FAQ: The Flathead Lake Biological Station
Perhaps the most underrated contributor to the Flathead Watershed is the Flathead Lake Biological Station. Sometimes referred to as “the Sentinel of the Lake,” the research center has been instrumental in preserving the Flathead’s world-renowned water quality, beauty, ecological health, and economic prosperity; ensuring that it remains as lush and clean as it was centuries ago. Here is a look at the mission and achievements of the Bio Station:
What is the Flathead Lake Biological Station?
The Flathead Lake Biological Station is a research and education campus of the University of Montana, located in Yellow Bay. The campus consists of more than sixty buildings on 80 shoreline acres of Flathead Lake, including laboratories, ecology classrooms and accommodations for researchers. FLBS is dedicated to preserving water quality, biodiversity, and ecological integrity through research, monitoring, and educational outreach to advance the understanding and conservation of aquatic ecosystems, particularly in the Flathead Lake region.
What is the history of the Flathead Lake Biological Station?
The Flathead Lake Biological Station was established near Bigfork, MT in 1899, just 10 years after Montana became a state. It was founded by Morton J. Elrod, the first professor of biology at the University of Montana. FLBS moved to its current location in Yellow Bay in 1908. As the second oldest biological field station in the United States, the Flathead Lake Biological Station has contributed significantly to our understanding of freshwater systems.
What does the Flathead Lake Biological Station do in the Flathead Watershed today?
The station continues to support the Flathead area through ongoing research and monitoring. They collect and analyze data on water nutrient and clarity levels, changes in native and invasive species, the effects of climate change, limnology, and ecology. Their long-term Flathead Monitoring Program has been running since 1977, watches for changes before they become problems, and has generated one of the world’s best lake data sets.
Go Sail Montana has proudly collaborated with the FLBS to create Flathead Lake’s first navigational map for sailors, and revenue from the map goes towards the Bio Station’s Flathead Monitoring Program. The Flathead Lake Biological Station’s efforts not only contribute to the conservation of Flathead Lake, but their findings give insight into other bodies of water.
Additionally, FLBS applies its resources to educational programs. For example, they conduct public outreach through lectures, workshops, and guided tours. They also engage in K-12 students and teachers throughout the watershed to improve children’s understanding of lakes and streams. And, as a branch of the University of Montana, there are numerous opportunities at the graduate and undergraduate level for courses, internships and research opportunities, and summer field programs.
Where can I purchase the Flathead Lake navigational map for sailors?
Flathead Lake’s first navigational map for sailors is available for purchase on the Go Sail Flathead Lake website. You can also buy the map in person at the Go Sail office in Dayton from June-August or at FLBS year-round for $20!
How can I see Flathead Lake’s pristine water and biodiversity for myself?
There is a lot to appreciate about Flathead Lake from the shore, but to see the lake more closely, take a peaceful sailing tour. Because sailboats don’t use noisy motors, they are less disruptive to the native species, giving you the chance to witness aquatic species. You can even learn to sail while immersed in Flathead Lake’s beauty with ASA sailing courses.
Before you visit Flathead Lake, or in advance of sailing, you can always take advantage of the FLBS’s resources for real-time weather conditions and water level updates and view the lake from webcams.
How does the Flathead Lake Biological Station’s work benefit sailors and Flathead Lake recreators?
One of the most useful tools the Flathead Lake Biological Station offers sailors (and other recreationists) is through their LakeNet Weather Network. This weather center shows historic weather data on the lake as well as current data. The information is an invaluable resource for recreators to keep updated on wind, precipitation, safety information, and more. The weather data is updated every 15 minutes and the water conditions are updated every 3 hours.
How can I support the Flathead Lake Biological Station’s work?
The proceeds made from Flathead Lake map sales directly benefit the station’s Flathead Monitoring Program, including LakeNet Weather Network. The National Science Foundation funded the creation of LakeNet but it is now funded entirely philanthropically. To help support the ongoing costs associated with LakeNet, Go Sail Flathead Lake will be offering $100 off all bookings made in August for the 2025 season for sailors who donate at least $50 to the Flathead Lake Biological Station.