Enjoy this issue of the Flathead Lake Monitor.

• Protecting Flathead Lake, One Plant at a Time

• Welcoming New Voices to the Board

• Protecting Montana’s Waters from Aquatic Invasive Species

• 2025 Summer Events

• State of the Lakers

• 2024 Annual Report

• And more!

Spring is now in full swing, and there are only a handful of days remaining in the 2025 Montana Legislative Session. This will be our final update before sine die, but your attention remains as critical as ever. Several bills with significant environmental implications have already passed, while others remain pending or stalled in legislative limbo. See below for updates on key bills and how you can make your voice heard:

With support from a $42,750 grant from the Montana DNRC, the Flathead Lakers are launching a data-driven initiative to prevent aquatic invasive species from entering Montana’s waters. By identifying and reaching out to high-risk visitors, we’re taking targeted action to keep Flathead Lake—and the rest of the state—mussel-free.

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspection stations are open for the 2025 season. Early-season watercraft inspection stations are now operating in Ravalli (managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes), Dillon (Beaverhead Conservation District), and Anaconda (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks). Additional stations will be opening soon as spring boating activity increases.

The 2025 Legislative Session has officially reached its halfway point! With the sun shining and the legislature’s well-timed spring break finally upon us, we hope you get the chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy the nicer weather. As we catch our breath and gear up for the final stretch, we want to take this opportunity to celebrate our collective successes.

Applications for the Flathead Lakers 2025 scholarship program are now open! This $1,000 scholarship supports graduating Lake County seniors who plan to pursue higher education in Montana with a focus on STEM.

Congratulations to Constanza von der Pahlen, our Critical Lands Program Director, for receiving the 2025 Montana Watershed Stewardship Award! This biennial award, presented by the Montana Watershed Coordination Council and the Montana Wetland Council, honors individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to wetland and watershed conservation, restoration, and education.

The 2025 Montana Legislative Session is in full swing, and decisions made in Helena could have a lasting impact on water quality, ecosystem health, and our quality of life in the Flathead Watershed. We're closely tracking key legislation—supporting measures that protect our waters and opposing those that put them at risk. Below, you'll find a breakdown of the most important bills and where they stand.

We’re pleased to welcome Seth Abouhalkah, our 2025 Big Sky Watershed Corps Member, and Clara McRae, our Legislative Intern, to the team! Seth will focus on conservation efforts and watershed education, while Clara will support legislative tracking and advocacy during the 2025 Montana Legislative Session.

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to three remarkable individuals who have recently completed their terms on our Board of Directors.

The Flathead Lakers seek a dynamic and motivated Education and Outreach Manager to lead and expand critical programs promoting the stewardship of Flathead Lake and its watershed.

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.

We’re excited to announce a unique opportunity to secure the future of the Flathead Watershed and protect its waters for generations to come. As part of this initiative, a dedicated Lakers member has pledged $500 for each of the first 20 completed Legacy Circle pledge forms received by October 2026. This pledge match offers a special chance to make an even greater impact by joining our Legacy Circle and committing to a future gift that will protect and preserve Flathead Lake and its watershed.