Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park Receives National Recognition

Print

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park will be recognized as a "21 st Century American Heritage Park” by Americans for Our Heritage and Recreation in a ceremony July 2 at 1 p.m. at the park.   AHR is a nonprofit organization made up of conservation, recreation and wilderness interests.  

“Being named as one of ten 21 st Century American Heritage Parks in 2003 is a significant honor for this popular State Park,” said Tom Reilly, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks State Parks Division assistant administrator. Reilly said the new day use shelter at the park, built with Land and Water Conservation Funds, was cited by AHR. AHR works to encourage LWCF projects.

“The new day-use shelter at the Lewis and Clark Caverns campground was singled out for this recognition from among 39,000 LWCF projects nationwide,” said Reilly.   The new shelter can accommodate about 50 people for picnics, presentations and other uses.

The 21 st Century American Heritage Parks are exceptional recreation sites that meet the public’s needs and are sensitive to conserving open space and the natural heritage of the area, Reilly said.

Since 1965, Montana has received over $32 million for outdoor recreational projects through LWCF. Established in 1965, the federal program encourages partnerships between national, state and local governments in planning and funding outdoor recreational projects.

Other success stories in the state include the Descro Park Trail in Billings that links Descro Park and Millice Park. The project rehabilitated a weed-infested area and provides the community with space to walk, jog, bicycle and roller-skate. LWCF funds are also helping to rehabilitate Frenchtown Pond State Park near Missoula.   It serves 34,000 visitors annually.

For details on attending the public ceremony July 2 at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, call 406-444-3752.