This April, Flathead Lakers staff, volunteers, and a MT Conservation Corps Crew helped Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) maintain two riparian restoration projects across Flathead waterways.

The presence of “forever chemicals”, PFOA and PFHxS, and belonging to the family of per  and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, in Kalispell drinking water prompts questions. These  chemicals were found in three wells at levels exceeding proposed federal water standards. Are  they harming the Flathead watershed and aquatic life? Are they harmful to humans at modest  or elevated concentrations? Can we do anything to reduce exposure to them?

As a new season approaches, the threat of aquatic invasive species (AIS) to Montana's waters looms larger than ever. Inspection stations opened up March 9th in Ravalli, Dillon, Anaconda , and The FWP Regional Office in Kalispell.

Nearly fifty years ago, a man named Owen Sowerwine dreamed of safeguarding a 405-acre community treasure with exceptional, intact forested river bottom habitat near Kalispell. This week, that vision blossomed into reality.

After years of collaboration between Flathead Land Trust, Flathead Audubon Society, Flathead Lakers, and Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, the Owen Sowerwine property is now permanently protected by a conservation easement held by Flathead Land Trust

Recently, the EPA revealed its cleanup plan for the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company Superfund site along the Flathead River, opting to contain all toxic materials on-site. This decision has raised concerns among the local community regarding the long-term risks of leaving highly toxic contaminants including cyanide, arsenic and fluoride buried on site.

The Montana Land Board granted approval for a purchased conservation easement on over 400 acres of pristine riverine habitat along the Flathead River near Kalispell on Monday. The purchase of a conservation easement on the State School Trust Land east of Kalispell, known as Owen Sowerwine, will sustain the state's management of the property as natural habitat for birds, fish and wildlife, and generate long-term funding for Montana’s K-12 schools. It will also secure public access for outdoor pursuits such as trail walking, birdwatching, hunting, fishing, and conservation education, ensuring that these activities continue to thrive for generations to come.

Dear Flathead Lakers members and friends, I wanted to share my decision with all of you to step down as Executive Director of Flathead Lakers to pursue a new professional opportunity. This decision has not been made lightly, as I have deeply valued my time at Flathead Lakers and the profound impact we have had together on the preservation and protection of the Flathead Watershed.

Last week we did the final testing of the season for for the Swim Guide. We sampled and monitored the water quality of Flathead Lake’s swimming beaches to reduce the risk of water-borne illnesses to swimmers.

What an unforgettable night it was at our Summer Soirée! We're absolutely thrilled to share that we had a fantastic turnout with over 125 incredible individuals joining us in support of the Flathead Lakers' mission. Because of your generosity we were able to raise an astounding $20,000, a remarkable contribution that will propel our efforts forward for the next 65 years and beyond!

The Flathead Lakers Annual Meeting & 65th Anniversary Celebration brought together over 140 attendees for an unforgettable evening at the Barn at Finley Point in Polson, MT. We celebrated in style, honoring 65 years of advocacy, conservation, and education that has shaped our Lakers community.

What we are seeing this summer is a result of warmer than usual temperatures in high mountain elevations in May causing snow to melt earlier in the spring. “Snow disappeared quickly this spring”, said Eric Larson, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service water supply specialist. Nearly all the snow in the Flathead River Basin above Flathead Lake melted by early June, shown in the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service SNOTEL reports.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.