Flathead River 2023 Event Schedule + New Board Member Announced

It might be snowing out, but we’re gearing up for the summer! This month we’re teaming up with our partners and speaking at the University of Montana-Dillon Speaker Series, MT American Fisheries Society Convention, and River Management Society Symposium. It’s an honor to be able to share what we’ve learned fostering stewardship on our unique river system.

NEWS ALERT: Our 2023 event schedule is posted with more to come. Learn how you can help celebrate the Flathead Wild & Scenic River! If you love spending time in and around rivers we have you covered. Tap button below for event and volunteer training schedule or visit www.flatheadrivers.org/events.

2023 RIVER EVENT SCHEDULE

RIVER ALERTS, GEAR, TRIP PLANNING TIPS, OUTFITTERS & RESOURCES HUB

The Lodge at Whitefish Lake and Glacier Distilling Company have teamed up for February's Cocktail for a Cause to spotlight Flathead Rivers Alliance's mission and initiatives! Throughout February at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake, $1 from every Chokecherry Old Fashioned sold will go to Flathead Rivers Alliance.

Chokecherry Old Fashioned | Featuring Glacier Distilling 105 proof Rye Whiskey Hand-selected Single Barrel for The Lodge, Chokecherry Liqueur, Sugar, Bitters

JOE BASIRICO JOINS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joe’s life on rivers started almost 45 years ago in Aspen, CO guiding extended trips on big rivers along the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains. That eventually led him to West Glacier, MT where he started one of the first two whitewater river companies floating the Forks of the Flathead. For the last several years he has been training Park Rangers how to read and run whitewater along with basic river safety. He takes the responsibility of protecting our rivers from abuse and overuse as a personal campaign, to help maintain them as a legacy for the generations to come. WHO WE ARE

February 14th PLANNING BOARD AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING 6:30 PM @ Columbia Falls Junior High Cafetorium (1805 Talbot Road) - No Virtual Meeting Option Meeting Agenda & Packet

Twin Peaks Farms, LLC, High Country Land and Cattle (MT) LLC and River Partners LLC are requesting a Planned Unit Development in the Columbia Falls Zoning Jurisdiction, the urban scale development is located at 7030 Highway 2 East and 500 River Road in Columbia Falls, neighboring Flathead River and Bad Rock Canyon Wildlife Management Area. The project consists of 180 residential units gross density of project of 7.9 units per acre. With the project, the applicants are proposing to extend Columbia Falls Water and Sewer service across the Flathead River to the site.

For more information on proposed Planned Unit Development (PUD), call Eric Mulcahy, CFalls City Planner (406) 755-6481. Planning Board Meeting agenda HERE.

Comments can be hand delivered to City Hall, City Clerk, 130 6th St. W., Columbia Falls 59912 or emailed to Barb Staaland, City Clerk via email: staalandb@cityofcolumbiafalls.com up to 5:00 PM February 14th.

19th Annual Artist Wilderness Connection

Artists from various disciplines, media, and styles are invited to apply to the 2023 Artist Wilderness Connection. Program places artists from various disciplines, media, and styles in remote backcountry cabins in the Flathead National Forest. During their one- to two-week stay, selected artists create work in a beautiful, remote setting.

Applications are due by Feb. 17. Learn more HERE

College Scholarships
Flathead Conservation District offers college scholarships to qualified local high school seniors intending to pursue a degree in natural resources or a related field. Appropriate courses of study include agriculture, animal/range science, forestry, environmental science/engineering, hydrology, land resources, plant science, wildlife biology, etc. Applications and all required materials are due March 15th by 4:00PM. Learn more HERE.

Adopt-a-Drain Program Launch
Kalispell’s newest volunteer program, Adopt-a-Drain! You can help improve water quality and decrease localized flooding by being a steward of a storm drain. Learn more HERE

Glacier Raft Company has been a supporter of Flathead Rivers Alliance since inception of organization. In 2022, clients were invited to roundup their purchase to benefit Flathead Rivers Alliance’s efforts to grow river stewardship, on the Flathead Wild and Scenic River! PURSUIT Glacier Raft Company presented us with a check for $19,116 thanks to the 2022 Roundup Program.

We can’t thank our river community, partners, volunteers, donors, and sponsors enough! Our programming and projects wouldn’t be possible without your support. Interested in becoming a 23/24 Season Corporate Sponsor? Visit HERE or email info@flatheadrivers.org to learn how.

BECOME A SUPPORTING MEMBER | DONATE

Note: River levels have dropped significantly. There are hydraulic features on the river and hazards that may be difficult to navigate at current river levels. Know your skill level and always wear a PFD/Life Jacket! Visit our TRIP PLANNING RESOURCE page HERE for more information.

If you’re cold water/weather prepared and headed out to river and want to share photos with us send them HERE with photo credit and location and we’ll share on our platforms.

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