Flathead Rivers Alliance partners gather to workshop Phase II of ADA accessibility proposal on Flathead River
Flathead Rivers Alliance (FRA) and partners have moved forward with Phase II of improving American Disability Act (ADA) accessibility on the Three Forks of the Flathead Wild and Scenic River thanks to a $30,411 grant through the Flathead National Forest and the Flathead Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) and $6,000 through Whitefish Community Foundation Spring Community Grant. The goal of this project is to provide those living with a disability more direct access to, and benefits stemming from, our natural resources. Phase II deliverables: (1) conceptual designs for the remaining 10 access sites-COMPLETE; (2) finalize and prioritize recommendations for each of the sites- COMPLETE and; (3) produce an ADA/Universal Design River User Guide for existing conditions for visitor use- IN PROGRESS.
FRA is working collaboratively with DREAM Adaptive Recreation, Flathead National Forest, Glacier National Park, Jackola Engineering and Architecture, Summit Independent Living, HydroLogistics, Montana FWP, Underwater Soldiers, Glacier Raft Co, Wild River Adventures, Glacier Guide & Montana Raft Co, Forestoration, Logan Health and other stakeholders through a series of stakeholder workshops to assist with these efforts.
The intent of this multi-year project is to assess barriers and prioritize opportunities to improve accessibility of 12 vehicle-access river access sites for individuals with disabilities on the Middle and North Forks of the Flathead River. Access sites currently meet limited accessibility standards.
RIVER ACCESS SITES
North Fork of Flathead River
+ Border River Access
+ Ford River Access
+ Polebridge River Access
+ Big Creek River Access
+ Great Northern Flats River Access
+ Glacier Rim River Access
Middle Fork of Flathead River
+ Bear Creek River Access
+ Essex River Access
+ Paola River Access
+ Cascadilla River Access
+ Moccasin River Access
+ West Glacier River Access
In 2022, partners tackled Phase I of the project by assessing baseline conditions of select river access sites through on-location visits and a stakeholder workshop. This produced conceptual designs and recommendations for two top priority access sites for Flathead National Forest’s consideration.
Flathead Rivers Alliance is seeking funding for the remaining $4,000 to complete Phase II of Removing Barriers for ADA Accessibility project and funding to begin on the ground improvements for Phase III. Contact Sheena Pate, Executive Director at info@flatheadrivers.org for donations specific to this project or mail donation to: Flathead Rivers Alliance, PO Box 1906, Whitefish, MT 59937.
