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

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…

Please join us for our Swan River Cleanup on August 25th.  Plans are tentative, as most of the river we float and clean is closed (see article below).  We will keep you posted…

Emergency Closure along Swan River!

Kalispell, MT — An emergency closure is in effect along a section of the Swan River near the Montana Highway 209 bridge in Ferndale due to hazards in the water.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks adopted the emergency closure Friday, June 29. The Swan River is temporarily closed to boating and floating from the Swan River Fishing Access Site off South Ferndale Road to the Highway 209 Bridge in Ferndale. The closure will remain in effect for 120 days or less if the river is deemed safe for recreation. Advisory signs are being posted at area access sites. Fishing from the shore remains possible.

The Highway 209 bridge on the Swan River is under construction and a temporary bridge currently exists. The temporary bridge has unique abutments that combined with high-water levels is catching debris and creating swirling waves. Several accidents have already occurred under the bridge. Previous attempts at mitigating hazards, including news releases, social media notifications, signage and navigational buoys, have proven ineffective.

With the peak water recreation season approaching, officials believe that more accidents and capsizing could likely occur under the temporary bridge. Persons recreating under the bridge are at risk of injury or drowning due to dangerous conditions. Portaging around the bridge is not possible, but boaters can launch on the Swan River just north of the bridge. Please follow legal parking requirements and stay a safe distance away from construction work.

FWP adopted the emergency closure in collaboration with the Montana Department of Transportation, Sletten Construction and in consultation with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department.

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

 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