I've had the opportunity to spend time a lot of time on the new Whitefish Trail, which officially opened on Saturday, July 17. The trail is truly amazing and all the hard work that has gone into it over the past 7 years is now beginning to pay off. I love to mountain bike and this trail is truly artful -- the designers have created an incredible flow with banked turns and beautiful vistas. Hikers, bikers, walker, and equestrian riders have a new treat near town, and this is only the beginning!

By 2015 we should have a 55-mile recreational trail system looping around Whitefish Lake through state, federal and private lands, creating a regional amenity that is unique in western Montana. This trail is just another reason why I love to live in Whitefish. It's taken a ton of partnerships and like-minded people who look to the future with hopes of conserving open spaces so our kids and grandchildren will have beautiful places to play and enjoy the outdoors.