Face2Face Networking

In a world where social media reigns supreme, the value of genuine face-to-face relationships often gets overlooked. We have become so engrossed in virtual connections that we have sacrificed meaningful conversations for quick online interactions. 

As a result, while we may have more connections than ever before, the depth of these relationships is often lacking, creating an epidemic of social isolation -- worldwide. 

For more information and meeting locations and other Face2Face news of interest, subscribe to our FREE bi-weekly newsletter HERE.  

If you would be interested in hosting an event call 406-871-6282

Bigfork Area Outdoor Recreation Plan 2024

 OUTDOOR RECREATION FOR ALL

The Bigfork area outdoor recreation plan for 2024 is now available for public review, commenting and participation.

The purpose of this plan is to provide the Bigfork community with a road map for a safe and sustainable recreation system that promotes health and wellness, economic vitality, and quality of life. 

The plan recommends goals and objectives for a connected system that balances recreation and conservation, promotes partnerships, and identifies funding resources to support adequate recreation infrastructure. 

Call 406-871-6282

It is intended to be a dynamic, long-term plan for the next 10 to 20 years and is designed to integrate with existing and potential planning processes such as local land use plans, resiliency plans, and agency plans. 

It is anticipated that the plan will be periodically updated to reflect new opportunities and trends.

Click HERE for complete details and information

49th Annual Bigfork White Water Festival Memorial day Weekend.

 

The Bigfork Whitewater Festival will be celebrating its 49th year! We welcome you to join us for this historic, local event as either a competitor or spectator this Memorial Day Weekend in Downtown Bigfork.

Bigfork, Montana is located on the north end of Flathead Lake, where the Swan River spills into Bigfork Bay. The last mile of the Swan River, known as the “Wild Mile”, is a class IV section of whitewater. This beautiful and challenging whitewater venue has a scenic nature trail paralleling the north side, giving spectators front row seats for some of the best whitewater action in the area.

The Wild Mile also flows through downtown Bigfork, which offers an eclectic variety of restaurants, shops and galleries. For more information and updates about the festival, keep checking back on our Facebook page and Instagram. or our website https://www.bigforkwhitewaterfestival.com

The Bridge Street Bridge Closure

 

PHOTO FLATHEAD BEACON

By now everyone knows about the closure of the historic bridge connecting downtown Bigfork and Montana Highway 35. It remains in limbo after officials on Jan. 31 closed the bridge due to structural concerns. It actually came a s a surprise to everyone as representatives from the Montana Department of Transportation and Flathead County, met with locals to field concerns after the unexpected closure of the Bridge Street Bridge in downtown Bigfork.

There is no actual timeline as to when a new bridge will be in place, construction is dated sometime in 2026. The initial thought is to replace it with another bridge similar to the old one -- single lane, one car at a time.

Accoding to the article in the Flathead Beacon, February 3, 2024:

Representatives from MDT and Flathead County said they are working to find a temporary fix ahead of the bridge’s replacement, but that they cannot promise any particular solutions or time frames. Possible fixes could include renting a bridge or constructing a suspension bridge crossway for pedestrians.

“We’re going to do everything we can as fast as we can,” MDT Chief Operating Officer Dwane Kailey said.

Kailey said MDT will continue to communicate with the community as developments occur.

The public is encouraged to submit thoughts and questions regarding the bridge replacement project to sloane@bigskypublicrelations.com or by calling the project hotline at 406-207-4484.

OUR THOUGHTS 

With Bigfork being a unique destination with no other highway connections, bypasses, or underpasses, a pedestrian/bike bridge could be a viable solution to the current "moving parking lot" situation in the downtown area. If rebuilding is in the plans, this proposal should be considered as a sustainable and innovative option to improve the community.

When street closures or alternatives to driving are suggested, or mandated, many civic, local and state officials fear if traffic and parking is altered in any way it would hurt business, not to mention the people who wouldn't be able to shop or attend events because of restrictions. However, it's been our experience in covering similar situations other cities face (Alternatives Magazine) that quite the opposite is true. People are innovative. They will adapt.

Paris (France) closed 100 streets to cars for good and the effects have been profound

We understand that a PERMANENT closure of Bigfork Bridge Street to cars in favor of a walkable bridge may cause inconvenience to some drivers, but we want to emphasize the importance of prioritizing sustainable transportation options.

 

Continuously building infrastructure solely for cars only encourages more driving, which ultimately contributes to environmental degradation and traffic congestion. We believe that installing a pedestrian and bike bridge would be the start of a truly walkable and bikeable city and would be in line with the Bigfork Area Outdoor Recreation Plan for 2024.

This solution will not end the downtown traffic problem, but it's a start to making Bigfork a more pedestrian-friendly and bike-friendly city.

 

We look forward to working with the community to make Bigfork a better place to live, work, and play.

Post your thoughts or comments below 

The New Harrell Forest Community Trails Are Now Open to the Public!

The new trails are now officially open! 

These trails are designed to be family friendly and as inclusive as possible, while protecting the natural resources that are protected under a conservation easement. 

Funding of a project came in the spring of 2022, project partners secured two major grants through the Montana Recreational Trails Program (RTP) and the Montana Trail Stewardship Grant Program (MTSGP). In addition, Flathead Land Trust raised $40,000 from many generous donors through Whitefish Community Foundation’s Great Fish Community Challenge in the summer of 2022.

 The project will provide public access, extraordinary front county recreational opportunities, as well as protection and landscape connectivity for wildlife species such as whitetail deer, turkey and black bear. It has been a long process of planning and collaboration, and in the fall of 2023, the Harrell Forest Trails opened for everyone to enjoy.

Please note that the trails are for non-motorized use only (hiking and biking, but no e-bikes). To protect our natural resources and the safety of all visitors, we ask that you refrain from bringing horses, camping, or parking overnight in this area. 

Please also keep your dogs on a leash to ensure the well-being of all wildlife and fellow visitors. 

Click HERE for further information and maps. 

Call 406-871-6282 for further information about Bigfork Chapter