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Commission approves NRDP task order, DeWolf contract and Trail Society funding for A Hill and Stucky Ridge trails
Summary
The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commission unanimously approved a Natural Resource Damage Program task order modification, a construction contract with DeWolf Trail Excavation and a funding agreement with the Anaconda Trails Society to build trails on A Hill and Stucky Ridge; the Trails Society has secured $60,000 toward the project.
Anaconda-Deer Lodge County commissioners on May 19 approved a set of linked agreements to move forward on trail construction and resource restoration at A Hill and Stucky Ridge.
The commission voted 5-0 to approve a modification to Task Order No. 1 with the Natural Resource Damage Program (NRDP) to make funding available for trail construction this summer, to award a construction contract to DeWolf Trail Excavation for the Stucky Ridge Trails, and to sign a funding agreement that bridges a gap between county/NRDP funds and a $60,000 grant the Anaconda Trails Society secured.
"I appreciate Anaconda-Deer Lodge County for their continued cooperation in terms of working with the state of Montana to restore lands that were damaged by the operation of smelters," said Ray Vinky of the NRDP. "The initial Task Order and application presented a really good first step towards implementing what will be possibly ten years of work to restore those county lands."
Planning Director Carl Hamming told the commission DeWolf appeared qualified and could mobilize as soon as the contract was approved, aiming to complete much of the work by October or possibly November, with some scaling back in the driest months. "They seem very qualified and excited to hit the ground running," Hamming said.
Robin McKernan, a member of the Anaconda Trails Society steering committee, said the society had secured a $60,000 grant and would partner with the county on construction and stewardship. "Trails are an important part of our community," McKernan said. "This is a win-win for Anaconda."
The county record shows the Trails Society will manage accounting for the society-raised funds during construction; Hamming said NRDP funds administered through the county would reimburse the society for the funding gap. The approved task order modification and funding agreement together allow construction work identified in the county Trails and Recreation Plan to proceed this year.
Commissioners praised the coordination. CEO Bill Everett complimented Hamming’s work arranging partnerships and public outreach. There were no votes against the trail-related motions.
Next steps called for DeWolf to mobilize and for implementing groups to coordinate construction oversight and reimbursement tracking with the Trails Society and NRDP.
