Collaborative Science and Pro-Active Lake Association: Little Bitterroot Lake's 20-Year Journey

1. Little Bitterroot Lake 20 Years of Collaborative Science with a Pro-Active Lake Association John Babcock – Water & Environmental Technologies

2. History of Little Bitterroot Lake Association (LBLA) • Established in 1988 • Board of Directors (5-7) • Objectives: • Preserve the high recreational value of LBL • Maintain its aesthetic integrity • Educate the public and others about the value of LBL as a recreational resource • Water Quality Sampling 1999-Present

3. Morphology of Little Bitterroot Lake • 4.6 sq. miles (2,950 acres) • 34.5 sq. mile drainage area (22,000 acre) • Max depth = 260 feet • Salish Mountains, Belt rock geology • Dimictic lake, thermally stratified in summer • Groundwater fed, one perennial stream, long residence time • Lake level controlled at outlet

4. Water Quality Studies by LBLA • Long term water quality monitoring (nutrients, chlorophyll-a) • 7 lake sites, 2 stream sites • August sampling, some spring/fall • Depth profile monitoring (temperature, DO, SC, pH) • Additional sampling: • Benthic algae at 2 locations (2014) • Uranium/Radon in groundwater and surface waters (2016) • Upper Herrig Creek timber sale (2017) • AIS sampling – Ca+Mg, mussel veligers, vegetation survey (2018) • Quarry expansion (2018)

5. Data and Results – Water Quality Trends

6. Data and Results – Carlson’s Trophic State Index

7. Data and Results – Spatial Trends

8. Data and Results – Lake Stratification Epilimnion 0-25’ Metalimnion 25-60’ Hypolimnion 60’+ Peak algae at ~60’ depth Positive Heterograde DO Profile Elevated DO above peak algae Elevated pH above peak algae

9. Data and Results – Algae (chlorophyll-a) • Phytoplankton (Suspended Algae): • Typically below detection in surface grabs (<0.1 mg/L) • Peak concentrations at ~60’ depth (top of hypolimnion) • Benthic Algae: • Low concentrations (1-2 mg/L) with localized “hot spots”

10. Data and Results – AIS Sampling • No mussel veligers detected in 2018 • Complete vegetation survey of shoreline • No invasive plant species identified in 2018 • Calcium = 13-14 mg/L in lake, 5-20 mg/L in streams • Alkalinity = 49 mg/L in lake, 19-73 mg/L in streams

11. Lake Activities in 2018 • Compared current monitoring program to other lake groups • New partnership with Marion Elementary School • Awarded $10,000 DNRC AIS grant for sampling and outreach • Added AIS sampling and additional parameters • AIS Symposium – June 13 (FWP, WET, FLBS, Marion School) • LBLA YouTube Channel, radio interviews • Lake Ecology curriculum at Marion School • LEAP – Lake Education and Awareness Program (boat launch volunteers) • Installed signage and provided literature at boat launches • DEQ response to proposed quarry expansion

12. AIS Day – June 13 • 5 speakers • Classroom Visits • Boat Inspection Training • Educational Materials • 70+ Attendees

13. Future Sampling and Activities • eDNA Sampling for mussel veligers • Re-apply for DNRC AIS grant to support boat inspections • Expand partnership with other area schools • Science fair projects, curriculum sharing • Lake materials at community library • Improve signage, education kiosks at boat launches • Increased presence with media (YouTube channel, Facebook, radio) • Continue EDUCATING!

14. Collaborative Members • WET + LBLA - grant writing, sampling, reporting • Whitefish Lake Institute + NWMTLVMN- depth profile sampling • Fish, Wildlife and Parks – 3 speakers at AIS Day, signage, brochures • Flathead Lake Biological Station - AIS training, speakers, field trips • Dept. of Environmental Quality - $3,000 volunteer monitoring grant • Dept. of Natural Resources and Conservation - $10,000 AIS grant • Flathead High School – sampling for science fair projects • Marion Elementary School - classroom visits, field trips, library, science fair • Community Volunteers - boat launch stations, policing

15. Questions?