MT SJ18

Urges federal decision-making bodies to give recreation needs equal consideration alongside hydropower, fish, and irrigation demands when managing Flathead Lake water levels

Requests Flathead Lake recreation needs be expressly included in the ongoing Columbia River Treaty renegotiation and the next Columbia River System Operations planning cycle

Directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Columbia River Basin Technical Management Team, Bonneville Power Administration, British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority, and all federally recognized tribal governments in Montana

Notes that federal regulations require the lake to reach full pool by June 15 for summer recreation, but recent decisions by federal agencies and dam operators have lowered levels, reducing usability for local residents

Flathead Lake is Montana's largest freshwater lake at 191 square miles with 187 miles of shoreline, featuring 13 public access sites and one island state park