Flathead Lakers celebrate conservation

YELLOW BAY — The Flathead Lakers will gather to celebrate conservation successes that help protect Flathead Lake’s clean water at their annual meeting on Thursday, July 26.

This year’s speaker will be Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologist Gael Bissell, a dynamic wildlife biologist with 28 years of experience working in the Flathead Valley.

Her keynote address, What do warblers, cottonwoods and anglers have in common?, reflects on the multiple connections between wildlife, forests, and people. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has been instrumental to success in building a network of conservation along the mainstem Flathead River. Conservation projects help maintain our Flathead natural heritage – excellent water quality, outstanding scenic and recreation values, abundant fish and wildlife, and prime farm land.

Flathead Lake Biological Station Director Dr. Jack Stanford will present the annual State of the Lake Report, providing a snapshot on the state of Flathead Lake based on the monitoring data gathered by the Biological Station since the 1970s.

The Lakers’ board of directors welcomes the public to come learn more about Flathead waters and what the organization is doing to protect Flathead Lake quality.

The Flathead Lakers will be presenting a stewardship award for outstanding work to protect our Flathead natural heritage and to recognize conservation landowners for their lasting contribution.

The program begins at 7 p.m. at the Flathead Lake Biological Station at Yellow Bay. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar will be available from 6:15 until the program begins. A half hour tour of the Bio. Station lab with a discussion about the water quality monitoring program will be offered before and after the meeting program, at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The Flathead Lakers is a nonprofit organization working for clean water, healthy ecosystems and lasting quality of life in the Flathead Watershed. Contact the Lakers office at 883-1346 for more information.