Removing Accessibility Barriers on  the Three Forks of the Flathead Wild and Scenic River Project- Phase 1

This project assesses barriers and prioritizes opportunities to improve ADA accessibility and universal design at river access sites for individuals with disabilities and their companions and guides, on the Three Forks of the Flathead Wild and Scenic River. Access sites currently have limited to no ADA accessibility. We are working collaboratively with DREAM Adaptive, Flathead National Forest, Glacier National Park, Jackola Engineering, and advocates and individuals with disabilities and organizations (nonprofits and outfitters) facilitating experiences for this project. Through a series of site visits and a stakeholder workshop this phase of project will produce a baseline assessment of vehicle-accessed river access sites on the Middle and North Forks of the Flathead River, along with conceptual designs for top prioritized sites.

The objective is to help guide and prioritize Flathead National Forest's work going forward as they leverage Great American Outdoors Act funds over the next few years for on the ground projects. By creating more accessible outdoor recreation spaces, it gives those living with a disability more direct access to our natural resources and the benefits that stem from them.

PHASE 1- COMPLETED
An overview of Potential Project Areas meeting specified criteria. This also included a two engineering plans concept drawings, and projected cost and stakeholder workshop. Hosted a stakeholder meeting to review engineering site specific recommendations and identify which features and improvements they advise prioritizing. READ BLOG POST: www.flatheadrivers.org/latest-news/removing-barriers-for-river-ada-accessibility

Phase II‐ IN PROGRESS/Partially Funded
The creation of engineering plans, concept drawings, and projected project cost list for the remaining river access sites that were baseline assessed in the summer of 2022. Host stakeholder meetings to review engineering site specific recommendations and identify which features and improvements they advise prioritizing. Finish engineering plan concept drawings for remaining access sites and produce an ADA/Universal Design River User Guide for existing conditions for visitors and resident use. 

Phase III‐ SEEKING FUNDING
Physical site accessibility improvements; updating the River User Guide and online tools to outline ADA/Universal Design accessibility features of each location.

Partial funding support is provided by Flathead Resource Advisory Committee for the planning phase of project. If you would like to help us reach our fundraising goal for this phase of the project please email info@flatheadrivers.org for more information.