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.