Court issues injunction against Panhandle Bike Ranch

July 15, 2026

By Soncirey Mitchell
Reader Staff

The Panhandle Bike Ranch has halted all activities following an injunction issued by the First Judicial District Court in the nonprofit’s ongoing land use dispute with Bonner County. The two entities met in court on June 30 and July 8, following the county’s issuance of a cease-and-desist letter, with which PBR did not comply.

Co-founder Jennifer Kalbach announced the ranch’s closure in a July 8 email to subscribers.

“Until we get more clarity relative to the scope of such injunction (and perhaps thereafter as well), the bike ranch is temporarily closed, and all scheduled riding, events and programs are canceled during this time,” she stated.

PBR occupies approximately 170 acres in Sagle, zoned Rural 10, meaning property owners must obtain a conditional use permit before engaging in any commercial activity. The Kalbachs received a CUP in 2024; however, the court later vacated it in 2025, finding that the Bonner County Board of Commissioners “failed to list facts supporting its decision” to approve the development.

A rider drops from a feature at the Panhandle Bike Ranch in Sagle. Courtesy photo

Rather than reapply, the Kalbachs transitioned PBR into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, believing that the ranch could operate without a CUP. PBR then requested the county change the organization’s land use designation from a recreational facility to a park, which does not require a CUP.

The county denied the request, advising PBR to reapply for the CUP. PBR instead filed a petition for legal review in January 2026, which remains unresolved. The park opened to riders on May 22, and the county filed its cease-and-desist letter on May 27. Nevertheless, PBR continued to host riders until the July 8 ruling.

Both parties await the publication of the judge’s complete ruling, which the county anticipates in the coming weeks.