Weed and parks staff outline spring work plans, grant projects and staffing needs

At the Flathead County Board of Commissioners' bimonthly update on March 13, county weed and parks staff described spring work plans, staffing gaps, grant projects and several capital maintenance efforts.

Weed department staff said off-season hours for the department’s compliance officer have been reduced to 16 hours per week but she will return to full time later in March. The department is exploring federal grant funding with the University of Montana and Flathead Biological Station and has confirmed the PSPP program funds have not been cut; a pesticide conference is scheduled for March 18 and the staff will present at a land-stewardship series included in FVCC continuing education on May 8. Staff reported revenue is ahead of prior fiscal years after favorable spraying conditions last season and said spring work will prioritize Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) contract areas and county rights-of-way, including Highway 2. The department noted it hopes to secure at least the previous $85,000 MDT contract amount but that DNRC funding for other work is uncertain; quotes for chemicals will be solicited later this spring.

Parks staff reported that major fee revenues are on par with fiscal year 2024 and that seasonal dock replacement and routine maintenance are underway. Final dock segments at Foys Lake are under contract and expected to be installed before summer. The Many Lakes Fire Mitigation Project was reported as complete for an initial phase: 13 acres thinned in Lake Meredith and East Bass Lake. Staff said DNRC covered 100% of the $18,000 contractor cost and the county met a 25% match requirement with in-kind work. At Little Bitterroot Lake, water levels remain historically low and staff said they have applied for a lakeshore permit to remove sediment and rocks from the Blue Grouse boat launch to reduce a hazard to boaters; an engineer assessment of Kelsey Cummings and Blue Grouse boat launches is expected later this spring.

Staff also described the Whitefish Stage/Lawrence Park switchback trail, saying a Transportation Alternatives (TA) grant would require a county commitment to winter plowing the rebuilt section. Commissioners were told the county cannot commit to winter maintenance because of staff, budget and safety constraints; the board asked staff to explore other options, including potential trail decommissioning, and to coordinate with Whitefish city officials and the county attorney on property and easement questions. Conrad Complex lease negotiations with the Conrad Cemetery Foundation are underway; staff said the lease will increase from $20,200 this year and any increase would be passed through as higher league fees for recreation users.

Staff noted seasonal hiring remains a priority: two seasonal employees have returned, two eight-month positions remain vacant (one roadside mower and one spray applicator), and the department will run radio recruitment ads later this month.

The update included routine safety and maintenance notes; commissioners did not change policy during the report.