Great Falls Trail Bike Riders Association (GFTBRA) is pleased to present our 2025 Year Recap, highlighting the efforts and achievements in our two trail maintenance programs in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. 

Our non-profit group’s help was instrumental in the implementation of three larger mechanized projects, along with the annual hired Trail Sawyer clearing crew.  Both of these long-term programs help to ensure the continued accessibility and sustainability of our public trail systems in and around the Great Falls area. Through the dedication of volunteers, collaboration with land management agencies, and the support of our members, GFTBRA made continued progress in preserving and enhancing the riding experience for all motorized trail enthusiasts throughout the area.  This would not have been possible without our member support, volunteers, agency partners support, and grant funding sources.

The need for trail maintenance has far outpaced the available resources to complete that maintenance for decades now, especially in the Little Belt Mtns.  GFTBRA and our members have been instrumental in these continued trail maintenance programs over the past many years.  Thankfully 2025 did not see the same late-Spring storms that devastated sections of the Little Belts in 2024.  This allowed our volunteer members & Trail Sawyer crew to help clear the trails earlier in the season, which provided a greater window of opportunity for riding days this year.  After the initial clearing phase, our Trail Sawyer team was able to go back and spend additional time on treadwork and cutting back brush on some overgrown trail sections.

We can not overstate how important our GFTBRA members have been to the continued trail maintenance of our public trail systems throughout the area.  The number of volunteer hours that are expended by members riding with chainsaws throughout the year is a major reason why the Little Belt Mtns offer some of the best singletrack riding in the state.  

Our mechanized maintenance program provided 6 weeks of skilled contractors & materials helping the USFS in three different areas of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest this season:  Sand Bar area near Lincoln, Pierce Park area in the Little Belts, and the continued multi-year renovation in the Castle Mtns to the east of White Sulphur Springs.

The 2025 year was a testament to the dedication of GFTBRA members, volunteers, and partners in preserving and enhancing the motorized trail systems in this regional portion of the state. Through collective effort, we ensured that these vital recreational resources remain open, safe, and enjoyable for all. GFTBRA is committed to continuing this important work, fostering responsible trail use, and championing the future of motorized recreation in Big Sky Country.

Building on the successes of this year, GFTBRA looks forward to an even more impactful 2026. Our priorities for the upcoming year include 

• Expanding our seasonally hired Trail Sawyer crew.  
• Advocating for increased funding and support for motorized trail maintenance.
• Protecting current trail access, while advocating for future increased trail opening opportunities.

GFTBRA is a non-profit organization with a proven 40+ year track record.  Its membership is composed of a large number of individual members, families, and supporting businesses / organizations.  GFTBRA is not a government entity, nor a public land management agency.  GFTBRA is not in charge of any land nor of any trails.  Both of our trail maintenance programs are done in direct partnership with the USFS land management agency.  USFS is in charge of determining projects, scope of work, and environmental compliance.  GFTBRA partners with them to help provide experienced contractors, construction materials, manpower, and volunteers to help maintain the public trail systems as needed.

Our dedicated members are what has made GFTBRA an effective force in the ongoing effort to protect, maintain, and expand our public motorized access throughout this central portion of Montana.  Our membership list includes a wide range of people, businesses, and organizations that have supported GFTBRA’s vision over the past 40+ years.  Some have been a part of this solution for the full 40+ years, others have joined along the way, and many have joined throughout the past few years.  Want to help support GFTBRA’s continued future?  Visit GFTBRA.com to become a member today for as little as $35 annually. 

Our next public meeting will be held in early 2026 where we will recap the accomplishments of 2025, along with outlining our objectives for the 2026 season.  We will post the meeting dates & agenda to our Facebook page, GFTBRA.com website, and also our email newsletter.