Bigfork Community Alliance

08/06/2026

"To determine whether the Public Trust Doctrine precludes development here, application of a three-part test is necessary. First, are the waters important to the public, and have the public historically and traditionally used these waters for aesthetic, commercial or recreational purposes?

Second, will the proposed permit destroy or seriously impair the public’s historical use?

Third, is the public interest so paramount that it overrides any countervailing interest of the proposed developer?

Bigfork Bay clearly meets these criteria. Accordingly, the bay’s waters are held in trust for us, the public. We, members of the public, have long enjoyed them, and will, hopefully, for years into the future."

Guest opinion: Bigfork Bay meets Public Trust Doctrine criteria Read more in the comments. https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2026/aug/04/guest-opinion-bigfork-bay-meets-public-trust-doctrine-criteria/?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

08/06/2026

Bigfork community — this is a great opportunity to show up, ask questions, and make your voice heard.

State Representative Tracy Sharp (House District 12) will be holding open office hours:

📅 Friday, August 7, 2026
🕛 12:00–2:00 p.m.
📍 Bigfork Library
186 Bridge St., Bigfork, MT

If there are issues that matter to you, this is your chance to have that conversation directly with your representative.

08/04/2026

UPDATE: BIGFORK BAY MARINA

The developer has submitted a request to withdraw his application. The application remains on the agenda for Monday's meeting, where the Flathead Conservation District will discuss and likely close it.

A withdrawal is not a denial. There is nothing preventing a future application for the same or a similar project at this location.

The developer has also indicated he intends to hold public meetings to address questions and concerns regarding this property. We encourage our community to attend, ask questions, and stay informed.

We will be at Monday's meeting and encourage you to join us. We will continue to monitor this property and any future applications that affect Bigfork. Your engagement matters and we will need it again.

📅 August 10, 2026 | 1:00pm
📍 USDA/Flathead Conservation District Conference Room
133 Interstate Lane, Kalispell, MT 59901
💻 Zoom: flatheadcd.org/fcd-meetings → Join 310 Permit Meeting

07/24/2026

Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee Agenda for Thursday, July 30, 2026 meeting - 4:00 PM at Bethany Lutheran Church, downstairs

07/16/2026

RE: Bigfork Dam
Submitted project disposition schedule

07/13/2026

Flathead Conservation District 310 Permit Meeting - The application has been tabled. We will update soon with more information.

07/13/2026

After PacifiCorp announced its plans to decommission the Bigfork Hydroelectric Project unless a buyer steps forward, experts say a dam removal would result in a longer whitewater boating season on the ‘Wild Mile’ while the future of the 277 acres of public access remain less clear.

📖 Full story: https://flatheadbeacon.com/2026/07/13/boaters-describe-best-case-scenario-to-swan-river-in-a-potential-post-bigfork-dam-future/

07/13/2026

A Polson-based developer is proposing to build a 97-slip marina with floating docks, a public swimming area and a boardwalk located in Bigfork Bay where the Swan River meets Flathead Lake. Developer Michael Maddy is seeking a Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act (NSLPA)/310 permit from the Fl...

07/13/2026

Thanks to all who showed up today, it was a great turn out and beautiful day on the bay!

Reminders for tomorrow:
📍 Monday's meeting at 1pm: Flathead Conservation District, 133 Interstate Ln, Kalispell
⚠️ Heads up: it's a very small meeting room — if you decide to attend be prepared to stand, and let's make sure community members who need to sit get a seat first
💻 Join by Zoom: flatheadcd.org/fcd-meetings → Join 310 Permit Meeting
✉️ Can't attend? Written comments can be sent to [email protected] — must speak to 310 permit law

Information about 310 permits:
https://flatheadcd.org/310-stream-permits/

The Flathead Conservation District meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month unless a holiday falls on that Monday. Please visit the District Calendar for the schedule of upcoming meetings. Meetings are open to the public virtually by Zoom and in-person at the USDA/FCD conference room unless i...