Book tells the story of how lakes function, challenges they face

The Whitefish Lake Institute and project steering committee partners have released the publication of the third edition of the Montana Lake Book.

This 56-page coffee-table worthy publication tells the story of how lakes function, how they are challenged, and how they can be protected.

“Lakes are among our most valued — and most threatened — natural resources,” the book says in the introduction. “They provide recreational and drinking water for people, and important habitat for fish and other wildlife. Despite these critical roles, few people understand how their daily activities can challenge the health of our lakes.”

The institute’s Executive Director Mike Koopal and Science and Education Director Lori Curtis coordinated the production of the newest edition, and served on the steering committee. The committee was comprised of contributors from the state Department of Environmental Quality; state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation; Flathead Basin Commission; Flathead Conservation District; Flathead Lake Biological Station; Flathead Lakers; Flathead National Forest; Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks; Montana Watershed Coordination Council; and Whitefish High School.

The book is separated into seven chapters including Lake Basics, Waterfront Living, Working in a Watershed, Water Recreation, Protecting Our Fisheries, Aquatic Invasive Species, and A Changing Climate.

Each chapter offers web links to sites with more information on chapter subject matter. It also includes a list of lake related Montana and U.S. agencies as well as an appendix of lake terminology.

The book was designed by eBizServices in Whitefish and printed by Thomas Printing in Kalispell.

With 50 beautiful lake and lake related photos and 15 figures and maps, the Montana Lake Book is a great resource for Montana residents. The book can be obtained free of charge from the steering committee offices. The entire publication is also being designed into a website which is expected be announced at the end of November.

Funding for the book was provided by the Flathead Basin Commission, Flathead Conservation District, Flathead Lake Biological Station, Flathead Lakers, Flathead National Forest, Department of Environmental Quality, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and the Whitefish Lake Institute.

Founded in 2005, the Whitefish Lake Institute is a nonprofit organization committed to acquiring scientific research, and to educating and engaging the local citizenry to protect the Whitefish area water resources of today, while providing a collective community vision for tomorrow.