Darrows honored by Basin Commission

Bigfork residents Elna and George Darrow have been chosen as recipients of the Flathead Basin Commission's stewardship award for their lifelong involvement in efforts to protect the water quality of the Flathead area.

Named in honor of the late vice chair of the FBC and a well known area civic leader, the Paul Williams Stewardship Award is made on an annual basis to individuals or businesses whose work to protect the basin's water quality is done through their own initiative and not as part of their professional activities.

In making the award at the Flathead Basin Commission meeting in Polson on Friday, April 25, former FBC chair Rich Moy cited the Darrows for "their passionate and abiding interest in the protection of water quality in the Flathead Basin," and he acknowledged "their unfaltering and many-faceted efforts to proactively address water issues in the region."

Elna Darrow served as a citizen member of the Commission for a decade, and as its chair for four years. George Darrow, a former state senator who helped write environmental law while a member of the Montana Legislature in the 1970s, is also widely recognized for his efforts to study and protect the greater region, known as the "Crown of the Continent."

The couple have been residents of the Bigfork area for over three decades. They have also been involved in the conservation efforts of other organizations, including The Flathead Lakers.