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

AIS Training was held on June 16th, please volunteer to become an inspector.

This summer our organization will again be inspecting watercraft in order to prevent the introduction of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) into Swan Lake.  We will be inspecting boats intending to launch at the Swan Lake boat ramp, at the south end of the lake.  Our inspections will occur every Sunday, beginning July 1, and every Wednesday beginning July 4.

See attached schedule and let us know if you can volunteer to fill in some empty spots…thanks!

2018_AIS_Schedule

Swan Lakers will be the featured non-profit organization at the new Bigfork Village Market on Monday, June 18th, 4:00 – 7:00.  Check it out and please stop by to see us…

http://bigforkmarket.org/

2018 Annual Meeting and Appreciation Party will be held on Sunday, August 5th

 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

We had a great turnout for our Spring Highway Cleanup, many thanks to the 18 people that participated.  It was a cool morning, but the sun actually peeked out.

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

Our Swan Lakers 2017 Annual Meeting and Appreciation Party was a great success and  lots of fun!

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

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