Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) prevention efforts are more important than ever. Out-of-state visitation remains on the rise, here in Montana, and new residents are moving into the Flathead Watershed every day. This continued “discovery” of our state has dramatically increased the risk of invasive mussel infestations. For those keeping score at home: 61 mussel-infested watercraft were intercepted at state and tribal boat inspection stations this year. The previous record, set in 2020, was only 35.
Behind those front lines of prevention at Montana’s boat inspection stations, FLBS Researcher Phil Matson and his AIS monitoring team have remained busy assisting a rigorous and collaborative statewide early detection survey of our waters. Funded by grants from Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and philanthropic donations, and working closely with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Matson’s team completed three rounds of sampling all around Flathead Lake and two rounds of sampling on Tiber Reservoir in 2021.
All of the samples were shipped to the state AIS lab in Helena for microscopy analysis and to the FLBS Montana Conservation Genomics Laboratory in Missoula for DNA analysis. Tiber samples were also sent to the Bureau of Reclamation’s DNA lab for analysis…and the results are in.
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Phil Matson On-Demand with KGEZ Radio
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Fishing for the Future:
FLBS Ted Smith Storytelling Intern Highlights CSKT Efforts to Sustain Flathead Lake's Native Fish Populations
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Native Fish Keepers process nonnative lake trout harvested from Flathead Lake at their Blue Bay facility. Flathead Lake lake trout are now sold to restaurants, grocery stores, and private buyers across Montana and around the US. Photo courtesy Lena Beck and The Counter.
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According to the earliest accounts in the late 1800s from settlers of European descent, Flathead Lake was originally home to around 10 native fish species, westlope cutthroat trout (Montana’s state fish) and bull trout (top predator of its time) the most notable among them. Today, following decades of nonnative species introductions in the 20th Century to bolster fishing opportunities, Flathead Lake sustains 21 species of fish. Nonnative lake trout, lake whitefish, and yellow perch have become the dominant species. Westlope cutthroat and bull trout populations, meanwhile, have plummeted and are under continued threat.
In a feature recently published by The Counter, 2021 Ted Smith Environmental Storytelling Intern Lena Beck highlights the work being done by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) to return Montana’s native fish populations to a more prominent level. The effort has had the added benefit of stocking local grocery stores and food banks with freshly harvested local lake trout. But as Flathead Lake’s top predator, mercury levels in local lake trout are rising, leading CSKT officials and FLBS researchers to embark on a new EPA-funded study that aims to better understand mercury movement in the Flathead Lake food web and determine safe levels of lake trout consumption.
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Keep It Blue for Christmas:
100% of NEW Custom Flathead Lake Pendant Sales Directly Support FLBS
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Flathead Lake holds a special place in our hearts. One of the clearest and most iconic lakes in the world, it continues to provide cherished memories for our families and visitors, and remains a primary driver of commerce for our local business communities and regional economy. For over 120 years, FLBS has stood watch over Flathead Lake and its watershed, but we haven’t done it alone. Now more than ever, our ability to monitor and research in the Flathead Watershed depends on the continued generosity of our pivotal partnerships, collaborations, and philanthropic support.
This week, just in time for the holidays, we are overwhelmed with excitement to announce a new collaboration with our newest member of the FLBS Business Drive that will have an immediate impact on our ability to keep our waters blue:
In partnership with Bird in Hand Gallery and Artisans in Downtown Bigfork, we are proud to introduce a new, custom-made “Keep It Blue” Flathead Lake Pendant, with 100% of all pendant sales directly supporting FLBS!
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The “Keep It Blue” Flathead Lake Pendant features a custom design crafted in .925 Sterling Silver and adorned with a polished blue dichroic crystal. The color represents the crystalline blue waters of Flathead Lake, and the placement of the stone highlights both the location of our Bio Station facilities and your commitment to helping us keep our waters blue. This pendant is now available exclusively at MyRealMontana.com, or in person at Bird in Hand Gallery and Artisans located at 469 Electric Avenue in Bigfork, Montana.
Whether choosing this incredible item as a gift for yourself or someone you care about, the entire proceeds of your purchase will go directly to FLBS in support of our mission to keep our beloved Flathead Lake blue for generations to come!
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A Deep Dive into Appreciation:
Sometimes the Greatest Gift is the Opportunity to be Grateful
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When it comes to invasive mussels, the importance of expansive early detection monitoring and educational outreach can’t be overstated. According to research by FLBS Environmental Economist Nanette Nelson, a Montana-wide mussel infestation could result in over $230 million annually in mitigation costs and lost tourism revenue, and diminish the $3 billion in property values that Flathead and Whitefish Lakes bring to our local real estate industry.
Beyond the potential economic impacts, preventing the spread of invasive mussels and other AIS also means the preservation of future family fishing adventures and serene swimming on sunny afternoons. It's a priceless investment for our future generations, the worthiest of efforts for all of those wonderful freshwater memories that are yet to be made.
In the latest Deep Dive into FLBS, the hard and vigilant work being done by FLBS researchers, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Montana State Parks, Flathead Lakers, Whitefish Lake Institute, and so many others has helped one FLBS staff member find a renewed appreciation for what it means to be truly grateful this holiday season.
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Now Hiring:
FLBS is Accepting Applications for New Positions for 2022
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FLBS Summer Education Program Manager
The primary responsibility of this full-time, year-round position is to oversee the FLBS Summer Education Program. The FLBS Summer Education Program includes self-support undergraduate/graduate courses offered for credit and an interdisciplinary internship program. This position will oversee all aspects of the summer courses and some aspects of the internship program. The Program Manager will directly supervise seasonal staff involved with carrying out the FLBS Summer Education Program.
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Accounting Associate III
The Bio Station is looking for a new team member to help manage large volumes of fiscal records; assist with accounts payable, accounts receivable, and procurement activities, including purchase orders, requisitions, inter-unit journals, petty cash, and cash handling; and process invoices for payment.
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