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Renowned Flathead Lake Researchers Retiring Bonnie Ellis and Jack Stanford end decades-long tenure at Flathead Lake Biological Station
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BY DILLON TABISH OF THE BEACON
Two prominent scientists credited with world-renowned research at the Flathead Lake Biological Station in Yel- low Bay are retiring, marking the end of an era at the oldest active biological sta- tion in the U.S.
Dr. Bonnie Ellis, a research assis- tant professor of limnology who led the development of a long-term monitoring program for Flathead Lake, retired in February after 37 years at the biological station.
Dr. Jack Stanford, who has worked at the station since 1971 and became the director in 1980, spearheading the facil- ity’s rise as a preeminent research center, will retire at the end of the year. Stanford will remain involved with graduate stu- dents at the site through next summer.
A new director will be introduced at the station’s annual open house, Aug. 5. The event begins at 1 p.m. and a pre- sentation by Stanford and lake ecologist Charles Goldman is slated for 4 p.m.
Both Stanford and Ellis, along with their team of researchers at the station, which operates through the University of Montana, are the scientific sentinels of Flathead Lake. Research conducted through the station over the years has provided a better understanding of the influence of natural and cultural interac- tions in mountain and river valleys and insight into how the entire landscape is interconnected.
Dr. Jack Stanford. BEACON FILE PHOTO
Studies based out of Yellow Bay, including a paper by Ellis published in 2011 on the legacy of Flathead Lake and how it has changed due to the intro- duction of new species, have been cited globally and garner many of the highest research awards. Their work has most significantly raised awareness about water-quality issues.
“Jack built this station up from a smaller education facility into a world- class, world-renowned research facility,”
Tom Bansak, research scientist and development coordinator at the station, said.
“Bonnie deserves kudos for the long- term monitoring program and keeping it consistent and funded.”
Stanford and Ellis were recently awarded the lifetime achievement award from the Whitefish Lake Institute, which recognized their collective research and advocacy for Whitefish Lake and Flat- head Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the West.
Ellis received the Stewardship Award last year from the Flathead Lakers and Stanford garnered the honor in 2006 for their significant contribution to preserv- ing the quality of Flathead Lake.
“We’ve been so fortunate to have them here,” Greg McCormick, president of the Flathead Lakers, said of Stanford and Ellis. “To have two people as dedicated to the science of clean water living 50 feet from Flathead Lake all these years; it’s literally their front yard and they take it really seriously and they’re in great demand because of their knowledge.”
The open house will include tours of the facilities, exhibits of recent research and a presentation by scientists, includ- ing the annual “State of the Lake” report.
The event is free and open to the public.
For more information about the bio- logical station and the open house, visit http://flbs.umt.edu.
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Bullock Appoints Nystuen to Board of Regents
Nystuen has served as the Board Chair for Flathead Valley Community College and is market president of Glacier Bank
BY DILLON TABISH OF THE BEACON
Gov. Steve Bullock has appointed Bob Nystuen of Lakeside to the state Board of Regents, which oversees the Montana University System.
Bullock announced Nystuen’s appointment July 24. Board members are generally appointed for a seven-year term.
Nystuen has served as the Board Chair for Flathead Valley Community College and is market president of Glacier Bank.
He replaces Bozeman Mayor Jeff Krauss. Krauss was appointed in 2012 to fill the last three years of the term vacated by Clay Christian, who is now the commissioner of higher education.
Nystuen stepped down from the FVCC board July 27 because he felt it would not be appropriate to hold a position on both
boards. Nystuen has served on the FVCC board since 2002.
“It’s going to be tough to let go of that connection here but on the other hand if I can help the folks across the state of Montana with the regents, I’m ready to assume that challenge,” he told the Beacon.
He said he looks forward to bring- ing insight on two-year colleges to the board of regents, as well as 40 years of community banking experience.
“Growth and economic prosperity comes through education, especially higher education,” he said.
“The office of commissioner of higher education has a great team and the uni- versity system is strong these days.”
The board consists of seven members appointed by the governor and con- firmed by the Senate.
Bob Nystuen. BEACON FILE PHOTO
“My goal with the board is to be a
strong contributing member,” he said. Nystuen is a native of North Dakota and graduated from North Dakota State University in 1975 with a degree in agri-
cultural economics.
The Associated Press contributed
reporting to this story.
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JULY 29, 2015 // FLATHEADBEACON.COM
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