Flathead County
Board of Commissioners
(406) 758-5503
Brad W. Abell
Randy L. Brodehl
Pamela J. Holmquist
November 4, 2025
The Honorable Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum
U.S. Department of Interior
1849 C Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20240
Honorable Secretary Burgum,
Flathead County Commissioners Support Maintaining Flathead Lake Water Levels
On behalf of the citizens of Flathead County, we write to you as the duly elected Commissioners of Flathead County in Northwest Montana to share our strong support for efforts toward maintaining Flathead Lake's full recreation level of 2893 feet from June 15th to September 15th and no less than 2892 feet, even in drought years.
Flathead Lake is a cornerstone of our community's economy, environment, and quality of life. Its health directly impacts tourism, agriculture, recreation, and the thousands of residents who depend on the lake and surrounding watershed. In recent years, low water levels during the summer season have caused significant losses to local businesses and has disrupted farming, ranching, and recreation interests. These challenges remind us of the importance of long-term solutions to sustain dependable water levels during the summer months.
We support fair and reasonable management approaches that protect the lake for all stakeholders (businesses, farmers, irrigators, recreationists, and residents alike), while ensuring that our region's economic vitality and natural resources are preserved for future generations.
We respectfully ask that your office give this matter the attention it deserves while working toward solutions that provide Montanans and visitors with confidence that Flathead Lake will remain a healthy and sustainable resource.
Sincerely,
Board of Commissioners
Flathead County, Montana
Pamela J. Holmquist, Chairman
Brad W. Abell, Member
Randy L. Brodehl, Member