Jocko trail system underway

ARLEE — Highway construction will not only bring newer roads to Arlee, but also foster the development of an extensive trail system.

An equestrian path has been constructed on the south side of Arlee to Lumpry Road, and on the north side toward the river. The multi-model, non-motorized path the Arlee Community Development Corporation’s Jocko Valley Trails Committee is working on developing would connect to this trail.

The Trails committee has been pursuing a path for about three years and has given itself a 10-year timeline.

“This is in order not to get discouraged,” said committee chair Gary Decker. “We recognize it’s going to be a slow process.”

The proposed 6 to 8-foot-wide, packed-gravel equestrian trail would run alongside the highway from Evaro to Ravalli, serving as a route to school for students, while encouraging outdoor activities.

The National Parks Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program has helped with a similar trail in Kalispell and Missoula, Decker said. He added that the committee is looking for similar technical assistance as no trail-systems designs have been formulated yet.

Officials from Flathead County have shared their knowledge of trails development with the committee, as the RTCA provided assistance with the trails.

Letters of support are being gathered from various organizations to help secure a RTCA design team.

“There’s a core group working on the trails right now,” Decker said, adding that public meetings on the matter will be held in the fall or next spring.

The committee meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each monthin the Arlee Community Fitness Center.