CM 



< MT 2. Flathead Lake. Acreage: 130,000. 



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I— Location: Lake County; nearest city, Poison, on the south shore; reached via 



g U.S. 93. 



Description: Flathead Lake is the largest, natural, fresh-water lake west of the 

 Mississippi. It is a very large and deep lake, and receives its waters from the west 

 slopes of the Continental Divide (Glacier National Park, Bob Marshall Wil- 

 derness Area, and several U.S. National Forests). The lake contains several 

 islands that have biological interest. The U.S. Forest Service and the University 

 of Montana currently are conducting ecological studies on these islands, as well 

 as on the surrounding landscape. The waters of this lake are exceptionally high 

 in quality, and local efforts have successfully prevented any extensive pollution 

 in the lake. The lake has been the center of ecological studies since the early 

 1900s as the result of the presence of the University of Montana Biological Sta- 

 tion on the shores of the lake at Yellow Bay. This body of water functions very 

 well as an outdoor laboratory for biologists of all kinds, and there exists exten- 

 sive literature covering the results of current and past investigations. Its con- 

 tinuation as an undisturbed ecosystem can be enhanced greatly by giving it 

 Natural Landmark status. 



References: Dr. Richard Solberg has an updated list of these. 



Ownership The Lake is owned by the state of Montana. National Forest, State 

 Forests and Parks, Indian Reservation, and some private and commercial 

 developments currently surround the lake. 



Data source: Dr. James R. Habeck, Environmental Biology Department, 

 University of California, Irvine, Cal. 92664. 



Other knowledgeable persons: Dr. Richard Solberg, Director, University of 

 Montana Biological Station, Department of Botany, University of Montana, Mis- 

 soula, Mont. 59801. 



