Thousands of people are raising objections to a controversial plan to expand Holland Lake Lodge, especially after the U.S. Forest Service admits it made errors at the beginning of the process. We see an opportunity to make needed improvements to the Lodge to ensure its a place where the public is able to experience the area and be touched in the same way we are. But the plan has not been popular with the public, in part because the Forest Service said it may not complete a full environmental assessment or more extensive environmental impact statement, or EIS, before approving the project. Lead Management Unit The 10-acre site includes a fine dining restaurant, a full bar, six semi-rustic guest cabins and an eight-room lodge. Our intention from the beginning of this process was to upgrade the infrastructure of Holland Lake Lodge in a sustainable way that would preserve the integrity of the lodge and environment without sacrificing affordability for residents and others seeking to marvel at the grandeur of our natural spaces. The property was listed for sale for $4 million, but the final sale price wasnt disclosed. He wants to eventually extend the operating season from 135 days to 220 days, from April 1 through Oct. 30, and to be open the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas. She declined to confirm POWDR is in control of the lodge and didnt discuss the ownership structure. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. The current plan also would winterize the buildings, making Holland Lake Lodge a year-round destination. At this point, I wouldnt trust them to walk my dog, Hahn said. If thats the case, the Forest Service wont conduct an environmental assessment or impact statement, and the scoping period will be the only opportunity for the public to provide comment. Holland Lake Lodge Experience Spectacular Solitude at Holland Lake Lodge, Montana's Hidden Gem Holland Lake Lodge is a rustic lakeside resort with genuine Montana charm, surrounded by stunning views of two mountain ranges, a pristine lake, and a 100-foot waterfall. Typically, the exception means no EIS and no environmental assessment. Read about our leadership team. In addition,the East Holland Lake Connector Trailhead parking area would be expanded up to 3 acres. He said POWDR, based in Utah, can make the investments necessary to build an eco-friendly resort, upgrade parts of the property in disrepair, and maintain it all. Just this summer, he said he received 4,000 inquiries via email alone about cabins, and he was sold out from April through September. We will share more of those details in the coming weeks. Flathead National Forest is proposing facility expansion of Holland Lake Lodge. By proceeding, you consent to receive calls and texts at the Seriously. Holland Lake Lodge, Inc. Master Development Plan details building and infrastructure improvements, enhancing the visitor experience, within the current permitted area. Brookfield Properties is lead by a group of innovative leaders, bringing fresh perspective to the real estate industry. He said the Forest Service needs to confirm the acreage in question. POWDR doesnt need a return on its investment right away, he said, but it needs a return sooner or later. As proposed, the Master Development Plan will restore the proper foundation and infrastructure to the property. This propertys wildfire risk is increasing. The US Forest Service and POWDR are doing environmental assessments and welcome public feedback about their improvement project. After the sale, Gardner said he was looking for whats next., I stumbled upon this opportunity, he said. Montana Public Radio | Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. This Master Development Plan is intended to preserve the spirit and integrity of what is here, while upgrading facilities so we can share this place with guests for years to come, Wohlfeil saidin a statement. The Lodge is currently accepting bookings for the 2023 season, with limited availability. Its well-loved and now must be well-cared for by a team with the knowledge and resources to renovate these spaces while retaining the character that makes them special. In the meantime, Lombardi pointed to grizzly bears, lynx, bull trout, elk, loons, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, and said they all merit a rigorous environmental review. POWDR has said that the expanded lodge will allow the company to open access for more people to enjoy Montanas outdoor spaces. Variations of that theme that the proposed expansion is just too big for Condon emerge as I continued my trip through town. For example, he said hes never waterskied on the lake even though he grew up with the sport, and he could legally rent out jet skis, but he doesnt. The existing 4,600-square-foot lodge was built the following year and includes nine guest rooms and a restaurant. Flathead National Forest is proposing facility expansion of Holland Lake Lodge. It cites as one example termination upon change of control of the business entity.. Ive been around.. The busiest spot on a recent December day was a gas station and convenience store at the north end of town. The original lodge was built on the shore of Holland Lake in 1924 but was consumed by a fire in 1946. update to your home value. Corn and Browder, who live in Ravalli County, said they discussed their opposition to the project and subsequently conducted the review; they did the work independently of the Save Holland Lake group, which formed to fight the expansion. He said the former owner was also a young guy in his early 40s but was looking to pass the torch. Its just a very pristine valley that has all kinds of wildlife, so were just puzzled and concerned why the Forest Service one, would propose a categorical exclusion, and two, didnt tell anyone until September when theyve had this planned until at least April of this year, Lombardi said. The liquor license was transferred for $1,000, according to the DOR record. Christian Wohlfeil, the present owner for the last 20 years, has partnered with a phenomenal company to transition the Lodge to the next chapter. The proposal noted owners Christian Wohlfeil and POWDR, of Park City, Utah, had submitted the joint application to expand and improve the resort. Neither the Forest Service nor Wohlfeil or Hutchinson answered a question Thursdsay about when or whether POWDR or Wohlfiel notified the federal agency of changes. DEQ said if they both are acceptable, they may be used to serve the development in the future. Holland Lake Lodge is located along the shores of majestic Holland Lake on 10.53 acres of US Forest Service land with a perpetual, renewable special use permit. Austin graduated from the University of Montanas journalism program in May 2022. It was an amazing opportunity, said new owner Michael Gardner. Notice of Initiation (09/01/2022) Take a look through some of the beautiful views and experiences the Lodge offers. Christian Wohlfeil, majority owner of the lodge, said his interest is in selling the property to an owner who has the ability to invest in much needed upgrades and who shares his values of stewardship. In Montana, liquor licenses can be sold for tens of thousands of dollars. The main lodge (9 guest rooms, restaurant, bar & lounge), 6 guest cabins, gift shop, newly constructed owner's cabin, and two out-buildings School data provided by National Center for Education Statistics, The environment and ecosystems where we work and operate is our top priority and we have no desire to conduct business in a way that undermines that. Otherwise, consider buying a gift card for you or a loved one. We remain steadfast and optimistic to fulfill the vision for Holland Lake Lodge that many Montana residents, and other Americans support. Next Milestone: The group that formed to oppose the project, Save Holland Lake, has said the Forest Service itself contributed to confusion and public distrust after it misstated the acreage covered in the current permit. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The plan is to preserve the lodge, the owners cabin and the barn and winterize the buildings so the facility can operate year-round. Kalispell mental health clinic closes, leaving 200 patients without care, Racicot: preserving democracy outweighs party politics, House OKs a broadly written 'parental rights' bill. The Hahns have a long relationship with the lodge Lloyd would house customers for his outfitting business there, and Shirley says she would kayak with friends and pull up to shore for a drink. MacKenzie, with the Flathead National Forest, said the Forest Service has not yet made a decision to use a categorical exclusion. In the first season, there will be some changes but nothing too big, Gardner said. Due to an increase of people visiting and living in the Swan and Flathead Valleys, it is desirable to upgrade public facilities and enhance access to the outdoors in areas of the Flathead National Forest designated for focused recreation activities, Steele wrote in a Sept. 1 letter to interested parties. His goal has been to ensure that the necessary updates will be made, thus allowing Holland Lake Lodge to prosper into the future. Location Summary. Grizzly bears? A Utah-based corporation wants to expand the Holland Lake Lodge into more of a year-round resort destination, but it needs Forest Service approval to do so. And thats what this plan is.. In an earlier interview, he said he recently sold minority shares to POWDR, which operates ski resorts and bills itself as an adventure life company. If we can do year round operations, it would be at least 20 year round jobs, which we could then do full medical, dental, vision and 401K benefits, Wohlfeil said. His input and local knowledge and experience was critical to development of the initial plan. Theyll have to move, and where are they going to move? POWDRs vice president of communications Stacey Hutchinson told MTPR the company is listening to feedback from the public before it makes its next proposal. A Missoula entrepreneur is under contract to purchase the historic Holland Lake Lodge in the Swan Valley north of Seeley Lake and plans to extend its season, install eco-yurts and perhaps find partners for music festivals. POWDR partnered with Holland Lake Lodge, Inc., and came up with a development plan that they submitted to the Forest Service in April. But the memo also alleges a U.S. Forest Service permit in use by Holland Lake Lodge is no longer valid because changes to control of the resort voided the agreement. Right now, the foundation of the lodge is crumbling, and wed like to put it on an actual foundation and preserve it for future generations, Wohlfeil said. The Forest Service announced the Holland Lake Lodge expansion proposal this fall. Renewing Holland Lake Lodge for the next 100 years of solitude and recreation. Many locals were outraged after they learned of Utah-based resort company POWDRs plan to buy and triple the capacity of the lodge in September five months after the company submitted the plan to the Forest Service. Adjacent to Holland Lake Lodge is the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, which makes up an area of more than 1.5 million acres, a vast landscape of habitat for the Grizzly bear, lynx, wolverine, deer, elk, gray wolf, moose, black bear, mountain lion, mountain goat, and mountain sheep. GreatSchool Ratings compare a school's test performance to statewide results. Lawmakers vote down four proposals to make judicial elections partisan. The project will change the culture and the ecology of the area. In the case of a change of control, the permit notes an application for a new permit must be submitted, but the Forest Service is not obligated to grant one. She said that type of exception can be used for expanding a toilet or a shower facility or replacing a chairlift. Condon unrolls along an evergreen-lined stretch of Highway 83 a strung-out series of homes, two churches, and a bar and diner. The Risk Factor models are designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios. Located on the north side of Holland Lake near the East Holland Connector Trail (trail# 415) Trailhead. 1947 Holland Lake Lodge Rd, Condon MT 59826. After getting few nibbles, he againlisted itwith a Bozeman realtor in 2019 for $3.49 million. Environmental risk data is provided by Risk Factor, Montana news about the environment, natural resources, wildlife, climate change and more. 8717, 1947 Holland Lake Lodge Rd, Condon, MT 59826, 2023 by POWDR. Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. Forest Supervisor Kurt Steele signed the document as well. The permit states the holder shall notify the Forest Service when a change in control is contemplated, and it defines changes in part as a joint venture or a third party having ability to exercise management authority of the business. My point is there is demand, Wohlfeil said. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, 'Buffalo take care of us': First Blackfeet buffalo hunt open to all was a success, 'A hearty animal': Yaks roam 1,000-acre ranch outside of Kalispell, After escaping 'religious cult', Montana woman faces new challenges with honeyberry farm, Homeless Missoulians get creative to survive extreme cold, Business Buzz: New coffee shop, bakery opens in Missoula, MCPS school board selects 1 applicant for superintendent interview, Next chapter for Sleepy Inn motel begins this week, Attorneys offer more claims to Title IX suit against UM, City of Livingston releases more details on the death of Jalen Williams, Missoula's chief of police announces retirement, Death Notices for Thursday, March 2, 2023, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Business Buzz: Missoula airport certified as 'sensory inclusive facility', Former NFL star Chad Johnson says he saved money by living inside Cincinnati Bengals stadium for 2 years, Missoula hospital officials urge vaccinations, calling ahead to prevent measles outbreaks, Missoula County School District proposes adding seat belts to school buses, $25,000 dog to grace entrance of Missoula's MRL park, University of Montana president: Tuition freeze advances in Montana Legislature, 1 dead, 1 arrested after fatal shooting in northwest Montana, PayneWest Insurance offers competitive benefits to battle workforce crunch, Alaskas Iditarod kicks off with ceremonial start, Global race is on to improve EV range in the cold, Dogs, mushers prep for Iditarod as PETA accuses racers of animal abuse. I would encourage everyone to just continue through this process with us and see where it ends up.. Directions: North on MT-83 N, East onto Holland Lake Road, continue onto Holland Lake Lodge Road. The memo also notes Utah Secretary of State records show POWDRs address in Park City as the same one listed as the legal address for the lodge by the Montana Secretary of States Office as of April 2021. However, she said the Forest Service has discretion over how much related documentation it needs to provide. And that is a sad state of affairs.. Flathead National Forest All Units, Notice and Comment Regulation Breakfast Lunch dinner wine bar Dinner Served nightly from 5:45 - 8:45pm Reservations are recommended for dinner. A 2022 report to the Montana Secretary of States Office from Holland Lake Lodge identifies Sibley and Tim Brennwald, of the same Park City address, as officers of the company. The current permit covers 10.53 acres. However, she said typically, a categorical exclusion doesnt include a second period of public comment, but she said the Forest Service will hold one open in this case even if it grants the exception. However, it said corporations regularly try to get around ownership and control provisions, and it alleges the Forest Service has been remiss in its lack of scrutiny of the joint venture and the parties arrangements. The fact is: There is wildlife including grizzlies, black bears, wolverines, lynx, bull trout, bats and loons that will surely be affected by the construction of a 13,000-square foot, 3,000 square-foot restaurant, 26 cabins and "bunkies," additional outbuildings and employee housing, parking lots and floating docks. So, I guess theres a tradeoff, Parcell says, Do you want to destroy what youre coming to see? Shirley Hahn says she worries an increase in traffic at the lodge would drive out wildlife. The Holland Lake area is already heavily impacted. buy a gift card items available: Pitney Bowes, and GreatSchools Independent for reference only. It lists a mailing address in Park City for the principal office and is signed on behalf of Sibley in a power of attorney capacity. a product of First Street Foundation. A proposed tuition freeze for Montana students flew past one hurdle this week in Helena. What will happen to water quality? Siloti says it didnt take long for requests for copies of the Hands Off Holland sign to start pouring in. There are a lot of people that believe the use of a categorical exclusion would be illegal, said Akland, a lawyer for the Center for Biological Diversity. In a brief email Thursday in response to questions about the permit and arrangement between POWDR and Wohlfeil, POWDR spokesperson Stacey Hutchinson disputed any changes, ostensibly to the special use permit. "It needs enough income structure here to be a viable, healthy business. Daily Montanan is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. As always, we are grateful to the community and all those who have made comments and welcome their feedback regarding our plans at www.hollandlakefuture.com. Scale back, one commenter wrote. POWDR told MTPR a new master development plan will be submitted sometime in 2023. The acreage is a complicated one, she said. Over the years, he said hes worked 70 or 80 hours a week at the lodge and worn every hat, so its not easy for him to hear impassioned public comment against the expansion. The current permit identifies Holland Lake Lodge as the holder and lists Wohlfeil as owner of the lodge. Wohlfeil, majority owner of the lodge, said his interest is in selling the property to an owner who has the ability to invest in much needed upgrades and who shares his values of stewardship. This is why the current owner, Christian Wohlfeil, has been looking to sell the property. Thanks for subscribing! Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. And he said the Forest Service needs to know and present accurately to the public the actual scope of the permit and project. Learn More Stay Planned upgrades for the wastewater and sewage systems, non-motorized boat docks and employee housing will improve guest experience and ensure that those working at the lodge have clean, safe accommodations. Holland Lake Lodge is a rustic lakeside resort nestled between the Swan and Mission mountain ranges, with access to a number of incredible outdoor recreation opportunities. The LLC, in turn, has a concession agreement with the lodge, which the memo said allows the lodge to utilize the license that was formerly in its own name.. The expansion proposal has drawn significant opposition, in part because of the resorts location in the Swan Valley and its possible effects on grizzly bears, water quality and other resources. Cover page of the Holland Lake Lodge expansion proposal. The expansion proposal discusses a project of 15 acres. I ran operations for the Montana Food Bank Network and then met (local video and internet entrepreneur) Hank Green, he said. The original lodge was built on the shore of Holland Lake in 1924 but was consumed by a fire in 1946. This indicates that for the last 18 months, the Lodges corporate affairs have been conducted by POWDRs legal department,' the memo said.