Some members of the public have called for him to scale back the project, and Wohlfeil said its possible to downsize, but doing so would mean pushing up rates for the project to pencil out. Not Subject to Regulations, Project Activity I just have no trust there.. The current Lodge and surrounding structures were built in 1947. He is also exploring partnerships for hosting music festivals, holiday celebrations and corporate retreats. The acreage is a complicated one, she said. Contact reporter Laura Lundquist atlundquist@missoulacurrent.com. And that is a sad state of affairs.. POWDR said in a statement it intends to submit a new plan that wont compromise on scale., Once someone like that has their foot in the door, next year, what will their next proposal be? Siloti said. number you provided, including marketing by autodialer and prerecorded and artificial voice, and The Holland Lake area is already heavily impacted. He lives just down the road from Holland Lake at the south end of town. 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. 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. The Forest Service announced the Holland Lake Lodge expansion proposal this fall. 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. 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 additional months of tourism would positively impact the surrounding communities and businesses, as visitors come and help power the local economies. Holland Lake Lodge set to be sold to Missoula tech exec who plans to expand, extend season. Charming rustic lakeside cabins, a proud main lodge circa 1947, and to-die-for food.. 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. 1947 Holland Lake Lodge Rd, Condon MT 59826. In their plan, property owners requested an exception, called a categorical exclusion, from a full scale environmental review, and the Forest Service said its initial decision is to grant the request. Forest Supervisor Kurt Steele signed the document as well. Thursday, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality noted it had received the lodges application to construct two public water wells so they can be tested for quality and quantity. We dont get the opportunity to make sure theyre considering all the important resources.. In earlier interviews, Wohlfeil has said the property needs significant investment in infrastructure upgrades in order to operate sustainably for future generations. The property also holds six guest cabins, a gift shop, owners cabin and two outbuildings. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. Similarly, when Blacktail. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. POWDR partnered with Holland Lake Lodge, Inc., and came up with a development plan that they submitted to the Forest Service in April. 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. The current owner of Holland Lake Lodge has been seeking to sell the property for years, saying it is in bad shape and in need of updates. The Forest Service announced the Holland Lake Lodge expansion proposal this fall. As a resort company known for its ski hills seeks to expand the 1940s historic Holland Lake Lodge, locals are pushing back. The current permit covers 10.53 acres. 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. Plus, he said, the exclusion wont bypass a review, it will allow for a less intensive analysis. Its a very healthy business and its in the most beautiful place in the whole world.. As a resort company known for its ski hills seeks to expand the 1940s historic Holland Lake Lodge, locals are pushing back. Grace Siloti and her husband own and operate Mission Mountains Mercantile. Take a look through some of the beautiful views and experiences the Lodge offers. Learn more about proposed improvement plans and how you can weigh in below. In our resubmittal, we will support the Forest Services recommendation to conduct an Environmental Assessment. This process has been confusing from the beginning, said Bill Lombardi, with Save Holland Lake, the group opposing the expansion and calling for greater scrutiny. Rooms currently rent for $300 - $340 a night, up from the 2019 prices of $200 - $240 a night. 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. The liquor license was transferred for $1,000, according to the DOR record. 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. She said Thursday she anticipates a decision will be made in the next week or two. There was a problem saving your notification. His input and local knowledge and experience was critical to development of the initial plan. POWDR has said that the expanded lodge will allow the company to open access for more people to enjoy Montanas outdoor spaces. In Montana, liquor licenses can be sold for tens of thousands of dollars. Lawmakers vote down four proposals to make judicial elections partisan. Use the widget below to browse documents associated with this project. Currently, he said the lodging range is estimated at $200 to $240 a night for a smaller cabin that sleeps two people, and $400 to $450 a night for a cabin that sleeps four to six, not including meals ("no glamping," he said). Learn More Stay Our plan will also incorporate several modifications that came from the previous public comment period - constructive ideas from those who want the best for the Lodge and the land. One resident told me she worries the lodge would harm the quality of the watershed. I ran operations for the Montana Food Bank Network and then met (local video and internet entrepreneur) Hank Green, he said. Please subscribe to keep reading. Pitney Bowes, and GreatSchools Independent for reference only. The key thing is reinvesting profits back into the company. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. Mark Hodge, McCain's marketing director, said: 'When we saw how popular cooking our chips in air fryers had become, it was a no-brainer to move quickly to include air fryer instructions.' Keila Szpaller is deputy editor of the Daily Montanan and covers education. Flathead National Forest is proposing facility expansion of Holland Lake Lodge. Wohlfeil said such changes were needed for the Lodge to thrive. The lodge sits in a grizzly corridor, so Wohlfeil said he can submit a proposal, or master development plan, to the Forest Service just once every 10 years. 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. She said she didnt know if a lawsuit would end up being filed, but one of the concerns with granting an exception to an environmental assessment or more in depth environmental impact statement is work can start right away and the proposal notes changes will begin in 2023. This includes Holland Lake Lodge where guests have been coming for generations.". 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. Altogether, the facility hosted up to 45 guests during the summer months, making it a popular spot for weddings and other events looking for that authentic Montana feel. Condon unrolls along an evergreen-lined stretch of Highway 83 a strung-out series of homes, two churches, and a bar and diner. We have gift cards available online! Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. The Forest Service has promised a full environmental review of the new plan, and more opportunities for the public to weigh in. He has said he believes POWDR has the resources and vision to execute, as well as the ethic to do so responsibly, unlike some other organizations that have shown interest in the lodge. Then, in 2017, he put it up for sale. At meetings and in public comment, many members of the public also decried the agencys initial decision to excuse the project from a thorough environmental review by granting a categorical exclusion. However, MacKenzies email Thursday noted the agency will conduct at least an environmental assessment if the project moves ahead. DEIJ Policy | Ethics Policy | Privacy Policy. The presentation made in Seeley and provided to the Daily Montanan notes a permit amendment dated August 2022 was signed by both Wohlfeil and the primary contact for the proposed expansion, POWDRs Brian Stewart. She says she doesnt trust POWDR to change something so important to locals in the area. She said an environmental assessment or EIS are still possible. Wohlfeil has owned and managed the resort for 20 years, according to the application. His goal has been to ensure that the necessary updates will be made, thus allowing Holland Lake Lodge to prosper into the future. Our company was founded on the premise of providing broad access to the outdoors in a safe, sustainable manner that would create generations of nature lovers who, in turn, would join us in becoming advocates of ecological stewardship. Follow Daily Montanan on Facebook and Twitter. 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. *30 guests or less. Thats why thats so concerning to us and a lot of the locals and local groups, is that if the Forest Service decides to utilize a categorical exclusion, they can issue a decision immediately and begin ground disturbing activities, Akland said. Ive seen (mergers and acquisitions), Ive been in nonprofits, Ive been in publicly traded companies, I was the VP of a massive global media conglomerate. I want to continue the legacy of this special, magical, wonderful lodge, he said. Shirley Hahn says she worries an increase in traffic at the lodge would drive out wildlife. Call Holland Lake Lodge for dinner reservations at 406.754.2282 or email info@hollandlakelodge.com. Located on the north side of Holland Lake near the East Holland Connector Trail (trail# 415) Trailhead. Breakfast Lunch dinner wine bar Dinner Served nightly from 5:45 - 8:45pm Reservations are recommended for dinner. The project will change the culture and the ecology of the area. She said the request from Holland Lake Lodge was for 15 acres the plan notes a wastewater area of 3.8 acres is separate but it appears to be currently permitted for 10.53 acres. MacKenzie, with the Flathead National Forest, said the Forest Service has not yet made a decision to use a categorical exclusion. At public meetings and in press interviews, POWDR has reiterated that it wants to build that trust with the community. Gardner, who lives in Missoula, said hes always done things at a much more accelerated pace than many people. Recently sold homes in Brookfield, IL had a median listing home price of $330,000. Kalispell mental health clinic closes, leaving 200 patients without care, Racicot: preserving democracy outweighs party politics, House OKs a broadly written 'parental rights' bill. Theres just not much left.. Guests enjoy breathtaking sunsets, the fresh mountain air over the lake, hikes to the roaring falls, and delicious dinners. The original lodge was built on the shore of Holland Lake in 1924 but was consumed by a fire in 1946. It will prioritize renewable energy and precautions to prevent negative water, air, or soil impacts. Thursday, a Flathead National Forest spokesperson said mapping is underway to clarify the acreage currently in use. I think the next step is for us to really get deep into the public comment, MacKenzie said. You have permission to edit this article. Alternatively, these documents can be accessed on the Pinyon Public website: View Documents on Pinyon Public, https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61746. 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. We recently received a request from the U.S. Forest Service to provide more detail on our Master Development Plan. She also said the Forest Service will conduct some sort of environmental review even if it grants a categorical exclusion. 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. Holland Lake Lodge is best known for our dinners featuring fresh, local, seasonal ingredients. Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. The current proposed updates to the infrastructure would be more sustainable for the lake as they are made to help with conservation and environmental protection. Directions: North on MT-83 N, East onto Holland Lake Road, continue onto Holland Lake Lodge Road. Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. Construction could start as early as 2023. Theyll have to move, and where are they going to move? If the project moves forwards, she said the Forest Service will prepare an analysis to present to the public and open another public comment period likely after the first of the year. Not only was that the case with Holland Lake Lodge, but also last year's sale of Glacier Raft Company to Pursuit Glacier Collection, a subsidiary of Viad Corp. 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. Recreation sites include but are not limited to campgrounds . However, she said the Forest Service has discretion over how much related documentation it needs to provide. So, I guess theres a tradeoff, Parcell says, Do you want to destroy what youre coming to see? More than 6,500 public comments have been submitted to the Forest Service, and Save Holland Lake estimated nearly 99 percent of them opposed the project. 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. Cover page of the Holland Lake Lodge expansion proposal. 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. 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. As proposed, the Master Development Plan will restore the proper foundation and infrastructure to the property. The 2020 U.S. Census pinned its population at 285. It cites as one example termination upon change of control of the business entity.. 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. Variations of that theme that the proposed expansion is just too big for Condon emerge as I continued my trip through town. 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. Theyre beautiful and well-loved for their rustic charm and serene landscape. We remain steadfast and optimistic to fulfill the vision for Holland Lake Lodge that many Montana residents, and other Americans support. Holland Lake Lodge, Condon: See 159 traveler reviews, 139 candid photos, and great deals for Holland Lake Lodge, ranked #1 of 2 specialty lodging in Condon and rated 4.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. "It needs enough income structure here to be a viable, healthy business. Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. At this point, I wouldnt trust them to walk my dog, Hahn said. So we have to ask for as much as we want to do now, he said. The five-year plan is to be healthy and profitable and use the revenues to build a new lodge down the road.. Grizzly bears? POWDR has built its brand on the premise of delivering soulful experiences that matter to guests and reflect the local community. 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. Daily Montanan maintains editorial independence. Keep in Touch. However, she said the boundary for the permit is still pretty unknown because modern mapping tools havent been used on the property. Our plan will not, however, compromise on scale as a smaller lodge with fewer, more expensive lodging options would not align with our mission of making the outdoors more accessible to a broader spectrum of customer. There has been no change since we (Powdr) originally partnered with Christian and Holland Lake, LLC, Hutchinson said in the email. 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. Save Holland Lake, an advance group thats grown out of the communitys frustration, released a press release raising concerns over the Forest Services handling of the public process, potential violations of the lodges permit to operate on public land, and pushing for a full environmental review of the proposal. Were trying to look at the long term future and have the lodge be viable for the future, Wohlfeil said. Another worries a bigger lodge would attract wealthier visitors that could push valley residents out. 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. For one, a group that formed to fight the expansion on public land noted the number of acres currently permitted 10.53 acres, according to the Forest Service wasnt presented accurately at first. The Forest Service announced the Holland Lake Lodge. Yeah, I just dont think theyll stay, Shirley Hahn said. NEPA or Forest Plan Amendment Decision Document Available (est. The Lodge is currently accepting bookings for the 2023 season, with limited availability. Holland Lake Lodge is about three miles to east of the Montana HWY 83. Two years from now, what will their next proposal be?. The Mail on Sunday has learned that the Sussexes will be mocked in a one-off special of Channel 4's The Windsors (pictured), with a plotline based on their unconfirmed attendance at the Coronation. The original lodge was built on the shore of Holland Lake in 1924 but was consumed by a fire in 1946. POWDR, a Utah company identified as future owner of Holland Lake Lodge, is already in control of the Swan Valley resort, allege a couple of lawyers who are opponents of a lodge expansion proposal in a memo and review of public records. The proposal noted owners Christian Wohlfeil and POWDR, of Park City, Utah, had submitted the joint application to expand and improve the resort. Its a Catch-22 because we also need tourism in our state that helps our economy.. 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. Flathead National Forest Supervisor Kurt Steele issued a letter in November essentially telling POWDR to try again, citing inaccuracies and inconsistencies within the companys proposal. In addition, several new buildings will be added, including a 13,000-square-foot lodge with 28 rooms, a 3,000-square-foot restaurant, a 2,000-square-foot welcome center for check-in, 10 650-square-foot cabins, 16 smaller studio cabins and new support buildings for maintenance and employee housing. Flathead National Forest All Units, Notice and Comment Regulation This home has a n/a noise level for the surrounding area. Located on the north side of Holland Lake near the East Holland Connector Trail (trail . The property was listed for sale for $4 million, but the final sale price wasnt disclosed. The current permit identifies Holland Lake Lodge as the holder and lists Wohlfeil as owner of the lodge. Categorical Exclusion How much acreage is permitted anyway? The Bob Marshall Wilderness was named for Bob Marshall, the . 23.7 miles from Holland Lake Lodge St. Ignatius Sunset Motel View Hotel 20 reviews 24.9 miles from Holland Lake Lodge Free Wifi Free parking Top Rated Breakfast included Red Lion Ridgewater Inn & Suites Polson View Hotel 193 reviews 29.2 miles from Holland Lake Lodge Free Wifi Free parking Visit hotel website Breakfast included Bayview Inn The 2020 U.S. Census pinned its population at 285. Something went wrong while submitting the form. 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. Scale back, one commenter wrote. So we have 100 years of permits for this thing, and no two permits are really giving us the same layout and acreage.. She declined to confirm POWDR is in control of the lodge and didnt discuss the ownership structure. In addition,the East Holland Lake Connector Trailhead parking area would be expanded up to 3 acres. Montana people are sort of sensitive to all the people moving in and all the crowds coming with Covid, he said. You can cancel at any time. And thats a direct quote from a woman in Condon.. "It was an amazing opportunity," said new owner Michael Gardner. A permit provision states specific conditions terminate the permit without any action by the authorized officer, or Forest Supervisor. She also said POWDR has a helicopter skiing business, and another concern is whether the company would eventually apply for a permit to do heliskiing in the Swan Valley. A proposed tuition freeze for Montana students flew past one hurdle this week in Helena. We plan to resubmit our plan for future investment and infrastructure improvements at Holland Lake Lodge that is very much in line with our previously submitted Master Development Plan. Sign up here for updates and news on the process. 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. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. KALISPELL Authorities have arrested a man in connection with a fatal shooting in northwest Montana. If he was starting from scratch, he said, he would understand the call for a full environmental study, but the Forest Service suggested the owners ask for a categorical exclusion because the resort is already in operation. Flathead National Forest Supervisor Kurtis Steele indicated that he would probably use a categorical exclusion to approve the project, because the proposal involves construction on a recreation site that already has buildings on it. Like so many others, we marveled at the beauty and realized immediately the uniqueness of Holland Lake, the Lodge, and the surrounding community. Thanks for subscribing! The plan is to preserve the lodge, the owners cabin and the barn and winterize the buildings so the facility can operate year-round. The Daily Montanan is a nonprofit, nonpartisan source for trusted news, commentary and insight into statewide policy and politics beneath the Big Sky. Harzardous waste compliance actions; Facility improvements/construction; Forest vegetation improvements; Heritage resource management; Special use authorizations; Road improvements/construction, Project Milestones The memo states it is not suggesting POWDR has acted illegally. 3 night minimum. The current nightly rate for two people is $340, including meals. 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. 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. Together, they look forward to expanding guest services and activities, while preserving the unique and special character of what is here now. Recreation sites include but are not limited to campgrounds and camping areas, picnic areas, day use areas, fishing sites, interpretive sites, visitor centers, trailheads, ski areas, and observation sites. The presentation notes the signing took place before the public was notified of a proposed project.. The Master Development Plan (MDP) 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. The current plan does not mention helicopter skiing, but Akland said that doesnt preclude the company from making a request in the future. (Daily Montanan) POWDR, a Utah company identified as future owner of Holland Lake Lodge, is already in control of the Swan Valley resort, allege a couple of lawyers who are opponents of a lodge expansion proposal in a memo and review of public records. Laura Lundquist (Missoula Current) Two years' worth of emails indicate the Flathead National Forest has collaborated since late 2020 with the buyers of Holland Lake Lodge in a manner that breeds mistrust for some members of the public.
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