18 Jul Tread Lightly! Impact Report: Rat Springs Historical Site Protection

Project: Rat Springs Historical Site Protection
Location: Montana

Description: On June 6 and 7, 2023 six volunteers from the Two Wolf Foundation worked along with the U.S. Forest Service and Tread Lightly! to install a new 700’ split rail fence to protect the old trading post site at Rat Springs in the Kootenai National Forest in Montana. This area has a rich history of land stewardship passed down by the Kooska Native American Tribe.

Historically, this site served as a trading hub for goods and ideas. This area sits on the northern border of the Douglas Hill OHV Area nearby and has seen many unauthorized vehicle incursions in recent years. The fence was built to protect this important historic site and the trail access to the area.

Thank you to the following partners for their support:

• onX Offroad
• Two Wolf Foundation
• United States Forest Service

“Thank you to onX Offroad and the Two Wolf Foundation for helping us protect this important historical site for future generations. This project was a great example of how cultural areas and off-road trails can exist cohesively.”-Evan Robins, Tread Lightly! National Stewardship Programs Manager

“We are very appreciative of Tread Lightly! for facilitating this partnership with Two Wolf Foundation on the Rat Springs Work Project.

With the work put forth by the volunteers we were able to complete important projects in order to protect the interests of user groups both past and present.  We look forward to continuing this partnership in order to get good work done for years to come.”-Marcy Butts, USFS

“Two Wolf Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Tread Lightly! as stewards of our public lands. Our involvement in the Kootenai National Forest project was a special and impactful mission for the members of Warrior Stewardship Team 002. 

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. 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.”-Brian Flynn, Two Wolf Foundation Executive Director

Want to get involved in your own Tread Lightly! project? Find upcoming activities, events and grant opportunities at treadlightly.org.