Whitefish Lake Institute

“The tax return is reviewed by staff and approved by the board of directors before submission.”

“No documents available to the public”

“The whitefish lake institute (wli) is a science and education based 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation led by a volunteer board of directors and assisted by a volunteer science advisory committee. Wli is not an advocacy organization-we work through three key program areas, scientific research, education, and aquatic resource initiatives. Within these three focus areas, we establish programs appropriate to achieving the goals of our mission. Wli is funded by a broad base of members, research and education grants, special events, and through programmatic partnerships with other organizations and resource agencies. Together, we're investing in our clean water legacy.”

“Part iii, line 4 (a) - first accomplishment wli partners with other organizations to creatively fund research and develop programs that benefit whitefish lake and other local water resources. Data resulting from our scientific research programs is provided to the community and to resource managers to enable them to make informed decisions about water quality issues. Wli focuses most of its research work on whitefish lake and its tributaries, but also researches other lakes- through special project funding in flathead, lake, lincoln and missoula counties. Efforts through our education program include outdoor education programs for grades k-12, college internships, educator in-service training, and presentations to civic groups. Through our aquatic resource initiatives program, wli participates in activities that protect whitefish lake and its tributaries in community groups and efforts that extend our reach. Wli also trains volunteer citizen scientists in monitoring lakes through the northwest montana lakes network. Volunteers contribute nearly 1,000 hours to the program annually. Each year, these programs allow us to reach over 1,000 citizens of all ages.”

“Fixed assets: land - viking creek preserve in 2009, the whitefish lake institute was gifted by the averill family, a 28.8 acre parcel as part of the viking creek development proposal. Now known as the averill's viking creek wetland preserve, wli owns and manages the property for water quality, wildlife habitat, and human enjoyment. While the land no longer has the development value by which it was initially assessed, it has been preserved and developed into a public amenity-the living wetlands interpretive nature trail. The trail is used for public education and enjoyment, while protected areas serve as crucial wildlife habitat and to enable native plant restoration.”