Finding of No Significant Impact

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
IMPROVED PARKING FACILITIES AND AMENITIES FOR
HORSE RIDERS WITH DISABILITIES AT WALTON
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
WEST GLACIER, MONTANA

The purpose of this project is to address concerns about accessibility, safety, orientation, and information in the Walton area and to implement the General Management Plan (GMP) (NPS 1999) by formally designating the visitor service zone that was conceptually identified in the GMP. Currently, there is very limited space for trail users at the Walton area to park and maneuver their vehicles, especially horse trailers. Consequently, the majority of visitors use the shoulder of U.S. Highway 2 for unloading and parking resulting in unsafe conditions for visitors and their vehicles, as well as compacted soil and trampled vegetation in these areas. In addition, there are only three parking spaces for day and overnight hikers resulting in many of them parking in picnic area sites, displacing those coming to picnic. Presently, there are no ramps in the park for horse riders with disabilities to mount and dismount from their stock.
The proposal is to provide an accessible ramp for horse riders with disabilities, formalize parking for trucks and horse trailers, provide a trail from the new parking area to tie into the Ole Creek Trail, and provide 2-3 additional parking spaces for day and overnight backcountry hikers. The proposal will also provide a more visible visitor information board, a new hitching rail, and a comfort station for visitors.

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