The Polson-based developer behind a proposed a 97-slip marina in Bigfork Bay has requested additional time from the Flathead Conservation District to submit a 310-permit application, according to the District’s Resource Conservationist Samantha Tappenback.

The Conservation District Board previously requested that the applicant, Cougar Ridge Development, provide more information ahead of its regularly scheduled July 13 meeting. A 310 permit is required for any project that will impact the banks of a perennially flowing stream in Montana. The proposed marina is on the Swan River where it meets Flathead Lake.  

The deadline to submit the additional information to the Conservation District was July 6. According to Tappenback, the applicant said they were unable to meet the deadline and planned to submit the materials for the regular Aug. 10 meeting.  

While the Bigfork Bay marina project will still appear on the agenda for the July 13 meeting, Tappenback expects the board will not take any action and will table the permit application until the next meeting. Given the widespread interest in the large-scale project, she said the board may decide to schedule a special meeting to consider the application separately and hear public comments.  

The marina site is on the northeast shore of Bigfork Bay, immediately west of the Flathead County public dock. Most of the project is in the water, but it also includes a sliver of shoreline between the bay and Grand Drive. 

According to plans submitted with the 310-permit application, the marina will include 97 boat slips, a boardwalk, a swimming area and a parking lot. No fueling would be offered at the marina, but there would be wastewater disposal provided to boaters. The application being considered by the Conservation District only pertains to the dock and not to any planned construction on the bank of the river. 

The Conservation District received Cougar Ridge’s 310 permit application in early April and was originally scheduled to review the document in June but tabled the application due to insufficient information.  

In its application, Cougar Ridge Development wrote that “the project is necessary because of the continuing/growing need for general public boat docking capacity on Flathead Lake. Without the additional capacity boat owners are only left with the option of removing watercraft from the water after every use, and without an secure overnight on water storage docking/parking. When completed the facility will provide a needed public service that is lacking on Flathead Lake.” 

The proposed marina has concerned many Bigfork residents who fear the project will change the character of Bigfork Bay.  

Ashley Atkins of the recently formed Bigfork Community Alliance, said the group is concerned about increased traffic, both in the water and on Grand Drive, as well as the impact of the marina on the environment.  

Tappenback said people frequently call the Conservation District regarding the project. The 310 permit is often the first permit developers seek as they are beginning projects, according to Tappenback. The Conservation District considers how a given project will interact with a stream.  

Flathead Conservation District 310-permit meetings are regularly scheduled for the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. Meetings are open to the public virtually by Zoom and in-person at 133 Interstate Lane, Kalispell.  

Reporter Elsa Ericksen can be reached at 406-758-4459 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.