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

Please join us for our Fall Highway Cleanup on Saturday, October 6th.

Meet us at the Ferndale Market at 10:00 am and we’ll disperse from there.  Garbage bags, vests, and cookies will be provided.  Be prepared for any kind of weather and don’t forget your gloves!

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…

 Thank you to all of our dedicated AIS inspectors for volunteering at the Swan Lake Boat Launch this past summer, you all do an incredible job and we appreciate your time and efforts!

 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

 

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

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

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