Letters to the editor Feb. 22

Glacier access

The vehicle reservation system served us better than time limits on parking. We were able to hike the Highline Trail this past Labor Day weekend, because we parked at Logan Pass.

— Debra Lang, Oak Harbor, Wash.

No reservations

Been going to Glacier since the 70s and lately wondering if we would get a reservation or our family in other cars would get theirs. Now it’s one less thing to worry about. Logan pass is still a problem though.

— Lynole Heinle, Hebron, N.D.

Dock extension

In the quickie process of expediting a “minor” variance, Flathead County Planning and Zoning and the County Commission acquiesced to a very major extension of the proposed Flathead Lake Club/Discovery Land’s dock into Flathead Lake.

Ignored in the process were the following:

· Determining a defensible difference between a “major” and “minor” variance

· Clarifying whether this is a public/commercial dock or a private dock serving one or more homeowner’s associations connected to the Flathead Lake Club development

· Recognition that the public Right of Way (ROW) and Lakeshore Protection Zone (LPZ) overlap on the east side of Lakeside Blvd for almost the full length of this property.

· Examination of Montana laws governing encroachment on public Right of Way as they pertain to the existing 60’ ROW of Lakeside Blvd.

· An analysis of the typography of the land and bathymetry of the lake bottom as justification for dock extension from 100’ to 159’. Seeking deeper water for larger boats in gently sloping terrain is questionable.

· Constraints in the current county Lakeshore Protection Regulations that prohibit certain activities and development within Flathead County’s modest 20’ LPZ. (Lake County LPZ is 50’). Lake level variations do not supersede application of the regulations.

· The absence of a site plan for this 3.9 acre property between US Hwy 93 and Lakeside Blvd.

· If this is a public, commercial dock, on-site parking should be provided for users and their guests.

· The potential obstruction of vehicle and pedestrian traffic by users of the proposed boat ramp while launching and retrieving boats

· With a nearby county public boat ramp at Bierney Creek, can the need for another public/commercial boat ramp in the immediate area be justified

Discovery Land’s reaction to community concerns has been a “cover up”. By erecting hundreds of feet of non-regulation conforming, semi-opaque fencing on the public ROW, it has continued to move and stockpile materials and equipment along the shoreline.

This obstructive fencing has effectively diminished traffic sight lines for both north and south bound traffic on Lakeside Blvd. Trucks and vehicles servicing activities behind the fence narrow the road to one lane.

Flathead County’s lax reading and enforcement of existing regulations at the behest of this developer should concern all community and county residents.

— Maggie Davis, Lakeside