The Montana Lakes Conference, first held in 2019, was created to forge solutions for threats that Montana lakes face today. It is organized every four years by the Whitefish Lake Institute and takes place at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake.

We rely on Whitefish Lake for recreation, we live on its shores, eat fish from it and in Whitefish, we ALL drink it. Because our lakes are a shared public resource, it is imperative that we work together to keep them clean today and for our grandchildren tomorrow.

The two-day conference is organized into concurrent sessions with a science and policy track and a citizen science track. Some topics include:

Septic pollutants: The effect of failing septic systems is a concern of many lake associations and

shore owners. At the conference, new technology for septic solutions will be presented by industry leaders. A panel discussion involving university and agency staff will give attendees a chance to discuss with experts the implications and solutions to this pervasive issue.

Aquatic invasive species prevention: Whitefish Lake and Flathead Lake are at the headwaters of the Columbia River Basin which is one of the only watersheds in the US that remains free of Zebra and Quagga mussels. If mussels were to invade, the cost to residents of Montana would be tremendous. We would all see cost increases on our water and electric bills, and experience overwhelming shell debris on our beaches, and encrusted docks.

Nutrient and contaminant pollutants: Lake Koocanusa received attention in the last Montana legislative session. At the conference, USGS experts will detail long-term changes in the concentration of selenium in this transboundary lake and its impact on aquatic life.

New technology to monitor for invasive mussels: Currently Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, Whitefish Lake institute, Flathead Lake Biological Station and other water quality organizations visit lakes in Montana to collect samples that are analyzed for mussel eDNA. New, in-lake collection devices developed by the USGS to streamline this process will be highlighted during the AIS panel discussion.

Questions like these will be addressed: What’s being done about invasive fish (nonnative trout) in Flathead Lake, Glacier Park, and other Montana Lakes?

Where did that algae on my beach come from? Nutrient contributions slowly build unnoticed until we see changes to the bright rocks on our shores. A poster session given during the welcome and conference social hours will detail insights on these “slimy shores.”

The economic importance of maintaining lake water quality is far-reaching. Economic analysis reveals that highly desirable lakes such as Flathead Lake and Whitefish Lake enhance adjoining and surrounding property values, thus contributing significantly to the local economy and tax base.

Monitoring and protecting our lakes is not only important for maintaining ecological integrity and recreational opportunities, but also for contributing to the economies of these communities.

On lakes in the U.S., where water quality has declined significantly, property values of shoreline real estate has dropped by up to 25%. This underlines the importance of our shared responsibility to keep Montana lakes blue, drinkable, boatable and desirable to live near.

Plan to attend the Montana Lakes Conference Oct. 18-20, 2023, at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. It is open to the public, business owners, scientists, agency staff, students, and citizen advocates for clean water.

The conference will kick off Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 5 p.m. with a community night highlighting posters presented by Whitefish area youth, followed by short, science-based talks geared to the public. Come support our area youth and enjoy complimentary refreshments with your neighbors.

To register for the full conference and to find a detailed agenda, go to the Montana Lakes Conference web page on the Whitefish Lake Institute website: https://whitefishlake.org/mlc-2023-home/

Special lodging rates for conference attendees are available at The Lodge until Sept. 15. Mention the Montana Lakes Conference when booking.

The Montana Lakes Conference is sponsored by The Barn Group, the Western Montana Conservation Commission, MT DNRC, MT DEQ, MT FWP, Whitefish CVB, Whitefish County Water and Sewer District, Flathead Conservation District, Flathead Lake Bio Station, River Design Group, Flathead Lakers, Swan Lakers, Glacier Bank, MT Trout Unlimited, Forestation, Little Bitterroot Lake Association, the Montana Watershed Coordination Council, and Whitefish Marine.