Marion resident urges Flathead County to investigate alleged hydroseeding, topsoil runoff at Bitterroot Lake

Marvin Rosenberg, a Marion resident who said he lives at 1625 Little Bitter Lane, told the Flathead County Commission during public comment that recent shoreline work near Bitterroot Lake appears to have pushed topsoil and possibly hydroseeded the lake bed to the water’s edge. "If they hydroceded a half acre of shoreline, not just shoreline, but lake bed, somebody's in big trouble there, I would think," Rosenberg said, arguing the materials used could harm the lake and the fish he and other residents eat.

Rosenberg said county compliance staff member Caitlin had shown him photos that appeared to show lush grass growing right to the waterline. He described earlier enforcement actions that, in his view, had been applied inconsistently — noting a neighbor had been required to saw down a concrete step to meet a four-foot rule while the work near the lake bed appeared to have been allowed. "So if they get much of this kind of stuff put in the lake, I won't even be able to eat the fish out of there anymore," Rosenberg said.

Rosenberg asked what the county planned to do and offered to help with public-access development on a county-owned lot across the road, saying he had previously offered to pay for modest improvements. He told the commission he would pursue further inspection and, if necessary, consult a landscape architect and attorney to press the issue.

The chair responded that the commission would not address the matter during public comment and said staff would follow up: "We'll have to get back with you," the chair said. The meeting record does not show a substantive staff response or a timeline for follow-up during the session.

Why it matters: Rosenberg’s comments raise potential environmental and regulatory concerns about shoreline alteration adjacent to Bitterroot Lake, including the use of hydroseeding or topsoil placement that might affect water quality, shoreline stability and public access. The county did not resolve the issue at the meeting and told Rosenberg staff would provide a later response.

What’s next: The chair and staff said they would follow up with Rosenberg; the transcript does not record any immediate investigation or enforcement action during the meeting.