about us

Our mission is to promote a complete, community-wide trail system

vision:

The Billings area is a premier community for healthy lifestyles, where active transportation and recreation are safe and integral parts of everyday activity.

Billings TrailNet is a non-profit, 501c3, grass-roots organization that supports urban trails in and around the Billings community. Our organization increases awareness and encourages use of the trails in our community, and raises money to use as matching funds for trails.

Goals:

Increase amount and connectivity of trails and bikeways.

Advocate the value of trails to the community.

Promote increased use of trails and an active lifestyle.

Develop and encourage community collaboration on active transportation.

Support maintenance of trails system.

Grow Billings TrailNet’s identity.

Develop and expand the organization.

our work

It’s hard to believe, but there is no local public funding dedicated to building trails. Unlike streets and sidewalks which are simply built in to a city, most trails in Billings are not provided by taxpayer dollars. If we don’t have money for trails, we don’t get connections to neighborhoods, parks, or businesses.

Since 2002, Billings TrailNet has raised more than $1M to promote trails in Billings, and has given the city more than $760,000 for trails.

Most 10 foot-wide multiuse paved trails cost approximately $350,000 per mile to build. But the Skyline Trail is more like $1 million per mile because of its unique topographical features. There are three coulees to traverse, which require expensive retaining walls on either side of the trail, and pedestrian guardrails for safety.

…but this trail would change life in Billings for so many, and our residents want it*…

*based on support from The Billings Chamber of Commerce, Big Sky Economic Development, LIFTT, the Billings Rotary, our area hospitals and health department, trail user groups, and a feasibility study done by Billings City/County Planning and adopted by City Council.

Miles of Trails

Members in 2023

Dollars Invested in Trails by Billings TrailNet

our team

Kristi Drake, Executive Director

Kristi Drake was appointed as Billings TrailNet’s first executive director in November 2012.

Kristi has enjoyed commuting on her bike to work for years, and has enjoyed the active lifestyle the Billings trails and terrain have to offer since she moved here with her family in 2008.

Kristi is a certified as a cycling instructor with the League of American Bicyclists.  She is vice chair of Billings’ Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, is past board chair of the Billings Chamber of Commerce Trails Committee, and is a member of Billings Downtown Rotary.

Kristi served on Billings TrailNet’s board of directors from 2009-2011 and coordinated Ales for Trails for many years. Kristi has a master’s degree in public relations and also enjoys hiking, backpacking and international travel.

Contact Kristi via email, or call 406-281-1244, ext. 1.

Kristy Halderman, Development and Marketing Manager

Kristy Halderman has a dynamic background in business development, marketing, and entrepreneurship brings a fresh perspective to Billings TrailNet. Kristy joins us with a wealth of experience, particularly notable for her impactful contributions in the oat milk industry and her adeptness in crafting effective marketing strategies.

As Development and Marketing Manager, Kristy is in charge of our marketing, member relations and oversees our events.

Contact Kristy via email, or call 406-281-1244, ext. 2.

Photo Credit: Lew Kosich

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