Whitefish Lakeshore violation an insult to our greatest resource

I am writing in regard to the recent Whitefish Pilot story “Construction causes rockslide on Whitefish Lakeshore.” I would like to share my concerns and take a stance to support greater enforcement and stricter penalties for homeowners and contractors who violate the Whitefish Lakeshore Protection Zone. 

The Lakeshore Protection Act in Montana aims to conserve and protect natural lakes because of the important role they play in biological processes that contribute to a healthy natural environment, and their high scenic and resource values. We must not turn our backs on the importance that lakes and water resources play in our health and economy. 

The contractor in this case was quoted in the Whitefish Pilot as saying, “with the amount of material that’s actually in the water, I don’t want this to be blown out of proportion.” On social media, the contractor stated that “it will have no lasting impact on the lake or the community.” I beg to differ, and in fact, the developer of the single-family residence responsible for the recent violation was cited for a separate violation last year, when workers denuded the lakeshore’s slope by removing a large copse of trees within the Whitefish Lakeshore Protection Zone without a permit. It is a big deal each time a violation or degradation occurs!