The Flathead Reservation contains approximately 980 miles of rivers and streams, 90 lakes, and extensive wetlands within the Reservation. The largest lake is Flathead Lake, which covers approximately 123,000 acres with 62,000 acres located within the Flathead Indian Reservation boundary.
Shoreline Protection
Email: shoreline@cskt.org
Shoreline Protection 64A Field Specialist: Craig Pablo
Email: craig.pablo@cskt.org
Shoreline Protection 87A Field Technician: Justin McCollum
Email: justin.mcCollum@cskt.org
Shoreline Protection Compliance Officer: William Burke
Email: william.burke@cskt.org
Shoreline Protection Administrative Secretary: Nicole Pablo
Email: nicole.pablo@cskt.org
Rules & Regulations
Shoreline Protection 2026
Updated Fee Schedule – Phased Implementation
Tribal Council has approved the Shoreline Protection Board’s plan to adopt a phased update to its permit and application fee schedule for docks and other shoreline structures.
These adjustments follow a long period without fee changes. There has been one previous fee increase since the implementation of the ordinance more than 40 years ago. The updated schedule aligns more closely with fee structures used by other agencies in the region that regulate shoreline development and lake use.
Why Fees Are Being Updated
Fees have remained unchanged for many years.
Administrative, inspection, and environmental review costs have increased.
The updated structure better reflects the scope and impact of shoreline structures.
The revised schedule aligns more closely with regional standards for similar permits.
These updates ensure continued professional review, environmental stewardship, and responsible shoreline management.
Phased Implementation Timeline
To provide predictability and avoid abrupt increases, the fee adjustments will occur in two phases:
- Phase 1
- Effective October 2026
- Phase 2
- Effective October 2027
- The complete fee tables for both phases are available at the link below.
What Structures Are Affected?
The updated schedule applies to regulated shoreline structures, including but not limited to:
- Docks, wharves, and piers
- Breakwaters and boat ramps
- Retaining walls (concrete, stacked rock, riprap/wood)
- Boat rail systems
- Shore stations and PWC lifts
- Common use docks
- Marinas
- Minor variance requests
Applications for new marinas and common use docks must include a completed environmental review prior to processing.
Public Process
The proposed fee revisions were:
- Published through required legal advertisements
- Presented during a public hearing
- Made available upon request
- No public comments were submitted during the hearing process.
Access the Full Fee Schedule
The complete current fee schedule and the Phase 1 and Phase 2 revised schedules are available here:
Questions?
For questions regarding how these changes may apply to your specific structure, please contact:
Shoreline Protection Office
301 Main Street
Polson, MT 59860
(406) 675-2700
Website: www.cskt.org
7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday
Mission Statement: “to enforce and administer Ordinances 64A (revised) and 87A through the Shoreline Protection Board and Department of Natural Resoruces on the Reservation waters, with the goal of maintaining a clean environment for the protection of fish and wildlife, while maintaining positive public relations.”