Montana Algae Bloom and Forest Service Fraud Sentence Updates

Activities on and in the waters of Montana are still on the agenda for thousands of Montana during late summer and early fall.

It’s a good reminder to be on the lookout for harmful algae blooms so that you and your pets can avoid exposure. The organisms that produce the blooms are a natural part of Montana’s waters, but when conditions are right, their populations can grow and potentially release toxins into the water. Low water levels this time of year can increase their presence, especially in areas of shallow and warmer water.

In the past week alone, reports have come in from:

Tongue River Reservoir, Big Horn County

Homestake Lake, Jefferson County

McGregor Lake, Flathead County

Holter Lake, Lewis & Clark County

There are continued reports on several waterbodies throughout the state.

Harmful algae blooms may look like spilled paint, globs, grass clippings, or surface scum. When in doubt, stay out of the water where they are present to help keep you, kids, and pets safe. You can report and track Montana suspected algae blooms here.

FRAUD SENTENCE FOR FORMER U.S. FOREST SERVICE AGENT IN MONTANA

Earlier this year, we shared the charges against a Thompson Falls man, who falsified time and attendance records. Nathan J. Snead, 48, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to theft of government money. was sentenced to 5 years of probation, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $13,923.77.

He was required to work 40 hours of regular time per week, and he was compensated for administratively uncontrollable overtime, which is premium pay designed to compensate law enforcement officers for irregular and unscheduled overtime duty.

While Mr. Snead documented his regular and overtime hours, based on information that he actually was not working those claimed hours, agents installed a GPS tracker on his government-issued patrol vehicle to monitor his movements. The tracker data showed Snead’s patrol vehicle was stationary at his house during hours he claimed to be working.

Agents also evaluated Snead’s law enforcement statistics from 2021 through 2023. His productivity levels, measured via incident reports and the issuance of violation notices, were much lower than other similarly-submitted reports.