Echo Lake on county's agenda today

The Flathead County Commission will meet today to discuss the potential for resuming an emergency no-wake rule on Echo Lake.

Last year, a no-wake rule for watercraft was passed after the lake level topped the causeway at the north end of the lake — and the causeway eventually had to be closed. One of the major concerns was water contamination caused by flooding of septic systems and drainfield.

Early this week, the water level was only 9 inches below the causeway, but the lake has been rising by more than 1.5 inches per day.

The commissioners will meet at 10 a.m. today in their chambers to discuss the issue and whether a no-wake rule will be necessary.

Lee Anderson, the regional warden captain for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, is advising boaters to stay well away from the shoreline on Echo Lake to minimize shoreline impacts.