From the Thursday, August 9, 2007 online edition of the Bigfork Eagle . . .

The interconnectivity of northwest Montana’s water sources serve as a double-edged sword.

On one hand, the connections promote a diverse ecosystem and help filter pollutants. On the other hand, large disturbances can impact massive areas.

Dr. Richard Hauer’s lecture, titled “Critical linkages in our waterscapes: River, groundwater and lake connections,” showed the intricate web of Flathead’s water systems.

This connectivity is one reason Dr. Hauer said the mining proposals in British Columbia are such a threat. The proposed coal mine and coal bed methane exploration sites are located at the head of the North Fork of the Flathead River in Canada, which is just 22 miles from the border.

Read the entire article . . .