A Hiking Pack Loan Program Spurs Local Recreation for Libby Residents

Getting outdoors can be expensive, and prohibitively so. For Libby residents on tight budgets, buying hiking boots, a backpack, or even bear spray can be a barrier to getting outside. One Libby local, an outreach coordinator with the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, wanted to help more Libby families enjoy the abundant recreational opportunities nearby, so she came up with the idea to launch a new hiking pack loan program. She needed support getting her idea off the ground, so she reached out to LOR. LOR’s funding will help Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness buy nine adult backpacks each with local trail maps, first aid kits, and other equipment, as well as nine kids backpacks with butterfly nets, bug viewing cases, and other educational supplies. The packs will be housed at the local library where families will be able to check them out to experience all Libby’s environment has to offer.