Conservation board orders removal of home on McDonald Creek in Glacier National Park

Flathead Conservation District Hearing Officer Laurie Zeller on Nov. 13 found that the district has jurisdiction over a house allegedly built illegally on the banks of McDonald Creek in Glacier National Park.

After Zeller presented her findings, the Flathead Conservation District Board passed a motion to require homeowners John and Stacy Ambler to apply for the necessary state permits, called 310 permits, by Jan. 1 to tear the house down. It also gave the San Diego couple until April 1 to remove the structure, which is substantially built.

Whether any of that happens remains to be seen. Trent Baker, the couple's attorney, told the conservation board that the Amblers would formally sue the district in Flathead County District Court.