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

Summer is almost here and it’s boating season!  Please join us in fighting the threat of Aquatic Invasive Species by becoming one of our AIS Inspectors.  Swan Lakers will be inspecting boats every Wednesday and Sunday in July and August at the Swan Lake Boat Launch.

A Training Session will be held on Saturday, June 8th from 10:00 – noon at the Swan Lake Community Hall, by FWP trainer, Russ Hartszell.  Please join us in this worthwhile cause!

May 15th, 2019 AIS article from MTPR…

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

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. More information is available from the Flathead Basin Commission: http://www.flatheadbasincommission.org/chd_sec3pg2.asp

Thank you to our large group of hearty volunteers for cleaning up Ferndale this Spring!

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.  Click on link below…

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, by clicking on link below…

Splash Mob – Protecting Our Freshwater

The Flathead National Forest is pitching a new project in the Swan Valley that it says would benefit forests, streams and human communities…click on link below for more information.

http://www.mtpr.org/post/flathead-forest-proposes-70000-acre-restoration-resilience-project

‘Fish Detective’ Gains Attention for Pioneering Research…Walleye introduced to Swan Lake in 2015 identified. Click on link to read this interesting article -

 https://flatheadbeacon.com/2018/10/04/fish-detective-gains-attention-pioneering-research/

Walleye Illegally Moved into Swan Lake:  http://flatheadbeacon.com/2017/12/08/fish-detectives-pursue-illegal-walleye-case/

Fun was had by all at our 2018 Annual Meeting and Appreciation Party!  Thank you to our gracious hosts, Jackie McKennan and Scott Waldo…the setting was fabulous!!  Also, thank you to all of our members and guests for your support, we’re so lucky to have you as our friends and neighbors…

 

 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