By Josh Margolis
HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – Officials from Hill County, the Havre Chamber of Commerce and Bear Paw Development Corporation met with Havre Trails Secretary Sammie Chagnon on Wednesday to discuss potential plans to add a walking and biking trail along the Milk River Levy.
With necessary repairs to the levy in the beginning stages, Havre Trails plans to work with the Army Corps of Engineers and other stakeholders to make sure their plans align and seek out potential sources of funding.
It has not been decided whether the path will be gravel or pavement, although it would likely have to be paved if the aim is to make it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The issue of signage is also a concern, as the Army Corps is unlikely to approve of any signage above the levy that goes into the ground. However, Chagnon says Havre Trails is willing to be flexible and come up with creative solutions.
As proposed at the meeting, the trail would begin near the viaduct and end at the buffalo jump, for a total distance of around two miles. Potential expansion of the trail could come in the future.
Havre Chamber Executive Director Julea Robbins approved of the idea, citing the potential for increased tourism. Although Robbins said the Chamber doesn’t have funding directly available for the project, she said her office would be more than willing to promote the trail.
County Commissioner Mark Peterson said he hopes the trail will cut down on the number of people illegally using motor vehicles such as four-wheelers and motorcycles along the levy.
Local officials are planning on touring the potential path next Wednesday to get a better idea of what needs to be done to make the area ready for walking, hiking and biking.
The County Commission would have to approve the use of the area along the levy for walking and biking at a Business meeting before Havre Trails would be able to promote its use. However, this step is likely a formality, as the entire Commission seemed on board with the proposal at the meeting.
