Ravalli Republic -- Robaks Fight County Over Floodway
Any fisherman who has waded or floated the section of the West Fork of the Bitterroot River just upstream from the Nez Perce bridge is familiar with the Robak house. The 4600 square foot log home sits just a few yards from the West edge of the river and only a few feet above the river-rock lined bank. I remember wading this section the day the footings were going in and thinking to myself, "You've got to be kidding me? It's going to be awful cold headed to the outhouse in the dead of winter, because there is no way they should have a septic permit." Of course, I was wrong about that, but it is unclear whether Tom Robak didn't break other rules in the construction of his streamside mansion.
In December of 2007, Ravalli County issued a stop-work order "because of a concern they may have illegally brought in a large amount of fill to raise the building site out of the floodway." Construction within the floodplain and adding fill is prohibited by local, state, and federal regulations. If he is found culpable, Mr. Robak will be forced to move or dismantle the house.
Tom Robak denies any wrong doing and claims he's "the victim of a concerted effort by public and private land-use planning advocates."
I am not familiar with any groups conspiring against Mr. Robak, but I can understand why some angst would be directed at him. Mr. Robak is outspoken against proposed streamside setbacks, zoning, and a county growth policy, all of which were dealt a major blow when the Ravalli County Growth Policy was repealed in a ballot initiative on November 4th. He is also the founder of the Big Sky Coalition, a group that advocates more logging on national forests. As Mr. Robak is a retired millionaire from California whose log home mansion is surrounded by forest and sits a few feet from the Bitterroot River, it is hard to argue that his political leanings aren't simply self-serving.
No one can fault Mr. Robak for retiring to the Bitterroot. He chose to live here for the same reasons most of us do, for the ice-cold trout filled streams out are front door, the snow capped mountain peaks out are back door, the abundance of wildlife, and the sense of community and solitude. He is lucky and wealthy enough to build the home of his dreams. I'm not sure that the county will succeed in proving its claim against Mr. Robak, but I am sure of this: It is environmentally irresponsible for Mr. Robak to build a house on the bank of a mountain stream, thumb his nose at Mother Nature, and instigate the inevitable battle between man and the annual spring run-off.
It's this kind of "I'll do what I want!" attitude directed at our beautiful places like the West Fork of the Bitterroot River that gave this site its name.
Check out 4&20 for another take on the Ravalli Republic article on the Robak house.
4 comments:
Finally,
Some justice. I only hope that the county can stick it to him. If not I hope he can cast well enough not to have to leave his own deck. I would hate to share the stream with this guy.
I wouldn't get your hopes up, flycaster. Robak making news in the local newspaper may be the only "justice" that is achieved. I'd be surpised if the county is able to make their case. They were a little late in their investigation.
I could use some good news, though. I've been a little bummed ever since the growth policy was repealed.
The good news is that it is winter! Maybe we could get a ton of snow and watch as the shack floats into the bridge. I am working on Guided this weekend, then maybe we can brighten the Blues just a bit.
Why does it seem that if there is something to be done, such as get this guy stopped prior to the build, that everyone is a day late and a dollar short? Keep us posted.
There were more than a few of us, flycaster, who were hoping for that ugly beast of a shack to be lifted off its foundation this past year.
But I have to say, the potential does look good for 2009, doesn't it?
Regarding stopping him prior to the build - zoning would have helped, but him having been in an unzoned area left the construction to little local scrutiny.
Even Missoula now requires county-wide building permits. That had more to do with rising insurance costs.
Post a Comment