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Helena officials weigh permanent protection for La Grande Canyon Trail; staff urges waiting for developer plat
Summary
The Helena City Commission heard broad public support and staff legal caution on permanently protecting La Grande Canyon Trail. Public commenters and local land trust representatives urged immediate action; city staff recommended waiting until a developer’s final plat makes the city an adjacent owner before vacating road right-of-way.
The Helena City Commission received public testimony urging permanent protection of the La Grande Canyon Trail and heard staff explain legal limits on immediately vacating the road right-of-way.
Diana Hammer, Helena Citizens Council secretary, read the council’s recommendation saying, “HCC asked that the city act to permanently protect the Grand Canyon Trail by vacating its public roads right away or to other commitments along the Grand Canyon and protect this trail and land parcel as part of Helena's incredible network of open space for outdoor recreation and wildlife habitat.”
The recommendation and extensive public comment followed months of discussion about whether vacating the city’s right-of-way could inadvertently transfer parts of the trail to private owners. Barry Hollow, director…
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