North Shore state park a possibility

By MIKE RICHESON

Bigfork Eagle

Ever since Gov. Brian Schweitzer proposed spending $15 million to buy new state parks and fishing access sites, talk among local committees has centered around one name - Bob Keenan.

Keenan owns 42 acres - two 21-acre parcels - along Flathead Lake’s north shore. The property is located directly below Holt Drive and across the street from the new Mill Creek development.

“It would be a great access site,” Keenan said. “The water is less than three feet deep at full pool at the shoreline.”

The price of lake front property varies greatly, but most going rates range from $5,000 per foot up to $15,000. Keenan said he would be willing to sell his land for around $6,000 per foot of shoreline. The state would have to spend about $2 million for one 21-acre parcel and $4 million for the whole 42 acres. Keenan also said that the landowner to the west of him would also entertain proposals for the purchase of his land.

“If somebody wanted, they could have a quarter-mile of land along Flathead Lake,” Keenan said.

Keenan has owned the land for seven years and is in the process of preparing the property to sell. He said he may build a house on the west parcel and sell it off.

Discussion about Keenan’s property as an ideal site for a north shore state park has been frequent during the Long-Range Planning Subcommittee. Although Bigfork already has a state park on Flathead Lake, Wayfarer’s doesn’t offer much in the way of gentle, continuous beach front.

The governor’s proposal is part of his 2008-09 budget, which must be approved by the 2007 Legislature. The $15 million would be a large increase to the state Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department budget for park and fishing access acquisitions, which is currently less than $300,000.

Noone has spoken to him. I’ll sell to anybody. Owns 42 acres in two parcels along the lake. 10 acres is high and dry.

It would be agreat access site. Water is less than three feet deep at full pool at the shoreline. Would limit possiblities for a Marina.

Could create a sandy beach with a trip bar.

Is building a house one one parcel.

Doug has already sold to LLC.

Has owned land for seven years. West parcel is the house site.

4 million. 6k per foot. Going rate is from 5-15k per foot. 42 acres. If somebody wanted they could have 1/4 mile of flathead lake.