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. Lawmakers vote down four proposals to make judicial elections partisan. 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. Not Subject to Regulations, Project Activity 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. If you are using a mobile device, the setting for "Allow cross-website tracking" must also be enabled to view the documents. The liquor license was transferred for $1,000, according to the DOR record. This propertys wildfire risk is increasing. Thursday, a Flathead National Forest spokesperson said mapping is underway to clarify the acreage currently in use. Keila Szpaller is deputy editor of the Daily Montanan and covers education. Driving north from Seeley Lake to Condon, the first sign pops up about 6 miles before the turn onto Holland Lake Road. Thursday, a Forest Service spokesperson was traveling and unavailable to fully address questions about the validity of the permit. So we have people going out to do the mapping portion of it, she said. The old gift shop and cabins would be removed. Early in 2018, VidCon was sold to Viacom. Source Property Type: Single Family Residence. But the proposal and process both have raised the ire of residents of the Swan Valley. 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. An aerial view of the Holland Lake Lodge on Wednesday afternoon is shown. 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. 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. 1947 Holland Lake Lodge Rd, Condon MT 59826. POWDRs vice president of communications Stacey Hutchinson told MTPR the company is listening to feedback from the public before it makes its next proposal. She declined to confirm POWDR is in control of the lodge and didnt discuss the ownership structure. * We will begin accepting group reservations for our 2023 season this October. Wohlfeil has owned and managed the resort for 20 years, according to the application. This indicates that for the last 18 months, the Lodges corporate affairs have been conducted by POWDRs legal department,' the memo said. For example, Holland Lake Lodge transferred a liquor license to a separate Holland Lake Lodge Restaurant LLC, according to Department of Revenue records. There was a problem saving your notification. As proposed, the Master Development Plan will restore the proper foundation and infrastructure to the property. 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. The Forest Service announced the Holland Lake Lodge. You can cancel at any time. 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. I have an attachment myself, but Im also really excited for someone new to come in and do what they want to do.. Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. To verify enrollment eligibility, contact the school or district directly. One dog-gone expensive hound is slated to be stationed near the entrance to Missoulas newest dog park. 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. The main lodge (9 guest. The owner of Holland Lake Lodge, who sold significant ownership shares of the facility to POWDR, told the Montana Free Press that POWDR needs to be able to expand the facilities in order to turn a profit. Gardners plan is to attract investors, starting at $25,000, and to reinvest profits back into the property. Cookies must be enabled to use this tool. A permit provision states specific conditions terminate the permit without any action by the authorized officer, or Forest Supervisor. 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. 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. The US Forest Service and POWDR are doing environmental assessments and welcome public feedback about their improvement project. She also said the Forest Service will conduct an environmental assessment at a minimum if the expansion moves forward, contrary to an earlier preliminary decision to exempt the proposal from a thorough environmental review. A few miles down the road from the mercantile, Shirley and Loyd Hahn live in a log home. She also said questions about acreage still need to be answered, and figuring out boundaries is not straightforward. Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. Learn More Stay I want to continue the legacy of this special, magical, wonderful lodge, he said. Keep in Touch. 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. We dont get the opportunity to make sure theyre considering all the important resources.. Last Completed Milestone: The 2020 U.S. Census pinned its population at 285. The current permit covers 10.53 acres. A 2022 report to the Montana . Cover page of the Holland Lake Lodge expansion proposal. At public meetings and in press interviews, POWDR has reiterated that it wants to build that trust with the community. Daily Montanan maintains editorial independence. The lodge was built in 1924 but burned down in 1946 and was rebuilt in 1947. The Risk Factor models are designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios. Proposed Improvement Plan Would/Would Not, Master Development Plan (MDP) to the U.S. Forest Service. The plan is to preserve the lodge, the owners cabin and the barn and winterize the buildings so the facility can operate year-round. 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. 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. Learn More Stay Rates include lodging, daily housekeeping, meals (three course dinner, breakfast and lunch), 8% Montana hotel tax, wireless internet, Bonfire wood, and a 20% service charge on all incidentals. 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. Contact Editor Darrell Ehrlick for questions: info@dailymontanan.com. 03/01/2023), https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61746&exp=detail. 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. A career in the insurance industry doesn't exactly sound "sexy," but one Missoula firm is giving its employees generous benefits and career gr. He lives just down the road from Holland Lake at the south end of town. Without a liquor license, the Lodge a destination resort that touts fine dining as one of its attractions cant legally sell alcohol, which would likely be a death blow, the memo said. Built in 1924 as a small guest accommodation and rebuilt after a fire in 1947, Holland Lake Lodge currently consists of 16 buildings and structures, including a main lodge building, a. It cites as one example termination upon change of control of the business entity.. This is why the current owner, Christian Wohlfeil, has been looking to sell the property. After the sale, Gardner said he was looking for whats next., I stumbled upon this opportunity, he said. How much acreage is permitted anyway? 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. We very much look forward to doing that and continuing to work with the USFS, as well as the public, during the process. 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. Austin graduated from the University of Montanas journalism program in May 2022. 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. 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. 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, 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. The Bob Marshall Wilderness was named for Bob Marshall, the . The Secretary of State documents are included in a presentation made in Seeley Lake earlier this week by Save Holland Lake and cited in the memo. 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. 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 public is confused, and now the Forest Service is confused. 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. Another worries a bigger lodge would attract wealthier visitors that could push valley residents out. Just this summer, he said he received 4,000 inquiries via email alone about cabins, and he was sold out from April through September. Charming rustic lakeside cabins, a proud main lodge circa 1947, and to-die-for food.. Preserve the lodge, owners cabin, and barn, Add wildfire and life safety fire suppression system, Update wastewater and sewage systems to 2022 standards, Construct buildings to 2022 safety and accessibility standards, Winterize buildings for year-round access, Conserve water by upgrading to EPA approved WaterSense fixtures, Conserve energy by upgrading to EPA EnergyStar certified appliances, lighting and heating, Improve waste management by installing bear proof trash and recycling receptacles, Improve water quality in the lake by moving car parking away from the lake towards the barn, Add renewable energy with rooftop solar where feasible, Protect the night sky by following the International Dark Sky Park Program, Partner with local guides and outfitters to offer guests more activities, Add a 28-room lodge, welcome center, restaurant, and cabins, Add a maintenance building and employee housing, Install a dock for non-motorized boats and two swimming docks, Maintain an Adirondack inspired aesthetic for new building design, Provide year-round lodging, food and beverages, and accommodations, Eliminate or reduce local access to Holland Lake. There has been no change since we (Powdr) originally partnered with Christian and Holland Lake, LLC, Hutchinson said in the email. 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. He says he fears Condons all-volunteer emergency services could be overwhelmed by the added strain the larger lodge could produce. As of Sunday, more than 2,800 people . Please see our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics. We will share more of those details in the coming weeks. In addition,the East Holland Lake Connector Trailhead parking area would be expanded up to 3 acres. Gardner eventually became chief operating officer and chief strategy officer for VidCon, which was started by Green and his brother, John Green, and grew to become the worlds largest celebration of digital video and online creators. That limited-liability corporation is controlled by Justin Sibley, POWDR CEO, according to the Montana Department of Revenue records. "It's a very healthy business and it's in the . Typically, the exception means no EIS and no environmental assessment. 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. 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. POWDR has built its brand on the premise of delivering soulful experiences that matter to guests and reflect the local community. Holland Lake Lodge, Inc. Master Development Plan details building and infrastructure improvements, enhancing the visitor experience, within the current permitted area. Gardner, 39, recently worked with Missoula real estate agent Shannon Hilliard to buy the property from its longtime former owner. The existing 4,600-square-foot lodge was built the following year and includes nine guest rooms and a restaurant. The 2020 U.S. Census pinned its population at 285. 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. Treating yourself or a loved one to a stay at the Lodge, or items in our gift shop, is now easier than ever. And that is a sad state of affairs.. {{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. 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. 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. Read about our leadership team. Join us for a laid-back breakfast or lunch, or come in the evening for a sophisticated menu featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients, as well as an extensive selection of quality wines and cocktails. And what happens if people responded to a proposal that wasnt totally accurate? If the Forest Service considers all the infrastructure currently in place, she said its greater than 15 acres based on a preliminary assessment. You do not need to sign up or login to Box to view documents, but if you have difficulty accessing the documents on a mobile device, you may choose to sign up for a free account, download the app to your device and log in to ensure that you can open the documents. 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. Wohlfeil said such changes were needed for the Lodge to thrive. 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. Buying a home for the first time can be terrifyingly intimidating A pre-approval letter from a lender makes your offer stronger. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. That means the current proposal should include anticipated expansion plans for the next decade, he said. Then, in 2017, he put it up for sale. 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, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Furnished Description: Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Freezer, Microwave, Range, Refrigerator, Washer, Other Structures: Barn, Cabin(s), Guest Quarters, Shed(s), Lot Description: Deck, Dock, Fence, Landscaped, Porch, Calculated Total Monthly Association Fees: 0. PublishedDecember 28, 2022 at 6:00 AM MST. The additional months of tourism would positively impact the surrounding communities and businesses, as visitors come and help power the local economies. The area brings a sense of community values and is true to Montana roots. 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. Want to bring a larger group to the Lodge?Book all of our rooms and cabins to enjoy a uniquely private, personalized get-together for $5565 per night. Located on the north side of Holland Lake near the East Holland Connector Trail (trail# 415) Trailhead. 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). We have gift cards available online! Guests enjoy breathtaking sunsets, the fresh mountain air over the lake, hikes to the roaring falls, and delicious dinners. Ive got two full-grown kids, he said. She says she doesnt trust POWDR to change something so important to locals in the area. Thanks for subscribing! Montana news about the environment, natural resources, wildlife, climate change and more. 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. Plans include increasing occupancy by adding a new lodge, new cabins and smaller studio cabins, with the goal of keeping nightly rates accessible. Environmental risk data is provided by Risk Factor, Siloti says it didnt take long for requests for copies of the Hands Off Holland sign to start pouring in. a product of First Street Foundation. Bob Parcell joined the Missoula County Sheriffs Office as a deputy 40 years ago, and spent 33 of those patrolling along Highway 83. 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. 8717, 1947 Holland Lake Lodge Rd, Condon, MT 59826, 2023 by POWDR. 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. Like so many others, we marveled at the beauty and realized immediately the uniqueness of Holland Lake, the Lodge, and the surrounding community. 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. Follow Daily Montanan on Facebook and Twitter. Alternatively, these documents can be accessed on the Pinyon Public website: View Documents on Pinyon Public, https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61746. We believe Holland Lake Lodge, Inc., has already violated its USFS Term Special Use Permit by its transactions with POWDR Corporation, reads the Nov. 15 memo and records review addressed to interested parties.. 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. In Montana, liquor licenses can be sold for tens of thousands of dollars. The property was listed for sale for $4 million, but the final sale price wasnt disclosed. He is also exploring partnerships for hosting music festivals, holiday celebrations and corporate retreats. update to your home value. This week, a group that formed to oppose the expansion released a petition asking the Forest Service to "protect Montana from industrial tourism and commercial recreation on our public land" by not granting the permit. Shirley Hahn says she worries an increase in traffic at the lodge would drive out wildlife. POWDRs corporate shenanigans may be legal, but they are precisely the sort of actions that the permit was drafted to address, the memo said. 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. Holland Lake Lodge set to be sold to Missoula tech exec who plans to expand, extend season. He also said the project represents one of the tensions in a state thats growing. The acreage is a complicated one, she said. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Recently sold homes in Brookfield, IL had a median listing home price of $330,000. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. by Keila Szpaller, Daily Montanan October 15, 2022. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Holland Lake Lodge, Inc. and its joint venture partner, POWDR, announced that they have submitted a Master Development Plan (MDP) to the U.S. Forest Service to improve accommodations at Holland Lake Lodge, a rustic lakeside resort located in the Swan Valley, which was originally built in 1924 and last updated in 1947. 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. By, At the halfway point, Republicans pass budget bills, target 'woke extremism'. 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. We look forward to continuing this legacy, Sibley said in a statement. She also said the Forest Service will conduct some sort of environmental review even if it grants a categorical exclusion. people are sort of sensitive to all the people moving in and all the crowds coming with Covid, he said. Construction could start as early as 2023. 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. 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.' Theres just not much left.. With six cabins and nine rooms, the Lodge has plenty of options for accommodations that help you experience Holland Lake and the surrounding area to the fullest during your all-inclusive stay. At first glance, it looks like residents of Condon have united behind the same candidate for office. Lead Management Unit But the memo released this week by lawyers George Corn and Daniel Browder alleges control of the joint venture between Wohlfeil and POWDR terminated the current permit and should have triggered an application for a new permit. This includes Holland Lake Lodge where guests have been coming for generations.". 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. "It was an amazing opportunity," said new owner Michael Gardner. 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. 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. We recently received a request from the U.S. Forest Service to provide more detail on our Master Development Plan. 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 property also holds six guest cabins, a gift shop, owner's cabin and two outbuildings. In April, Holland Lake Lodge Inc., submitted a plan to the Forest Service to expand its resort on a pristine and popular lake in the Swan Valley. 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. Two years from now, what will their next proposal be?. The current nightly rate for two people is $340, including meals. 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.