When rolling along U.S. Route 93 and through Flathead Valley, travelers are certain to find scenes such as this Picture of the Day. The majestic Western Rocky Mountains provide a contrasting, deep blue backdrop for this Montana farm. The valley area is known for its fertile soils and surprisingly a relatively moderate climate. Flathead Lake, which seldom freezes over, has a moderating affect on the region's harsh winters.
Today's Flathead area farmland is shrinking, being converted into residential subdivisions. Visitors seeing Montana's beauty, fall in love with Montana's scenery and end up purchasing property to build their dream homes. The Flathead Valley has changed dramatically over the past four decades. The once crystal clear Flathead Lake, one of the purist in the world, has seen a steady decline. Pollutants enter the lake from various sources, including golf courses, parking lots, construction site and also croplands. The Flathead Basin Commission is making attempts to solve this widespread problem, and concerned citizens are hoping it won't be too little too late.