KALISPELL — Flathead County Commissioners denied a permit application Monday for the same property as a controversial bridge on the North Shore of Flathead Lake.
Property owner Roger Sortino was denied a permit that would allow additional gravel to his beach area to prevent erosion. Commissioners say Sortino’s application is premature due to an active court case that may impact the timing of tearing down the bridge.
The Montana Supreme Court ruled the in July that the controversial bridge to be torn down.
Dave Hadden, Co-chair of Community Association North Shore Conservation who works to preserve the north shore of Flathead Lake, says the permit denial is a win for conservation advocates.
“The application did not discuss the existing situation on the property which included the presence of the illegal bridge and the fact that was in violation,” Hadden said.
Hadden added his conservation group filed a motion with the district court Friday requesting a timeline for the removal of the bridge.
