Proposed Dredging in Seeley Lake (Shoreline Permit and Variance #25-05)

The Missoula County Department of Planning, Development, and Sustainability (PDS) has received a request from Mikel Siemens with Core Water Consulting, on behalf of Michael and Jenny Lindemer, for a variance from the Missoula County Shoreline Regulations. The subject property is located at 3129 Hwy. 83, on the east shore of the southeast cove of Seeley Lake (Lots 1A and 3A of Seeley Lake Shore Sites in Section 3, Township 16 North, Range 15 West, Missoula County P.M.M.)

The applicant requests a permit for dredging approximately 611 cubic yards of lakebed material next to an existing marina dock. A variance from the regulations is requested to exceed the dredging volume limit of 500 cubic feet. County shoreline regulations define dredging as the process of excavating material from the lake bottom, lowering the elevation of a portion of the lake bottom. Dredging a bed of a lake or shoreline may cause suspension of fine materials, re-suspension of nutrients and toxic materials, exposure of stable lakebed sediments to unstable conditions, removal of lakebed armament and creation of steep bench areas.

Public hearings

The Missoula Consolidated Planning Board and Board of County Commissioners will hold public hearings to consider the request. Both hearings are in the Sophie Moiese Room of the Missoula County Courthouse Annex, 200 W. Broadway St., in Missoula. Remote meeting options are available. Contact staff if you need auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability.

Planning Board hearing: Tuesday, Aug. 5, 6 p.m.

County Commission hearing: Thursday, Aug. 14, 2 p.m. The public meeting agenda and virtual attendance information will be posted at missoula.co/bccmeetings

Public comment

Submit public comment using the comment tool below. Written comments may also be mailed to Planning, Development, & Sustainability, 200 W. Broadway Street, Missoula MT 59802.

The application, supplemental materials, Project Impact Assessment, maps, plans, figures, a weed control plan, and other documents are available for review at the PDS office at 127 E. Main Street., Suite 2, in Missoula, or online here. Call 406-258-4657 or email mheimel@missoulacounty.us with any questions or to make an appointment to review the permit application.