Opponents of a forthcoming work camp in West Glacier are suing Flathead County over the project.  

Two West Glacier residents, joined by Citizens for a Better Flathead, filed a lawsuit against the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Department and the Board of Adjustments on June 4. The lawsuit, filed in Flathead County District Court, challenges the county’s approval of the 137-employee housing development as a minor land use.  

Glacier Park, Inc., is behind the 24-acre work camp, which is located at 100 R.E.A. Road and is expected to consist of three dormitories, 11 cabins and 19 RV spaces. Neighbors argue that the project is large enough in scope to warrant a review as a major land use, which requires a public hearing and 60-day review period.  

The lawsuit also challenges the Board of Adjustment’s decision to deny an appeal filed by a group of West Glacier residents in April. Board members upheld the minor land use permit based on definitions provided under the Canyon Area Land Use Regulatory System, which lists work camps as a minor land use. 

West Glacier residents and Citizens for a Better Flathead argue the board violated state and local zoning regulations when it failed to adopt formal written findings of fact in its decision, according to court documents.  

“The [Board of Adjustment’s] final approved motion consisted entirely of a blanket denial of the appeal, entirely ignoring the structured informational record required to facilitate judicial review,” wrote attorneys for the neighbors and Citizens for a Better Flathead in the complaint.  

The lawsuit asks the court to revoke the minor land use permit and subject the multi-phased work camp project to comprehensive review required under a major land use permit. The court is also asked to declare the definition of “work camp” in the Canyon Area Land Use Regulatory System as unconstitutionally vague and an inappropriate application for projects of similar magnitude.  

Representatives of Citizens for a Better Flathead said in a statement that the lawsuit is not intended to challenge the need for employee housing or curtail economic activity in West Glacier. The litigation is meant to ensure public participation and comprehensive review of major projects within the area, they said.  

Judge Danni Coffman is presiding over the case.  

Report for America Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 406-758-4439 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.