The county condemned Kilpack's property in 2007, after he refused to negotiate a sale. Over the years, Kilpack had been fined $30,000 for zoning and health concerns related to the property. After the county condemned the property, county officials gave him two weeks to clear his items from the land.

Kilpack said that wasn't sufficient time, and he tried to find lawyers to help him get more time. But he didn't meet the deadline, and the county said everything on the property now belonged to the county, because the county owned the land.

"I've been treated like a criminal for being different, for building with recycled material," Kilpack said.

In addition to the items that were discarded, 1-800-GOT-JUNK found antique dressers, old snowshoes and valuable lamps. The county plans to hold an antiques sale to liquidate those assets.

The county also has put up a chain-link fence, so Kilpack no longer has access to the property.

Kilpack, a self-described incurable optimist, is looking for an attorney. And he still wants to build his theme park, either on the Magna property, or elsewhere.

"I had no junk there. It's all stuff I needed to build this place," he said. "The state has way too much power. They should be helping people, not taking from them."

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E-mail: rpalmer@desnews.com