Panel eyes Idaho water efforts

The Daily Inter Lake

Members of the Flathead Basin Commission will hear a presentation on aquatic invasive species Aug. 5 from Kate Wilson, program coordinator of the Lakes Commission based in Sandpoint, Idaho.

The presentation will primarily focus on efforts being undertaken by the state of Idaho and the Pend Oreille Basin to control Eurasian water milfoil and to prevent the introduction of zebra and quagga mussels.

In addition, Wilson will give a brief overview of the Stormwater Erosion Education and Lake Assessment System programs designed to help residents living along the water reduce sediment and nutrient delivery to lakes.

Other discussions will center on the annual commission work plan and BNSF Railway activities in Whitefish. A state Department of Environmental Quality representative is expected to discuss proposed mitigation plans for the area.

The Aug. 5 commission meeting, open to the public, is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Glacier National Park Community Building in West Glacier.

For more information, call 752-0081 or 240-3453.

The Flathead Basin Commission was established by the Montana Legislature in 1983 to "monitor and protect" the water quality of the Flathead River drainage system.