Flathead County commissioners on May 9 considered a series of lakeshore permits and extensions for properties on Whitefish Lake and Echo Lake, approving most applications, denying two extensions where no work had begun and approving a small amendment for a county park dock.

Planning staff described the Leonard Investments request to construct a stone retaining wall and backfill within the lake and lakeshore protection zone on Whitefish Lake. The project included removal of a deteriorated boathouse, a concrete walkway and riprap; the applicant proposed a retaining wall spanning nearly the shoreline with approximately 26.2 cubic yards of fill. Commissioners approved the permit.

A Cozy Cottage application to install an L-shaped floating dock on Echo Lake (6 by 25 feet, breakwater 6 by 20 and a 3-by-15-foot gangway) was approved on condition the dock be removed in winter months; staff said the dock will be anchored with galvanized chain and concrete blocks and that impervious coverage (315 square feet) was within the allowable limit.

A separate permit for Glenn Ferguson (leased from DNRC) for an L-shaped floating dock and PWC lift on Echo Lake — total impervious coverage reported as 580 square feet and DNRC approval included — was also approved.

The board considered extensions for previously permitted projects. Commissioners approved an extension for Jesse and Linda Rigler’s retaining-wall project on Echo Lake, noting the retaining wall had been installed but shoreline steps remained unfinished after the contractor retired. By contrast, two adjacent permit extensions for Triple Divide Solutions (FLP 24-13 and FLP 24-14 on the record) were denied because no work had been started and no applicant representatives attended to explain delays.

Separately, the county approved a minor amendment requested by Flathead County Parks and Recreation to add flat shale rock to the end of a county boat dock (Blue Grouse Park). Chris Masters, Flathead County Weed, Parks and Recreation director, told commissioners low lake levels have made access difficult and the added rock will ease truck access to concrete extensions; he said the department will place the material when lake conditions allow.

All approvals and denials were acted on by motion and passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

The planning record for each permit contains technical details and conditions (anchoring methods, seasonal removal conditions and impervious-coverage calculations); the transcript does not include full permit texts or permit fees.