State wants zone exemption for fishing pond

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks plans to own and manage a family fishing pond being developed by Robin Street near Rose Crossing.

The state has asked the Flathead County Board of Adjustment for a zoning exemption to acquire the 12.8-acre parcel containing the Pine Grove Family Fishing Pond, located adjacent to the Whitefish River between Whitefish Stage Road and U.S. 2.

The Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Nov. 9, on the request, but according to state law, the board has no power to deny the proposal. The hearing simply allows a public forum for comment on the proposed use, according to the county Planning Office.

Using the property for a fishing pond is contrary to current zoning, which is agricultural.

Earlier this year the county commissioners agreed to help financially support the family fishing pond by chipping in $8,500 worth of labor and equipment use to help build a parking lot and trail to the Whitefish River. The county contribution will be split between the Road Department and Weed and Parks Department.

The site most recently was used by Street as a pit to supply gravel for the Kalispell bypass project, and will be reclaimed. Ownership of the pond will be transferred to the state once the project is completed.

There are several state-managed fishing ponds in Flathead County, including Dry Bridge Park, Shady Lane and Buffalohead ponds.

The Board of Adjustment meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the second-floor conference room of the Earl Bennett Building, 1035 First Ave. W. in Kalispell.

Also on the agenda is a request by the Wink, Clausen and Anderson Trust for a zoning variance for property within the Bigfork commercial village resort zoning district. The applicants want a variance to bulk and dimensional requirements that limit building height to 35 feet.