Flathead River October 2022 News: Trip Planning, Events & Opportunities

Safeguarding a River System

October 2nd marked the 54th Anniversary of Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. Although the 219-miles of the three forks of the Flathead River (Flathead River Headwaters) weren’t designated as a National Wild & Scenic River System till 1976 the river system is notable for being the inspiration behind creation of 1968 Act. Designation preserves certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations and encourages co-management and promotes public participation in developing goals for river protection. (www.rivers.gov/wsr-act) Less than 1/2 of 1% of rivers are protected under the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System. Learn about Flathead Wild & Scenic River’s Comprehensive River Management Plan HERE and other river plans HERE.

The Flathead River system flows through the traditional homelands of the Ksanka/Ktunaxa/Kootenai, Sélis (Salish), and Q’lispé (Kallspel or Pend d’Oreille) Peoples who have lived and Blackfeet Peoples who have traveled these lands for at least ten thousand years. In 2021, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) enacted a Cultural Waterways Ordinance on the lower reach of the Flathead River below Séliš Ksanka QÍispé Dam creating a system to formally designate and protect culturally significant areas determined to need special protection or management. Learn more about Ordinance HERE.

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

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER HAPPENINGS

Flathead Basin Commission Fall Meeting - Spotted Bear Ranger Station Meeting - Removing Barriers for River ADA Accessibility Workshop - Flathead Trails Fair - River Gear Swap + Celebration Co-Hosted w/ Montana Kayak Academy

This month we partnered with Carla and Darin Fisher from Backslope Brewing (1107 9th St W, Columbia Falls, MT) to award one of our lucky e-newsletter subscribers with a free growler fill voucher as a thank you for all your support. Austin Lillie is the winner of this month’s random drawing giveaway!

Thank you to Nelson's Ace Hardware and all you DIYers! Nelson's presented Flathead Rivers Alliance with a check from the round up August donations! We received a total of $2,463.46 which included the round up total and the matching total from Nelson's Ace Hardware!

Huge thanks to the Nelson's Family (Rick & Marilyn Nelson, Mariah Joos), Brian, CJ and store support team and patrons! This beloved Whitefish-based hardware store has been in the Nelson Family for over 70 years and it along with its customers haven't wavered from their commitment to community.

Photo #1: CJ (Nelson's ACE Hardware) , Bob (FRA- Board President), and Mariah (Nelson's ACE Hardware)

2023 Big Sky Watershed Corps Member
Flathead Rivers Alliance will host a BSWC member in 2023. Interested in becoming an AmeriCorps Big Sky Watershed Corps member? Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Position interviews will begin in October. Learn more HERE.

2023 Seasonal Employee Application Submission Schedule:

Park ranger (Protection) – October 17-21
Park Ranger (Protection) employees have training and education in law enforcement and use the knowledge and skills therein to protect the natural and cultural resources of America’s national parks. Their daily operations can range from delivering resource and cultural education to visitors to using legal authority to ensure visitors are respecting and preserving our park’s resources during their visits.

Park ranger (Interpretation) – November 7-11
Park Rangers plan and conduct engaging and interactive programs to educate visitors of all ages and backgrounds about historical, natural, or scientific treasures.

Learn more HERE.

Science Quencher- October 14th- Quench your thirst for science with lightning round talks from local scientists Friday, October 14th from 5-7 pm at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake’s Regatta Room. Complimentary beer, wine and appetizers! Learn more HERE.

Glacier Guides and Montana Raft celebrated its 40th anniversary of guiding hikers, bikers and rafters in and around Glacier National Park, this summer. Learn more HERE and HERE.

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 22/23 Season Corporate Sponsor? Visit HERE or email info@flatheadrivers.org to learn how.

BECOME A SUPPORTING MEMBER | DONATE

Recreate Responsibly | Flathead Wild & Scenic River

Most AIS Inspection Stations will start closing late September/October, so if you’re traveling in and out of the Flathead Basin or into Glacier check HERE for status. To ensure health of watershed you’ll need an inspection for your watercraft. Always Clean. Drain. Dry to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

BEAR AWARE- Bear sightings might increase as foraging ramps up ahead of a long winter. Be alert, have bear spray accessible and always properly store and dispose attractants to reduce human-bear conflicts. Required/recommended river gear HERE. Additional info can be found online with GNP and Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.

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!

River access site conditions are posted weekly on our Facebook and Instagram feeds and/or stories. If you head 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.

FLATHEAD SEPTEMBER RIVER NEWSLETTER

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