by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
As one of the only open riding locations in Northwestern Montana and inside Lake Koocanusa, the Douglas Hill OHV area provides riders of all skill levels the chance to explore that beautiful region on various types of motorized vehicles.
Of course, with all skill levels comes the possibility of riding off-trail, trash buildup, poor trail etiquette, along with several other issues that cause problems for the off-road community.
So, armed with a Quadratec 50-for-50 Trail Initiative Grant, the Two Wolf Foundation set out recently to install and educational kiosk at the area to help educate riders about the area, and how to keep it pristine for ages to come.
Six Two Wolf Foundation volunteers worked alongside the U.S. Forest Service, as well as Tread Lightly!, in early June to erect the signage, which they said was a special and impactful mission for the members.
”All of our team members (comprised of veterans and first responders) have found moments of peace and healing in the outdoors during the journey to overcome post-traumatic stress,” said Two Wolf Foundation Executive Director Brian Flynn. “By teaming up with Tread Lightly!, our participation in land stewardship is how these Warrior Stewards give back to the lands that provide that healing space. It is our opportunity to deepen that connection to the land and to serve again with meaning and purpose.”
Also supporting the project was the Ksaka Ranger District and onX Offroad.
“Thank you to Quadratec for helping us educate riders on this beautiful trail system,” said Tread Lightly! National Stewardship Programs Manager Evan Robins. “We are very grateful to our awesome friends and volunteers from The Two Wolf Foundation, and the Forest Service, who were the boots on the ground that got this work done.”
This Douglas Hill OHV Kiosk Installation was the 23rd of 50 trail and public land restoration events Quadratec will help sponsor in each state by the end of 2023.
So far through its supported projects, the 50-for-50 Stewardship Grant has accumulated 5,632.50 volunteer hours with a total value of $168,093, pulled away 95,785 pounds of trash and improved 684 miles of trail.
Quadratec’s ’50-for-50’ stewardship grant fund helps project managers pay for equipment, fees, volunteer support, food, fuel, signage and other miscellaneous costs.
Quadratec has been a supporting partner of Tread Lightly! for more than 20 years, and a longtime fundraiser for Tread Lightly!’s stewardship programs. The company has also promoted Tread Lightly! and other trail restoration efforts through its Quadratec Cares ‘Energize the Environment’ program.
Clubs and individuals are required to be active, supporting members of Tread Lightly! to be eligible to apply for ’50-for-50’ grant funding. To learn more about the Quadratec ’50-for-50 program, visit Quadratec's 50 for 50 Trails Stewardship Grant Initiative.
