeley Lake Community Council Meeting Cancelled

SEELEY LAKE – Due to the current fire situation with the Rice Ridge Fire, the Sept. 11 meeting of the Seeley Lake Community Council has been cancelled.

Loving Hearts Closed Until Evacuation Order Lifted

SEELEY LAKE – Loving Hearts is closed due to the Evacuation Order in Seeley Lake. Once the order is lifted, it will resume its regular hours Wednesday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Donation Opportunities to Help Seeley Lake Evacuees

SEELEY LAKE – There are several ways to donate to those affected by the evacuations from the Rice Ridge Fire.

The Seeley Lake Community Foundation is one of the designated by the Missoula County Office of Emergency Management as a Community Organizations Active in Disaster. They are accepting donations and will distribute the funds accordingly. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 25, Seeley Lake, MT 59868. Write “Rice Ridge Fire” in the memo to earmark the donation. For more information call the Foundation at 677-3506.

Donations can also be made through the United Way. One hundred percent of the donations go directly to assist with the relief and recovery efforts of the Rice Ridge Fire. To donate, visit http://www.missoulaunitedway.org/seeley-lake-fire-fund-2017. Funds have already been used to purchase food that was delivered to Camp Paxson for evacuees.

2018 Parks and Trails Matching Grants Applications Available

MISSOULA - The Missoula County Parks and Trails Advisory Board wants to hear your idea for a project in a County Park or other public recreation site!

These funds allow the Missoula County Parks, Trails & Open Lands Program to partner with dedicated community members interested in improving and maintaining public recreation sites and facilities outside the Missoula City Limits. There is $40,000 of funding available for Capital Improvement Projects and $10,000 for Maintenance projects. Grant recipients are reimbursed for half the cost of the project, not exceeding the award amount. Cash expenses, in-kind donations and volunteer service are recognized as an eligible match.

Program timeline

• Late Summer: Call for applications

• Fall: Applications due Oct. 16

• Winter 2017: Missoula County Parks & Trails Advisory Board reviews applications and provides a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners

• Early Spring 2018: Board of County Commissioners reviews recommendations; grants awarded

To learn more about the program or for an application please visit: http://tinyurl.com/Matching-Grants or stop by the Community and Planning Services office at 323 W. Alder Street.