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FLATHEADBEACON.COM NEWS
JUNE 11, 2014 | 21

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research site, the Nyack loodplain on
MOUNTAIN EXPOSURE
the Middle Fork Flathead River.

LITHGOW, OTHER DONORS CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY
GATHER SUPPORT FOR WITH FREE FISHING WEEKEND
FLATHEAD LAKE BIOLOGICAL It’s Montana’s gift to Dad and Grand-
STATION
pa: free ishing over Father’s Day week-
In a vital show of support for main- end, June 14-15. The state is once again
taining Flathead Lake’s pristine iden- waiving license fees for two days in cel-

tity, nearly 540 individuals, families ebrationofMontana’sfathers.
and organizations banded together to “Whether you’re teaching a young
raise over $1 million for the University one to bait a hook or casting a salmon ly,
of Montana’s Flathead Lake Biological I hope Montanans will take advantage
Station.
of this free ishing weekend and keep
The list of donors included promi- this important tradition thriving in the
nent lakeshore homeowners like actor state,” Gov. Steve Bullock said.
John Lithgow, former NBA coach Phil Over Father’s Day weekend everyone Featuring

Jackson and wildlife advocate Jack Han- in Montana can ish for free, and with-
na, according to the station.
out a license, but one must follow all of
“At a time of deep concern for the Montana’s other ishing regulations.
Earth’s fragile environment, the Flat- Each year more than 230,000 residents
head Lake Biological Station continues and 160,000 nonresidents purchase a
to do a magniicent job monitoring the Montana ishing license. Anglers spend
Flathead’s complex water system,” stat- about $240 million annually in Montana 3 Days of fooD anD fun!

ed Lithgow, a Flathead Lake homeowner for things like transportation, food and
and longtime supporter of the biologi- guide fees. Additionally, for every dol-
cal station. “All of us who treasure this lar spent by Montana Fish, Wildlife and
beautiful lake owe the station a great Parks’ isheries program, anglers spend June 13, 14, & 15
and ongoing debt of gratitude.”
an extra $11 beneitting local communi-
The donations exceeded the biologi- ties and the state’s economy.
cal station’s $1 million goal of matching Bullock said he encourages everyone
a lake monitoring challenge grant by to have a fun time, but urges all to check

the end of 2014. Three years ago, FLBS conditions irst and to always keep safe- Bring DaD in for our amazing
began a campaign to raise $1 million en- ty a top concern.
dowment to match a pledge by an anon- CertifieD angus Beefsteaks anD:
ymous donor for its Flathead Lake Re- GLACIER PARK ‘CITIZEN ®
search and Monitoring Program. As of SCIENCE’ PROGRAM RESTARTS
this week, there were 626 gifts from 537 FOR SUMMER
a ChanCe to win a CharCoal grill
diferent entities, according to the sta- The Crown of the Continent Re-
tion.
search Learning Center at Glacier Na- Complete with grilling aCCessories!

“This incredible generosity will help tional Park is continuing its Citizen Sci- sCratCh & win tiCkets for a ChanCe to win
protect the quality of Flathead Lake’s ence Program this summer, ofering free
water for years to come,” said FLBS Di- research and learning opportunities for 1/2 priCe entrees anD free Drinks
rector Jack Stanford. “Our team of fac- the public.
ulty, staf and students gives a heartfelt The program trains individuals to DeliCious speCial menu
thanks to the community and everyone identify, observe and record information
who donated and made this possible.”
on mountain goats, bighorn sheep, pi-
the Chow Bell
FLBS scientists specialize in eco- kas, loons and invasive plants in Glacier rings at 4 p.m.!
logical research and education with an Park. These species have been targeted
emphasis on fresh water, particularly because of their sensitivity to changes
Flathead Lake and its watershed. FLBS in habitat, human disturbances and, in
research and monitoring provide a con- the case of invasive plants, their threat see the full menu at montanaclub.com
tinuous record of lake conditions needed to native biodiversity. Participants are
to understand and protect the lake and asked to attend a one-day training ses-
reveal threats before they become prob- sion before collecting data for a project.

lems.
Additional training sessions may be
The research program depends al- scheduled based on interest. Contact the
most entirely upon grants and gifts. Learning Center at (406) 888-7986 or
Thus, faculty and staf at FLBS are forg- visit http://www.nps.gov/glac/nature-
ing ahead on the next set of priorities for science/ccrlc-citizen-science.htm.
Download our
community support. Current projects in Since 2005, the Glacier National app to get info on specials and
need of funding include LakeNET, the Park Citizen Science Program has uti- events!

environmental sensor network around lized trained citizen scientists to collect
Flathead Lake, which provides real- baseline population data on species of Montana Value
Montana Made
time weather and water data to Flathead interest in the park.
®
HugeBreakfaststoCertiiedAngusBeef Steaks•Cocktails•MontanaMicrobrews
Lake residents and recreationists; the The three programs will focus on
development and application of an envi- high country wildlife, common loons 1301 S. Main St. | (406)260-4401
ronmental DNA test for aquatic invasive and invasive plants.
Open early ‘til late. www.montanaclub.com
species; and continued ecological dis- If you’re nearby, visit us in Great Falls, Butte and Missoula!
covery at FLBS’s long-term loodplain
www.montanaclub.com

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