Forum looks at invasive species prevention

The Little Bitterroot Lake Association and Marion School will present a community “Lake Protection Training Day” at the Marion Volunteer Fire Department today. The discussion is aimed at teaching the public about aquatic invasive species.

The event will feature experts from the University of Montana, Flathead Lake Biological Station and Fish, Wildlife and Parks, who will explain the threat and what residents can do to protect their waters.

Guest speakers include university scientist Tyler Tappenbeck, Russ Hartzell and Jon Obst with Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and Marion School principal Cherie Stobie presenting on topics such as the science of the lake, invasion prevention, lake quality testing and boating safety.

During the event, the lake association will explain its new partnership with Marion School through its Lake Education and Awareness Program to teach the next generation the importance of protecting the lake.

Following the training day, participants will be eligible to sign up to work 4-hour shifts at the boat launches around the lake this summer.

The event goes from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the fire department’s community room with a lunch break at 12:30 p.m. For more information, contact Dan Handlin at CaptainDanNWA@centurytel.net.