DIY Flathead Lake Mussel Walk Challenge
Inspect your favorite stretch of Flathead Lake shoreline this spring, look for invasive mussels, and help keep a watchful eye on Flathead Lake and Watershed.
All participants who submit their results will receive a Lakers thank you surprise in the mail! Contact Amber Blodgett at amber@flatheadlakers.org or 406-883-1341 for more information.
Why should you care?
Early detection is key to prevention.
Once mussels are established, it is nearly impossible to get rid of them. A mussel infestation would have devastating effects on the ecology and economy of this beautiful area.
Help continue our community effort to keep a watchful eye on Flathead Lake and watershed, and participate in the DIY Mussel Walk Challenge!
What can you do?
Help us continue to monitor our watershed for aquatic invasive species. Participate in this community citizen science project this April and May.
Pick a beautiful day, and go to your favorite Flathead Lake spot.
Slowly walk along your stretch of shoreline, turning over rocks and inspecting docks and seawall structures.
Feel free to bring gloves and a garbage bag, and clean as you go.
Look for anything suspicious.
If you have children, take them along! Share the instructions and encourage friends and family to go out as well.
Record your location, note and collect anything suspicious.
Take a photo or video, and SEND IT TO US!
Mussel identification
Find something?
Quagga and Zebra Mussels
Zebra Mussels: Color varies from black-brown to white-yellow, with a zigzagged pattern. Shell is D-shaped, and sits upright when placed on a surface.
Quagga Mussels: Color is light tan to almost white, usually with dark concentric rings on the shell, paler in color near the hinge. The shell is rounder in shape and doesn't sit upright when placed on a surface.
Both are usually smaller than 5 cm, with byssal threads that allow them to attach to many different kinds of surfaces.
To report something suspicious:
Take a picture, note the location, and collect if possible - put in a bag and contact us or the below organizations immediately.
Contact:
CSKT Natural Resources Department: 406-883-2888, csktnomussels.org.
Montana FWP Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau: Call 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668), or visit Report A Suspected AIS.
UM Flathead Lake Biological Station: 406-872-4500, flbs.umt.edu.