Oil Trains Threaten Montana's Water, Jobs, Recreation, and Way of Life

“If there was an oil spill on the Middle Fork of the Flathead, there would be irreversible consequences for the ecological and socioeconomic integrity of the entire system, from the Middle Fork all the way down to Flathead Lake. Those impacts would essentially be realized for thousands of years.”
— Dr. Clint Muhlfeld, Research Aquatic Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey

Every week, up to 40 million gallons of Bakken crude oil are transported through the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork Flathead River corridor. Between 2000 and 2012, 37 freight trains derailed in this sensitive area. A 2015 Department of Transportation study estimates that oil train derailments could occur 10 times per year over the next two decades, potentially causing over $4 billion in damages. Just this month, a BNSF derailment spills grain east of Essex.

An oil spill in this corridor would have devastating, long-lasting effects on our communities, clean water, fish and wildlife habitats, scenic views, and the local economy. The threat extends beyond an oil spill—a derailment could also spark a wildfire in Glacier National Park or the Great Bear Wilderness.

What Can We Do?
We must act now to prevent this disaster. The Flathead Lakers are advocating for stronger safety measures, including improved oil tank car standards, slower train speeds through sensitive areas, limits on the number of oil tank cars per train, additional avalanche sheds in Glacier National Park, and other critical safety protocols.

Take Action
Join us in calling for a prevention safety plan to protect our waters and way of life. Sign the petition and stand with the Flathead Lakers in safeguarding our wild and scenic rivers.

Together, we can ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the beauty and health of the Flathead Watershed.