Missoula County faces backlash over Seeley Lake trail funding

Environmental groups demand county rescind $250,000 grant for new mountain bike trails

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:06pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a lush, forested landscape captured through a hazy, rain-streaked lens, conveying a sense of the natural beauty and fragility of the area under dispute.The tranquil forest setting near Seeley Lake faces an uncertain future as environmental groups push back against plans for a new mountain biking trail network.Missoula Today

A group of environmental organizations has called on Missoula County to rescind a $250,000 grant it allocated to a nonprofit to construct a 30-mile mountain biking trail network northeast of Seeley Lake, Montana. The groups argue the trails would damage sensitive ecosystems and wildlife habitats in the area.

Why it matters

This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between recreation, conservation, and development in public lands management. Environmental advocates are concerned the new trails could disrupt fragile alpine environments, while proponents argue the trails would provide economic benefits and recreational opportunities for the local community.

The details

The $250,000 grant was awarded by Missoula County to the Seeley Lake Trails Association, a local nonprofit, to build out the extensive trail network in the Lolo National Forest near Seeley Lake. However, a coalition of environmental groups, including the Montana Wilderness Association and the Sierra Club, have penned a letter demanding the county rescind the funding, arguing the trails would damage sensitive ecosystems and wildlife habitats.

  • Missoula County allocated the $250,000 grant to the Seeley Lake Trails Association in early 2026.
  • The environmental groups sent their letter of protest to the county in April 2026.

The players

Missoula County

The local government entity that awarded the $250,000 grant for the Seeley Lake trail project.

Seeley Lake Trails Association

A nonprofit organization that received the county grant to construct the 30-mile mountain biking trail network near Seeley Lake.

Montana Wilderness Association

An environmental advocacy group that is part of the coalition opposing the Seeley Lake trail project.

Sierra Club

A prominent national environmental organization that has joined the call for Missoula County to rescind the trail funding.

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What they’re saying

“We must protect the sensitive alpine environments and wildlife habitats in this area from the impacts of extensive new trail development.”

— Sierra Club representative

What’s next

Missoula County officials have indicated they will review the environmental groups' concerns and make a decision on the trail funding in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This dispute underscores the ongoing challenges of balancing recreational development and environmental conservation on public lands, an issue that will likely continue to generate debate in Missoula County and other communities across the American West.