Trash dumped at Safe Harbor Marsh
A pile of bottles and debris mars the landscape at Safe Harbor Marsh, a pristine wetland off of Rocky Point Road, northwest of Polson. (CSKT Natural Resources Department)
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Natural Resources Department recently discovered a pile of trash at Safe Harbor Marsh, a pristine wetland on the west shore of Flathead Lake. Created by a continental glacier that once covered this area, the marsh remains an important habitat and refuge for migratory waterfowl, marsh birds and other wildlife.
“They rely on the marsh remaining clean and free of human trash, as well as other invaders like plant and aquatic invasive species,” writes Stephanie Gillin, education program manager for the NRD. “Please be sure to pack trash out with you when recreating on all tribal lands – pack it in, pack it out!”
She encourages the public to inspect the area for trash or spilled food after each visit, and pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
“Burning trash is never recommended, as it will attract wildlife such as bears to the site,” says Gillin.
Those who witness someone deliberately dumping garbage on tribal property, are encouraged to report the incident to authorities. For more information on where to report a dump site, call the Natural Resources Program at 406-883-2888.