Trail paving ongoing at J. Neils

By BRENT SHRUM Western News Reporter

Crews hired by Lincoln County were busy this week paving the 1.5-mile walking trail around J. Neils Memorial County Park.

Kootenai Paving started work on the trail on Tuesday and was expected to finish the job by the end of the day on Wednesday. Funding for the project comes from a $26,000 grant from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks along with matching funds provided in the form of in-kind services by the county.

Maintenance issues, along with handicapped accessibility, were cited as main reasons for the project.

"With the declining budgets, until something happens that's easier maintenance," said county parks and recreation director Carol Ann Peltier.

Another goal of the project is to tie the park in with a network of planned trails around the Libby area. The project is part of a 20-year trails plan developed with input from Commissioner Rita Windom, the Libby Parks District, the Forest Service, the Libby School District and trails enthusiasts, Peltier said.

The next segment being planned will take the trail from the park down Champion Haul Road to the Kootenai River, across the old haul bridge and down the road across Lincoln County Port Authority property to Fifth Street. Plans are also in the works for a trail around the ponds on the port authority land between the river and Fifth Street and a connecting trail from the area around the ponds to Second Street near the Libby Care Center. Peltier said she's still in the process of working out easement issues with the port authority as the plans take shape.

Peltier said she's optimistic about the county's chances for receiving future grants to continue work on the trail system. Achieving success with past grants helps build a positive track record that is taken into account when new applications are being considered, she said.

"We have a dedicated group of people through the Libby Parks District and the others to move forward with it," she said.

Groundwork for the trail plans was provided by a 2001 survey mailed to all county residents. The survey helped the county develop a master plan based on input provided by the people who returned it.

"Walking came in number one for recreation activities for adults," Peltier said.

J. Neils Memorial County Park was listed as the number one location for adult summer activities, she added.

Peltier said she welcomes input from any individuals or groups interested in helping improve recreational opportunities in different areas of the county. She can be reached at 293-7781 extension 238.