Californians Still Haven’t Torn Down Illegal Home In Glacier

UPDATE: Illegal Home Build On McDonald Creek, Glacier National Park

If you're like me and following the story of the illegal home build on McDonald Creek, you know April 1, 2024 held some significance.

In November 2023, John and Stacy Ambler of San Diego, California were given until April 1, 2024 to tear down their illegal home build. (It's still shockingly easy to find them on the internet.)

Of course, the house still stands.

GET CAUGHT UP ON THE STORY HERE

The Flathead Conservation District Is Standing Firm For The Tear-Down

In October, the Amblers were allowed to winterize the doomed build.  According to the Flathead Beacon, The Flathead Conservation District stood firm on their finding that the location of the home in the park does NOT preempt the enforcement of the streambed protection law.  They are also disputing the assertion that the Amblers received permission to build from Glacier National Park, on the bed of McDonald Creek with NO permit. Why is the FCD saying this? Glacier National Park doesn't have construction regulations for private property.  There are very strict rules for construction in the park, including getting permits, contract and/or agreement with the United States of America.  The Amblers obtained none of those things.

The Ambler's Have Changed Their Argument A Little

The Amblers say that Flathead County and Glacier Park did not require permits to start the build. They say the fact that they were able to connect to Apgar water and sewer prove their point.

They go back to a 1910 law that gave private landowners in what would be Glacier National Park an inholding that assured them the "full use and enjoyment of their properties" and "nothing herein contained shall affect any valid existing claim, location or entry under the land rules of the United States, or the rights of any such claimant."

Both Sides Are Stepping Into Areas That Are Way Over 100 Years Old

The Amblers go back to the 1910 law. Flathead Conservation District goes back even further to 1908 when Charles Howes claimed the land on May 21 of 1908.  The lawyer for FCD claims that due to this prior claim in 1908, that the Amblers claim of ownership from 1910 do not count for this property.

So Now What?

I'm not sure.  I waited a week after the latest "tear down date", and not only do we know nothing more, the house is still an eye-sore for Apgar and the millions of people visiting the area.