Swan Lakers is devoted to preserving and improving the water quality and natural, cultural, and historical resources of Swan Lake, Montana; including its headwaters, its drainages, and appurtenant lands.

Established as a non-profit 501(c) (3) in 2005, Swan Lakers is a group of friends and neighbors who value the unique character and quality of our community, much of which is based on the pristine nature of the Swan Basin watershed.  Our efforts to preserve and protect this valuable resource include Water Quality Studies, Aquatic Invasive Species Inspections, the Adopt-a-Highway MDOT program, and Swan River Cleanups.  Our organization serves members and the greater community by providing the data, discussion and educational material necessary to make informed decisions regarding issues that affect the watershed’s present and future well being.  Through collaborative efforts with other community organizations and government entities, we work to build a consensus that allows all those who appreciate our special home, residents and visitors alike, the opportunity to maintain the quality of life we all enjoy.  Participation from all who share the Swan Lakers vision is encouraged.  Photos for Banner by Kay Bjork

Aquatic Invasive Species - With regard to AIS, their spread is a growing problem across the United States and Canada. AIS that threaten Montana include Quaga and Zebra mussels, Curly Leaf Pondweed and Eurasian Millfoil.  Unfortunately, Quaga and Zebra mussels have been found in Montana this past year. Their presence in our state is proof of how easily they can be moved from place to place on trailered watercraft.  The introduction of these mussels would be a catastrophe for Montana’s waterways in terms of appearance and the effect on fishing. They reproduce rapidly in the millions fouling shorelines, clinging to structures like pilings, and clogging irrigation systems. They are filter feeders that interrupt the food chain that supports our fish populations. They can literally destroy a fishery.

The Swan Lakers carry out inspections of watercraft to screen for the presence of AIS. Please see the section of our website, “Get Involved and Volunteer”, and join us in protecting Swan Lake and its watershed.

FWP NEWS RELEASE – NOV. 19, 2019 No invasive mussels found in state waters, AIS boat inspections increase Montana’s watercraft inspection stations set another record for boats inspected in 2019.  More than 112,00 watercraft have been inspected so far this year, surpassing last year’s number by 3,000 inspections. Inspectors have intercepted 16 boats with invasive mussels coming into the state. AIS monitoring crews have surveyed 300 unique waterbodies for aquatic invasive plants and animals. No mussel veligers or adult mussels were detected in the waters of Montana this year. That news has prompted FWP to initiate the process to lift the quarantine restrictions on Canyon Ferry Reservoir. If the restrictions are lifted, the Canyon Ferry certified boater program would end, and Canyon Ferry inspectors would shift to a mobile roving inspection crew. The certified boater program on Tiber Reservoir will remain in place for the next two years. In 2016, invasive mussel larvae were detected in multiple water samples from Tiber Reservoir, which requires a five-year quarantine period. Canyon Ferry reservoir had one suspect sample that dictated a three-year quarantine period of mussel-free water samples. An amendment to an administrative rule is required to change to the quarantine restrictions on Canyon Ferry Reservoir.  A decision is expected by spring 2020.

Recent article on Leachate issues…

https://www.dailyinterlake.com/local_news/20191117/committee_aims_to_address_leachate_problem

Zebra Mussels Found on Boat From Chicago, Oct. 10, 2019…

https://flatheadbeacon.com/2019/10/10/zebra-mussels-found-boat-chicago/

August 23, 2019 Fish Wildlife and Parks AIS Newsletter.  Very informative information, please click on the link below…

AIS_Newsletter_8_23_19 (003)

Thank you to our most faithful, hardy Swan Lakers for turning out for our Fall Highway Cleanup on a cool, rainy Saturday morning…you all are the best!  16 large garbage bags were filled by 11 people, plus car parts, construction material, and miscellaneous items.  Ferndale is beautiful because of your dedication and help!

Fun was had by all at our 15th Annual Membership Meeting and Appreciation Party.  Thank you Jamie for being our gracious hostess this year!

May 15th, 2019 AIS article from MTPR…

https://www.mtpr.org/post/aquatic-invasive-species-prevention-groups-work-build-partnerships

Congratulations to the Flathead Bio Station for new grant to track AIS!  February 2019

https://flatheadbeacon.com/2019/02/18/flathead-bio-station-awarded-nasa-grant-track-aquatic-invasive-species/

 Montana Mussel Storymap - Montana Natural Heritage Program, December 2018

Please check out this new “Story Map” developed by the Montana Natural Heritage Program together with the Montana Departments of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and Natural Resources and Conservation.  It is an interactive demonstration of Montana’s Invasive Mussel Response Guidelines and tools that will be used in the event of a detection of invasive mussels in Montana waters.  Montana’s Response to Invasive Mussels Story Map

We’d like to share with you another video prepared by some folks in British Columbia.  It is filmed at Kalamalka Lake, which is just south of Vernon, B.C., and about 100 miles north of the U.S./Canada border. Kalamalka Lake, like Swan Lake, is part of the Columbia River watershed.  The situation there is very similar to Swan Lake.  It’s beautiful, and so far, pristine lake is located upstream on a watershed.  Please take a few minutes to view this video.  Splash Mob – Protecting Our Freshwater

 Swan Lake Map – We have for sale a map that displays Swan Lake and it’s surrounding mountains.  The map displays the depth contours of Swan Lake and identifies the names of various features around the lake.  It was produced by the Flathead Lake Biological Station and is similar to those also made for Flathead Lake and Whitefish Lake.  All revenue will be applied to support the Swan Lakers’ monitoring and conservation efforts.   The poster is 24″ x 18″ and the cost per poster is $20, shipping and handling included.  If you are interesed in purchasing a map, please email info@swanlakers.org

  Swan River Gauging Station Click on link below for up to date data.

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/uv?12370000