A new study released by the Flathead Lake Biological Station and Whitefish Lake Institute indicates that the clean water in Whitefish and Flathead lakes accounts for $3 billion in property value alone and $25 million in annual property taxes for state and local governments.  

     The study shows the value of homes on the two lakes, but in reality illustrates the incredible importance of maintaining clean water in the two popular lakes.   

     “These study results provide us with an economic argument in communicating the importance of maintaining water quality and our work,” Lori Curtis, science education director for the Whitefish Lake  Institute, said in the article. The Whitefish Lake Institute focuses on science, education and community stewardship to protect and improve Whitefish Lake and nearby water resources.

     The study only examines property values, not the economic contributions of fishing, boating, lodging, vacation spending, and other outdoor forms of recreation on the two lakes.