From Education to Conservation: A 2024 Year in Review

As 2024 comes to a close, we at the Flathead Lakers are reflecting on all that has been accomplished this year thanks to our dedicated supporters. Together, we’ve made great strides in protecting Flathead Lake and its watershed while building a foundation for even greater success in the years to come.

From tackling aquatic invasive species to inspiring future conservation leaders, your support has fueled critical work to protect clean water, healthy shorelines, and thriving ecosystems. Here’s a look at what we’ve achieved together in 2024 and what lies ahead in 2025.

Tackling Aquatic Invasive Species

Aquatic invasive species (AIS), including invasive mussels, pose one of the greatest threats to Flathead Lake’s ecosystem and were discovered dangerously close to home in the Snake River near Twin Falls, Colorado River, and Lake Oahe. 

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) conducted over 126,000 watercraft inspections and stopped 54 mussel-fouled boats from launching in Montana waters. These inspection stations are critical to keeping Flathead Lake mussel-free, and we’re proud to support these efforts by increasing AIS awareness and education.

In addition, we installed four new AIS awareness signs at key locations to remind boaters to Clean, Drain, and Dry their watercraft—simple but essential actions to stop the spread of invasive species. Looking ahead, we’ll advocate for continued AIS prevention funding at the 2025 Montana legislative session to ensure these vital programs remain strong.

Conserving Critical Lands

The Flathead Watershed is home to some of the most beautiful and ecologically important lands in Montana. This year, we celebrated the permanent protection of 405-acres of the Owen Sowerwine property, a critical area for wildlife habitat and water quality. This achievement contributes to the nearly 9,000 acres of critical lands that the Flathead Lakers and our River 2 Lake partners have conserved along the Flathead River and the north shore of Flathead Lake.

These conservation efforts safeguard clean water, preserve wildlife habitat, and ensure recreational opportunities for generations to come. Your support fuels this important work, and we’re excited to build on these successes in the years ahead.

Inspiring Future Stewards Through Education

Education is at the heart of protecting Flathead Lake. This year, our Becoming Watershed Citizens program brought over 270 local third- and fifth-grade students to the Flathead Lake Biological Station for hands-on field trips. Students explored macroinvertebrates at Yellow Bay Creek, studied the food web, and tackled real-world pollution issues—all while gaining a deeper appreciation for the environment.

We also awarded our first-ever Flathead Lakers Scholarship to Mollie Sydnor, a Ronan High School graduate now studying environmental science at the University of Montana. Mollie is on a path to becoming a leader in conservation, and your support made this opportunity possible. With your help, we plan to continue and expand our scholarship program next year to inspire even more young people to pursue careers in environmental stewardship.

For adults, our Science on Tap series brought engaging presentations on conservation and ecology to the Flathead Lake Brewing Company, connecting science with the community in a fun and approachable way. Every event this year sold out, demonstrating the community’s passion for learning about and protecting Flathead Lake.

Protecting Water Quality

Clean water is at the core of the Flathead Lakers’ mission, and this year, our efforts to protect water quality took many forms. Through the Swim Guide program, we monitored 16 swimming beaches for E. coli, ensuring safe recreation and providing timely water quality data to the community.

We also worked with local homeowners to promote septic system maintenance and upgrades, addressing one of the leading causes of nutrient pollution in the watershed. Proper septic care reduces the risk of harmful algal blooms and protects critical habitats for fish and wildlife.

In addition, we continued to encourage the use of native plants in buffer gardens to protect shorelines. These gardens act as natural filters, reducing runoff, preventing erosion, and providing vital habitats for wildlife—all while beautifying properties around the lake.

Reaching and Engaging the Community

Through programs like the Living in Flathead Guide, we provided actionable resources to over 6,100 people, helping them make sustainable choices to protect the watershed. From reducing nonpoint pollution to landscaping with native plants, the guide empowers the community to play an active role in conservation.

Our signature events, including the Poker Paddle, Summer Soirée, and Science on Tap series, all sold out this year, underscoring the strong connection between the Flathead Lakers and the community.

Recognition of Excellence

This year, the Flathead Lakers were honored with two prestigious awards. The Montana Wildlife Federation named us Organization of the Year, recognizing 65 years of dedication to clean water and healthy ecosystems—a nomination put forth by Flathead Wildlife, Inc. Additionally, we received the Conservation Achievement Recognition from the Flathead Audubon Society, celebrating our ongoing efforts to protect the natural beauty and health of Flathead Lake’s watershed.

Looking Ahead

As we turn the page to 2025, your support remains critical. Next year, we will:

• Advocate for continued AIS prevention funding.

• Expand education programs for students and adults.

• Continue monitoring water quality and promoting shoreline protection.

• Work to conserve more critical lands to safeguard the watershed’s future.

We can’t do it without you. Your tax-deductible year-end gift today ensures that these vital programs continue and grow, protecting Flathead Lake for generations to come.

Donate to our Year-End Appeal or Give to Our Endowment Fund.

Thank you for being part of the Flathead Lakers community. Together, we are making a lasting difference for Flathead Lake.

Cover photo by Russ Widstrand