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Residents and advocacy group urge stronger enforcement of lakeshore rules around Whitefish Lake
Summary
Citizens for a Better Flathead told the council that Flathead County has allowed recurring violations of county lakeshore rules on Whitefish Lake and urged the city to press for uniform enforcement and attend a county planning workshop on proposed LLPR amendments.
Citizens for a Better Flathead urged the Whitefish City Council to press Flathead County for stricter and more consistent enforcement of county lakeshore protection regulations after what the group described as recurring violations on Whitefish Lake.
"We respectfully encourage the city to continue the long leadership history of working with this committee to support strong lakeshore protections," a CBF representative told the council, saying the committee had prepared two draft letters for county commissioners and included an administrative appeal file related to alleged violations near 776 Elm Beach Lane.
The speaker said the committee was concerned that the county often issues after-the-fact permits, conducts inadequate investigations and fails to require full restoration when damage occurs. The commenter added that a tentative administrative appeal hearing for the Paclett property was denied by the county within hours before the council meeting and that the denial letter was included in the packet.
CBF asked the city to stay informed of ongoing complaints, "signal support for proper enforcement," and encouraged residents to attend a Flathead County Planning Board workshop tentatively scheduled for Jan. 14 to consider amendments to county LLPRs and marina standards.
The council did not take formal action on the public comment but staff confirmed the materials were included in the meeting packet for council review. The speaker closed by asking the council and residents to help protect the long-term health of Whitefish Lake for future generations.
What happens next: the advocacy group plans to attend the Flathead County workshop and has provided the council with two draft letters and the opening pages of the administrative appeal file for review.
