Man accused of building illegal road in Woods Bay

A Swan Lake man is accused of building a road on his neighbor’s property along MT Highway 35 near Woods Bay. Michael Kevin Martin, 61, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson July 16 to felony criminal mischief and misdemeanor trespassing.

According to charging documents, in October 2024, a deputy with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office investigated a complaint that led to the charges. Martin allegedly cut down and removed several trees and vegetation and buildozed a new road 600 feet long from his property through his neighbor’s property.

He also allegedly added crushed rock to the road and moved a delineator post placed there by the Montana Department of Transportation. A Polson-based landscaping company estimated the cost to repair the property at more than $45,000.

Judge Molly Owen set the case for trial on Jan. 5, 2026. Martin is at liberty on his own recognizance.