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Removing ADA Accessibility Barriers on the Three Forks of the Flathead Wild and Scenic River Project Flathead Rivers Alliance (FRA) is a nonprofit dedicated to preservation and accessibility of the Three Forks of the Flathead Wild and Scenic River. Through education, stewardship and outreach we work alongside our partners to maintain the health of the Flathead River, as well as ensure access and enjoyment for all users. FRA serves as a friends group boosting the capacity of cooperative managing agencies to work more closely with local advocates for the river system and existing and future river users. At the start of this project and currently, the river corridor has no existing universal design and ADA accessibility for people with disabilities. This project is allowing FRA to work more closely with local advocates, individuals with disabilities and organizations (nonprofits and outfitters) facilitating experiences, Flathead National Forest, and Glacier National Park to ensure everyone has access to the Flathead Wild and Scenic River and the benefits that stem from access. In order to realize our mission and vision, FRA has partnered with DREAM Adaptive Recreation, Flathead National Forest, Glacier National Park, Jackola Engineering, Summit Independent Living, HydroLogistics, Montana FWP, Underwater Soldiers, Glacier Raft Co, Wild River Adventures, Glacier Guide & Montana Raft Co and other stakeholders. Phase I‐ COMPLETED; An overview of Potential Project Areas meeting specified criteria. This also included a two engineering plans concept drawings, and projected cost and stakeholder workshop. Hosted a stakeholder meeting to review engineering site specific recommendations and identify which features and improvements they advise prioritizing. Phase II‐ IN PROGRESS/Partially Funded; The creation of engineering plans, concept drawings, and projected project cost list for the remaining river access sites that were baseline assessed in the summer of 2022. Host stakeholder meetings to review engineering site specific recommendations and identify which features and improvements they advise prioritizing. Finish engineering plan concept drawings for remaining access sites and produce an ADA/Universal Design River User Guide for existing conditions for visitors and resident use. Phase III‐ SEEKING FUNDING; Physical site accessibility improvements; updating the River User Guide and online tools to outlines ADA/Universal Design accessibility features of each location.
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