Flathead Watershed News
Celebrate Lake Appreciation Month in the Flathead Watershed!
Did you know that July is Lake Appreciation Month? It's a time to recognize and celebrate the incredible lakes that grace our world, including the breathtaking lakes found in the Flathead Watershed. As we immerse ourselves in the beauty of these natural wonders, let's also take a moment to learn about how we can appreciate and protect our lakes this July. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, here are some wonderful ways to honor and enjoy the lakes during this special month.
Watershed Field Trips
This May and June, the Flathead Lakers and Flathead Lake Biological Station had the privilege of hosting more than 275 enthusiastic 3rd and 5th grade students from Bigfork, Polson, and Ronan for immersive field trips to the Biological Station.
End of 2023 Session Legislative Update
The 2023 legislative session ended, and what a session it was! Although we were discouraged by some of the problematic bills that passed, we did witness a few victories for water quality and our environment. All in all, the Lakers kept track of dozens of bills and took numerous actions on them. We called and messaged our legislators, provided testimony at hearings, and asked the governor to veto bills that would harm the environment. Here is a recap of the key bills we followed and took action on during the session.
Legislative Action Needed for Septic System Overhaul
The 68th Session of the Montana Legislature recently concluded. While there have been some tacit wins for water quality, the Flathead Lakers see this as a glass half empty session.
In the initial months of the session, there were two excellent bills to address the increasingly dire situation related to septic leachate and its degradation of water quality. We would like to applaud both Representative Dave Fern and Senator Greg Hertz, legislators who represent constituents in the Flathead Watershed, for their sponsorship of these bills.
Flathead Lake Monitor - Winter 2023 // Annual Report 2022
Check out the Winter 2023 // Annual Report 2022 edition of the Flathead Lake Monitor, including new staff and board members, Owen Sowerwine natural area, the State of the Lakers, and more!
Somers Beach State Park Celebration and Development Plans from FWP
Saturday, April 15th, we celebrated the newest State Park on Flathead Lake’s shores, the Somers Beach State Park. Together with the Flathead Land Trust, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and Montana State Parks Foundation, we were excited to share this accomplishment with you.
Free the Seed at FVCC
The Flathead Lakers participated in the 8th annual Free The Seeds fair hosted by Land to Hand at the Flathead Valley Community College. The theme for our booth was Seeding Hope
The Flathead Lakers attend Water Quality Awareness Day at the Montana State Capitol Rotunda
On Friday, March 10th, Susan Tietelman, board members Onno Wieringa and Jan Swanson traveled to Helena to attend Water Quality Awareness Day at the Montana State Capitol Rotunda.
Owen Sowerwine matching challenge and project tours
Join us on a tour of the Owen Sowerwine conservation property, to see this hidden gem right outside of Kalispell. The 442-acre property is in a braided area of the Flathead and Stillwater rivers, including islands, wetlands, and gravel bars. This intricate river system is an important piece of the puzzle in sustaining our clean water in the river and lake downstream. It is also a gem for birds, hosting over 150 species of birds, as well as grizzly bears and bull trout.
Levi Rajnowski joins the Lakers as our Student Watershed Educator
This January, Levi Rajnowski joined the Flathead Lakers as our Student Watershed Educator
Susan Teitelman joins the Flathead Lakers as our Legislative Intern
This January, Susan Teitelman joined the Flathead Lakers as our Legislative Intern.
Climate & Health in the 406 Conference
The first climate and health conference ever in Montana happens February 18, 2023 at Carroll College (Helena). Virtual option also
Share Your Flathead Climate Stories
How are you, your loved ones, your community, your traditions, or your favorite Montana places, plants, or animals experiencing rising temperatures, persistent drought, wildfires, or floods?What solutions inspire you?
Youth Writing Contest: Creative Climate Futures
The Flathead Lakers and Families for a Livable Climate are partnering to host a youth creative writing contest. Now through March 20, submit your story for a special feature and a chance to receive $50. Selected stories will be featured on Montana Climate Stories website, and may be included in a traveling exhibit of stories in 2023.
A Successful Giving Tuesday thanks to YOU!
Thank you to everyone who donated to our Giving Tuesday campaign! Because of your kindness and generosity, we exceeded our goal and raised $11,080 to help preserve the Owen Sowerwine natural area.
Flathead Lake Monitor - Summer/Fall 2022
Check out the Summer/Fall 2022 edition of the Flathead Lake Monitor, including Somers State Park opening to the public, the return of the Poker Paddle, and more!
Projects and plans
The Upper Columbia Conservation Commission (UC3) met in mid February to update its partners and the public about the fight against aquatic invasive species, and outline the upcoming season's plans and projects.
The Flathead Lakers look forward to assisting Montana FWP, CSKT Natural Resources Department, and UC3 'spread the message, not the mussel' and more this boating season.
WATCH: Dynamic gravel beaches seminar
Interested in a better alternative to rip rap and sea walls along your shoreline? Watch our seminar.
Dynamic gravel beaches are a natural way to absorb wave action, preventing shoreline erosion and damage and protecting Flathead Lake.
Lakers bring planners together on dynamic gravel beaches
In January, Flathead Lakers board member Steve Rosso and Executive Director Kate Sheridan convened a seminar on gravel beaches, led by Dr. Mark Lorang. Several local entities are currently in the process of determining their lakeshore policies, and representatives from Lake County, City of Whitefish, and others were able to attend.
MT FWP new owners of Bad Rock Canyon WMA!
This week, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks acquired ownership of this critical 772-acre parcel along the Flathead River, helping protect clean water in Flathead Lake and watershed, and a critical wildlife corridor between the Swan and Whitefish ranges.
Learn more: flatheadlakers.org/conservation-restoration