Flathead River Islands The area we are calling the Flathead River Islands (larger Landsat image) is the highly braided area on the Flathead River, including islands, sloughs, wetlands, gravel and sandbars. It is located north of Flathead Lake, south of the Evergreen community, and east of Kalispell.
The wetlands and floodplains provide benefits such as capturing and storing nutrients and sediments which helps maintain high water quality. The water flow through the river controls the natural plant communities present on the islands. Young willow and black cottonwood communities are most common after gravel or sandbars are created by natural floods. In less frequently flooded areas, such as terraces, the forest becomes dominated by black cottonwood and red-osier dogwood. In areas where flooding is uncommon, conifers dominate.
The Flathead River Islands provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat. Bull trout and cutthroat trout use the river for migration. They winter in several locations around the islands where water flows are slower, there is protection from predators and water temperatures are higher. The vegetation on the islands, river banks and in wetlands provide nesting and winter habitat for bald eagles. It also provides important year-round habitat for river otters, beavers, osprey, great blue herons, cormorants, wild turkeys and pheasants. The area has the highest density of beaver colonies in Montana and large populations of river otter and osprey. The area is also very popular for hunting, fishing, bird watching and boating. The Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks has a fishing access at the Owen Sowerwine Natural Area and Leisure Island on the west side of the river. The area was also a traditional river crossing area for the Kootenai Tribe.
The Flathead River Islands are highly unique and environmentally sensitive. The Stillwater and Whitefish Rivers contribute significant nutrient loads to Flathead Lake. These nutrients enter the Flathead River in this braided section. Nutrient filtering and sediment retention provided by wetlands and the floodplain in this area are critical for protecting water quality downstream, as well as protecting wildlife and plant species dependent on clean water. Development pressures are high, especially west of the Flathead River corridor. Threats to the area include housing development (along with septic systems, dogs, removal of vegetation, etc.) and timber harvesting. As part of the Flathead River system, degradation of this area can contribute to water quality deterioration in the river downstream and in Flathead Lake. By maintaining or restoring native vegetation on the islands, the floodplain and wetlands, we can help ensure that clean water, fish and wildlife, and the scenic beauty of the area can be enjoyed in the future.
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