Fans of Flathead Lake can now purchase a snazzy new map of the West’s largest natural freshwater body, courtesy the University of Montana biological station.

An earlier, more artistic map was produced in 2000 in conjunction with Missoula-based Xplorer Maps, but the latest edition uses satellite imagery to display the lake and surrounding terrain.

Tom Bansak, the Flathead Lake Biological Station’s development coordinator, said it’s the first time the biological station has released a map that includes bathymetric information and public access points.

“I really like how it nests the lake in the landscape and shows the surrounding mountains,” Bansak said. “This valley is gorgeous, and this is just another way to see that.”

Another map, with more detail of the lake and a waterproof lamination, is also in the works. Bansak said it’s geared toward boaters and fishermen, and he hopes to have it available by the time the spring Mack Days fishing tournament kicks off in March.

The new maps cost $20, with proceeds going to the bio station’s lake monitoring and research fund. The monitoring program generates data to inform regulatory decisions by state and federal agencies.

“Our long-term monitoring of Flathead Lake is one of the flagship programs we have here, and we’ve been tracking ecological conditions and water quality of the lake rigorously since the ’70s,” Bansak said.

The station is working to get the new maps available in local shops, but for now, contact Tom Bansak at (406) 982-3301, extension 229 or by email at tom.bansak@umontana.edu to purchase one.

Reporter Sam Wilson can be reached at 758-4407 or by email at swilson@dailyinterlake.com.