The draft Triangle Trails Plan has been released for public comment on the project website at www.triangletrailplan.com. The Plan has been in motion over the past year and outlines a comprehensive trail network for one of the most rapidly changing areas in Montana; the Triangle, which lies roughly between Four Corners, Belgrade, and Bozeman.

Chet Work, Executive Director of Gallatin Valley Land Trust reflected, “30 years ago GVLT and partners championed a vision to connect Main Street to the Mountains with trails. We have an opportunity now to set the vision for the next 30 years and ensure that we’ll have a connected trail system we can be proud of. The time to plan for trails in the Triangle Area is now, ahead of the rapid development we’ll see in the area. We’re proud of this collaborative effort with Gallatin County, City of Bozeman, City of Belgrade and the residents of this valley.”

The major benefit of collaboration is ensuring consistent standards and a complete system across all jurisdictions.

Addi Jadin, Bozeman Parks Planning and Development Manager, shared, "The great thing about trails is that they move us through the landscape and to the places we need to be. Those places and our amazing landscapes don't follow jurisdictional lines, so the coordination of the Triangle Trails Plan across our communities will ensure a consistent network as we travel through our communities!"

The draft Plan was developed using a variety of public input opportunities, including discussions with key community groups and cycling tours of the area. The Plan focuses on trails that are separated from traffic and accessible to a wide variety of users. Trail recommendations include three different types: Neighborhood trails that would be developed as part of a new subdivision, connector trails that bring people to schools, parks, and commercial nodes, and commuter pathways that are designed for efficient transportation across longer distances. The Plan also includes design standards as well as amenity recommendations. The trail network would be implemented over time as development and infrastructure projects align with the Plan.

“The existence of an adopted trail plan is critical to providing predictability and clarity to local developers and citizens. This document is something our community expects us to have, and is responsible land use planning. A clear plan will empower county commissioners to realize the communities’ vision for years to come,” said Scott MacFarlane, Gallatin County Commissioner.

The draft plan can be found at www.triangletrailplan.com. The website includes a short survey to solicit feedback on the major elements of the plan, from the location of trails to trail standards to the plan’s vision. Public comment is open until Sunday, June 13, 2021. The adoption of the Plan is anticipated this summer as part of the Gallatin County and Belgrade Growth Policies and referenced in the updated Bozeman Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Plan.