Lolo Reconnected: Restoring Trails, Reconnecting People

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Season of Stewardship on the Lolo Corridor 

The first season of Lolo Reconnected brought volunteers together to restore and reconnect people with
approximately 100 miles of the historic Lolo Corridor between Weippe, Idaho and Travelers’ Rest,
Montana. This remarkable landscape is part of both the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and
the Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail and follows an ancient Indigenous travel route
connecting the Nimíipuu (Nez Perce) homeland with the buffalo country east of the Bitterroot Mountains.​​

Restoring the Trail

Two volunteer work parties reopened approximately 11 miles of historic trail by clearing fallen trees
and vegetation, repairing and replacing trail signs, and improving access. Forty volunteers participated in
the two events, traveling from across the country to help care for this nationally significant landscape.

Connecting Stewardship with History and Culture

Lolo Reconnected combines hands-on trail stewardship with opportunities to learn about the corridor’s
rich cultural and historic legacy. Each work party included evening campfire interpretive programs
featuring Tribal Elders, historians, and land managers. Participants learned about Indigenous history, the
Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Nez Perce Flight of 1877, and the continuing stewardship of public
lands.

Looking Ahead

The enthusiasm generated by the first season points toward an exciting future. Planning is underway for
2027 to expand Lolo Reconnected into a recurring stewardship program with additional volunteer work
parties, recreation and educational opportunities, and greater public engagement.
The goal is more than restoring trails. It is to help people experience, understand, and care for this
extraordinary landscape—connecting history, culture, communities, and people through shared
stewardship.

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If you're interested in being part of a future Trail stewardship team, sign up as a potential volunteer here.