She said an environmental assessment or EIS are still possible. The liquor license was transferred for $1,000, according to the DOR record. Learn More Stay Some of the hottest neighborhoods near Brookfield, IL are Garfield Ridge, South Maywood, West Village, Seminary District, Old Town North. Theyll have to move, and where are they going to move? What will happen to water quality? Brands include air fryer instructions on their oven chips packaging The Flathead National Forest is taking scoping comments onthe development planuntil Sept. 21 and will hold a public meeting just to provide information at the Holland Lake Lodge from 5-7 p.m. on Sept. 8. If you are using a mobile device, the setting for "Allow cross-website tracking" must also be enabled to view the documents. The memo states it is not suggesting POWDR has acted illegally. Justin Sibley, CEO of POWDR, said the changes would be soulful. You have permission to edit this article. The Daily Montanan is a nonprofit, nonpartisan source for trusted news, commentary and insight into statewide policy and politics beneath the Big Sky. Holland Lake Lodge Facility Improvement & Expansion A few miles down the road from the mercantile, Shirley and Loyd Hahn live in a log home. 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. Condon unrolls along an evergreen-lined stretch of Highway 83 a strung-out series of homes, two churches, and a bar and diner. The information we have been given to date still has Christian Wohlfeil as the majority owner of Holland Lake Incorporated, MacKenzie said in an email. 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. Last Completed Milestone: The Flathead National Forest was to hold a public meeting on Thursday night about a proposal to remove 10 aging. Cookies must be enabled to use this tool. 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 Lodge property sits on 15 acres of Forest Service land, thanks to a perpetual special-use permit, similar to the type owned by ski resorts. 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. 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, 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. Improvements at the Holland Lake Lodge and the East Holland Lake Connector Trailhead would offer the opportunity to satisfy some of the increased demand for outdoor recreation on public lands in the Swan and Flathead Valleys.. 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. You may also be interested in single family homes and condo/townhomes that sold in popular zip codes like 60148, 60647, or neighboring cities, such as Chicago, Naperville, La Grange, Berwyn, Downers Grove. 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. Cover page of the Holland Lake Lodge expansion proposal. 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. He said the former owner was also a young guy in his early 40s but was looking to pass the torch. About 2 Save Holland Lake One-off special of sitcom will poke fun at Sussexes Wohlfeil has owned and managed the resort for 20 years, according to the application. A 2022 report to the Montana . Holland Lake Lodge, Inc. and its joint venture partner, POWDR, announced that they have submitted aMaster Development Plan (MDP) to the U.S. Forest Serviceto improve accommodations atHolland Lake Lodge, a rustic lakeside resort located in the Swan Valley, which was originally built in 1924 and last updated in 1947. 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. It was an amazing opportunity, said new owner Michael Gardner. Notice of Initiation (09/01/2022) POWDR already in charge of Holland Lake Lodge, memo alleges Siloti says it didnt take long for requests for copies of the Hands Off Holland sign to start pouring in. Thursday, a Flathead National Forest spokesperson said mapping is underway to clarify the acreage currently in use. Holland Lake Lodge permit questioned - missoulian.com I ran operations for the Montana Food Bank Network and then met (local video and internet entrepreneur) Hank Green, he said. Ive been around.. Flathead National Forest is proposing facility expansion of Holland Lake Lodge. I had people come up to me after the public meetings I was at in early October and say that they were worried that if they said anything positive in support of our efforts, that their cabin would be burned down, Hutchinson said. Scale back, one commenter wrote. But the proposal and process both have raised the ire of residents of the Swan Valley. Location Summary. (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. 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. Like so many others, we marveled at the beauty and realized immediately the uniqueness of Holland Lake, the Lodge, and the surrounding community. The five-year plan is to be healthy and profitable and use the revenues to build a new lodge down the road.. Holland Lake Lodge He lives just down the road from Holland Lake at the south end of town. This home has a n/a noise level for the surrounding area. She also said the Forest Service will conduct some sort of environmental review even if it grants a categorical exclusion. Flathead National Forest: Decision on Holland Lake likely coming this The Forest Service announced the Holland Lake Lodge expansion proposal this fall. Environmental risk data is provided by Risk Factor, 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. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. 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. 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. Contact Editor Darrell Ehrlick for questions: info@dailymontanan.com. At public meetings and in press interviews, POWDR has reiterated that it wants to build that trust with the community. Flathead National Forest is proposing facility expansion of Holland Lake Lodge. I want to continue the legacy of this special, magical, wonderful lodge, he said. As proposed, the expansion would more than double the number of guests at the lodge from 50 to at least 90 or as many as 156, extend operations into winter, and possibly double the acres in use. 3 night minimum. 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. We dont get the opportunity to make sure theyre considering all the important resources.. The process has been fouled up from the beginning.. Kristine Akland, with the Center for Biological Diversity, said the Forest Services preliminary decision to grant a categorical exclusion doesnt square with a proposal to possibly triple capacity at the lodge. 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. In Montana, liquor licenses can be sold for tens of thousands of dollars. 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. 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. He says he fears Condons all-volunteer emergency services could be overwhelmed by the added strain the larger lodge could produce. 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In our resubmittal, we will support the Forest Services recommendation to conduct an Environmental Assessment. 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. Kalispell mental health clinic closes, leaving 200 patients without care, Racicot: preserving democracy outweighs party politics, House OKs a broadly written 'parental rights' bill. 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. Driving north from Seeley Lake to Condon, the first sign pops up about 6 miles before the turn onto Holland Lake Road. I would encourage everyone to just continue through this process with us and see where it ends up.. 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. The lodge was built in 1924 but burned down in 1946 and was rebuilt in 1947. Plans include increasing occupancy by adding a new lodge, new cabins and smaller studio cabins, with the goal of keeping nightly rates accessible. 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. We will share more information on the NEPA process when its available. After years of searching and considering new owners, Christian selected and partnered with POWDR to continue his vision of inclusivity in a newer and more sustainable Holland Lake Lodge. Wohlfeil said such changes were needed for the Lodge to thrive. Charming rustic lakeside cabins, a proud main lodge circa 1947, and to-die-for food.. 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. Just this summer, he said he received 4,000 inquiries via email alone about cabins, and he was sold out from April through September. Before joining States Newsroom Montana, she served as city editor of the Missoulian, the largest news outlet in western Montana. This propertys wildfire risk is increasing. We will continue to look into this concern regarding current ownership and if something has changed we will take appropriate action.. 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. Another worries a bigger lodge would attract wealthier visitors that could push valley residents out. 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. Christian chose to work with POWDR to make updates that preserve the character of the lodge because of the companys dedication to protecting the environment and being inclusive of all guests and local residents. 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.' His goal has been to ensure that the necessary updates will be made, thus allowing Holland Lake Lodge to prosper into the future. But thousands of people have already submitted comments based on the original plan, Lombardi said: What is the administrative procedure now that they dont know? Thursday, a Forest Service spokesperson was traveling and unavailable to fully address questions about the validity of the permit. Call Holland Lake Lodge for dinner reservations at 406.754.2282 or email info@hollandlakelodge.com. Holland Lake provides a beautiful backdrop to any private gathering. 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. The current Lodge and surrounding structures were built in 1947. After getting few nibbles, he againlisted itwith a Bozeman realtor in 2019 for $3.49 million. And he said the Forest Service needs to know and present accurately to the public the actual scope of the permit and project. If the Forest Service considers all the infrastructure currently in place, she said its greater than 15 acres based on a preliminary assessment. Located on the north side of Holland Lake near the East Holland Connector Trail (trail . Forest Supervisor Kurt Steele signed the document as well. 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. Montana news about the environment, natural resources, wildlife, climate change and more. In the meantime, Holland Lake Lodge is marching forward. 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. Shirley Hahn says she worries an increase in traffic at the lodge would drive out wildlife. A photo of Holland Lake in Montana (U.S. Forest Service via Flickr). Not Subject to Regulations, Project Activity Gardners plan is to attract investors, starting at $25,000, and to reinvest profits back into the property. The main lodge (9 guest. Its a Catch-22 because we also need tourism in our state that helps our economy.. Community Raises Questions of Sustainability and Access at Holland Lake POWDR told MTPR a new master development plan will be submitted sometime in 2023. Its a very healthy business and its in the most beautiful place in the whole world.. The MDP proposes to restore the old lodge, add buildings, and upgrade infrastructure within the existing 15-acre permit area. In addition,the East Holland Lake Connector Trailhead parking area would be expanded up to 3 acres. take the lodge with you The Holland Lake Lodge Gift Shop specializes in both local and customized apparel, gifts, novelties and souvenirs. Emails: Flathead Forest favored Holland Lake Lodge proposal number you provided, including marketing by autodialer and prerecorded and artificial voice, and In Montana, liquor licenses can be sold for tens of thousands of dollars. Keila Szpaller is deputy editor of the Daily Montanan and covers education. Treating yourself or a loved one to a stay at the Lodge, or items in our gift shop, is now easier than ever. But the Forest Service later said the permit was for 10.53 acres, and Thursday, MacKenzie said the agency still needs to confirm the acreage in question. PublishedDecember 28, 2022 at 6:00 AM MST. The 10-acre site includes a fine dining restaurant, a full bar, six semi-rustic guest cabins and an eight-room lodge. Montana Public Radio | Then, in 2017, he put it up for sale. However, she said the boundary for the permit is still pretty unknown because modern mapping tools havent been used on the property. Public comment might not do much to change the project. Lawmakers vote down four proposals to make judicial elections partisan. Located on the north side of Holland Lake near the East Holland Connector Trail (trail# 415) Trailhead. Or do you want to come and enjoy what you came to see? However, spokesperson Tami MacKenzie said the Forest Service will continue to evaluate the issue. 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. 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. Next Milestone: Austin graduated from the University of Montanas journalism program in May 2022. The US Forest Service and POWDR are doing environmental assessments and welcome public feedback about their improvement project. Guests enjoy breathtaking sunsets, the fresh mountain air over the lake, hikes to the roaring falls, and delicious dinners. Frequent letters to the editor in newspapers across western Montana show voices in opposition to the project. Gardner grew up in Scobey and used to split his time between there and California until he came to Missoula in 2005 to visit his sister, who was in law school, and wound up crashing on her couch. Variations of that theme that the proposed expansion is just too big for Condon emerge as I continued my trip through town. The current nightly rate for two people is $340, including meals. It will prioritize renewable energy and precautions to prevent negative water, air, or soil impacts. 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. Montana people are sort of sensitive to all the people moving in and all the crowds coming with Covid, he said. 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. She said that type of exception can be used for expanding a toilet or a shower facility or replacing a chairlift. Something doesn't seem right with the Holland Lake Lodge transfer 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. Its a Catch-22 because we also need tourism in our state that helps our economy., At the public meeting last week, Flathead Forest Supervisor Kurt Steele admitted to the public the Forest Service initially presented the scope of the project as a footprint of 15 acres, same as the current resort, according to, Forest Service: Holland Lake Lodge expansion plan rejected, POWDR already in charge of Holland Lake Lodge, memo alleges, Flathead National Forest: Decision on Holland Lake likely. This includes Holland Lake Lodge where guests have been coming for generations.". Follow Daily Montanan on Facebook and Twitter. There was a problem saving your notification. 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. Voices from Condon: Holland Lake Lodge proposal meets local opposition He came to MTPR as an evening newscast intern that summer, and jumped at the chance to join full-time as the stations morning voice in Fall 2022. 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. 8 myths about renting you should stop believing immediately, 6 ways home buyers mess up getting a mortgage, 6 reasons you should never buy or sell a home without an agent, Difference between agent, broker & REALTOR, Real estate agents reveal the toughest home buyers they've ever met, Before You Buy, Look for Red Flags in the Neighborhood, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information.