And he said the Forest Service needs to know and present accurately to the public the actual scope of the permit and project. A few miles down the road from the mercantile, Shirley and Loyd Hahn live in a log home. The US Forest Service and POWDR are doing environmental assessments and welcome public feedback about their improvement project. 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. This includes Holland Lake Lodge where guests have been coming for generations.". 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. 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. The busiest spot on a recent December day was a gas station and convenience store at the north end of town. 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. However, she said the Forest Service has discretion over how much related documentation it needs to provide. POWDRs vice president of communications Stacey Hutchinson told MTPR the company is listening to feedback from the public before it makes its next proposal. 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. 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. 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 the Missoulian. He said the former owner was also a young guy in his early 40s but was looking to pass the torch. The existing 4,600-square-foot lodge was built the following year and includes nine guest rooms and a restaurant. And what happens if people responded to a proposal that wasnt totally accurate? A proposed tuition freeze for Montana students flew past one hurdle this week in Helena. Plans include increasing occupancy by adding a new lodge, new cabins and smaller studio cabins, with the goal of keeping nightly rates accessible. 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. As a result, the Forest Service must approve all modifications. To maintain this sense of community pride for generations to come, many buildings and facilities are outdated and in serious need of repair. Frequent letters to the editor in newspapers across western Montana show voices in opposition to the project. Wohlfeil has owned and managed the resort for 20 years, according to the application. The main lodge (9 guest. You can cancel at any time. 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. We will share more of those details in the coming weeks. 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. Located on the north side of Holland Lake near the East Holland Connector Trail (trail . Something went wrong while submitting the form. So we have people going out to do the mapping portion of it, she said. So, I guess theres a tradeoff, Parcell says, Do you want to destroy what youre coming to see? This is why the current owner, Christian Wohlfeil, has been looking to sell the property. The current nightly rate for two people is $340, including meals. It was an amazing opportunity, said new owner Michael Gardner. *30 guests or less. Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. number you provided, including marketing by autodialer and prerecorded and artificial voice, and Holland Lake Lodge is about three miles to east of the Montana HWY 83. 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.. 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 expansion proposal discusses a project of 15 acres. Bob Parcell joined the Missoula County Sheriffs Office as a deputy 40 years ago, and spent 33 of those patrolling along Highway 83. 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. 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. Recreation sites include but are not limited to campgrounds . 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. View 127 homes that sold recently in Brookfield, IL with a median transaction price of $257,000 at realtor.com. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Daily Montanan maintains editorial independence. In the first season, there will be some changes but nothing too big, Gardner said. His input and local knowledge and experience was critical to development of the initial plan. 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. 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 propertys wildfire risk is increasing. I would encourage everyone to just continue through this process with us and see where it ends up.. For example, the Forest Service estimates peak use at 500 people a night for the campground, group site and Owl Packer Camp, not including the day-use area. Oops! Driving north from Seeley Lake to Condon, the first sign pops up about 6 miles before the turn onto Holland Lake Road. We are confident that any analysis, driven by data, science, and the experts at the Flathead Forest, will support our Master Development Plan going forward. Montana Public Radio | There was a problem saving your notification. 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. However, she said the boundary for the permit is still pretty unknown because modern mapping tools havent been used on the property. Lawmakers vote down four proposals to make judicial elections partisan. 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. She says she doesnt trust POWDR to change something so important to locals in the area. 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. Buying a home for the first time can be terrifyingly intimidating A pre-approval letter from a lender makes your offer stronger. The Lodge offers six charming lakeside cabins and . 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. Its a place where many Montanans have spent their family weekends and vacations. Recently sold homes in Brookfield, IL had a median listing home price of $330,000. After the sale, Gardner said he was looking for whats next., I stumbled upon this opportunity, he said. Condon unrolls along an evergreen-lined stretch of Highway 83 a strung-out series of homes, two churches, and a bar and diner. 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. Construction, reconstruction, decommissioning, or disposal of buildings, infrastructure, or improvements at an existing recreation site, including infrastructure or improvements that are adjacent or connected to an existing recreation site and provide access or utilities for that site. My daughter is in the Navy stationed in Okinawa. buy a gift card items available: Directions: North on MT-83 N, East onto Holland Lake Road, continue onto Holland Lake Lodge Road. 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. Sign up here for updates and news on the process. The current Lodge and surrounding structures were built in 1947. 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. 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. Typically, the exception means no EIS and no environmental assessment. 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. 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. Seriously. 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. He says he fears Condons all-volunteer emergency services could be overwhelmed by the added strain the larger lodge could produce. 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 current plan does not mention helicopter skiing, but Akland said that doesnt preclude the company from making a request in the future. The same Secretary of State report strikes out references to Wohlfeil. "It's a very healthy business and it's in the . a product of First Street Foundation. We will share more information on the NEPA process when its available. Breakfast Lunch dinner wine bar Dinner Served nightly from 5:45 - 8:45pm Reservations are recommended for dinner. While we believe there will not be adverse impact to the environment, the mechanism for how to evaluate the impacts against NEPA guidelines has always been less important to us than the conclusion. District: Swan Lake Ranger District Project Documents Use the widget below to browse documents associated with this project. Wohlfeil, who has owned the lodge for 20 years, recently sold minority shares to POWDR, a ski resort and adventure life company, in anticipation of a full transfer in the future. Then, in 2017, he put it up for sale. 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). I started digging and have been working on it for a couple of years.. take the lodge with you The Holland Lake Lodge Gift Shop specializes in both local and customized apparel, gifts, novelties and souvenirs. POWDR partnered with Holland Lake Lodge, Inc., and came up with a development plan that they submitted to the Forest Service in April. Pitney Bowes, and GreatSchools Independent for reference only. That means the current proposal should include anticipated expansion plans for the next decade, he said. We dont get the opportunity to make sure theyre considering all the important resources.. So we have 100 years of permits for this thing, and no two permits are really giving us the same layout and acreage.. It will prioritize renewable energy and precautions to prevent negative water, air, or soil impacts. POWDR doesnt need a return on its investment right away, he said, but it needs a return sooner or later. A career in the insurance industry doesn't exactly sound "sexy," but one Missoula firm is giving its employees generous benefits and career gr. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. Located on the north side of Holland Lake near the East Holland Connector Trail (trail# 415) Trailhead. update to your home value. 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. KALISPELL Authorities have arrested a man in connection with a fatal shooting in northwest Montana. The proposal noted owners Christian Wohlfeil and POWDR, of Park City, Utah, had submitted the joint application to expand and improve the resort. The Lodge is currently accepting bookings for the 2023 season, with limited availability. 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. Treating yourself or a loved one to a stay at the Lodge, or items in our gift shop, is now easier than ever. Charming rustic lakeside cabins, a proud main lodge circa 1947, and to-die-for food.. Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons licence CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. We look forward to continuing this legacy, Sibley said in a statement. 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. 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? We have enough people here to make a civilization, but its not a city, and nobody wants that here, Parcell said. Public comment might not do much to change the project. Some of the hottest neighborhoods near Brookfield, IL are Garfield Ridge, South Maywood, West Village, Seminary District, Old Town North. And thats what this plan is.. He lives just down the road from Holland Lake at the south end of town. Montana news about the environment, natural resources, wildlife, climate change and more. We recently received a request from the U.S. Forest Service to provide more detail on our Master Development Plan. She also said questions about acreage still need to be answered, and figuring out boundaries is not straightforward. The existing 4,600-square-foot lodge was built the following year and includes nine guest rooms and a restaurant. She also confirmed a second public comment period will take place after more analysis and acreage clarifications., This really is just the beginning of this process, MacKenzie said. A permit provision states specific conditions terminate the permit without any action by the authorized officer, or Forest Supervisor. Holland Lake Lodge is a soulful place, where families spend time in the outdoors with the people they love. Alternatively, these documents can be accessed on the Pinyon Public website: View Documents on Pinyon Public, https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61746. 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. Two years from now, what will their next proposal be?. I want to get other investors on board and open the opportunity to other Montanans, he explained. She declined to confirm POWDR is in control of the lodge and didnt discuss the ownership structure. Source Property Type: Single Family Residence. By proceeding, you consent to receive calls and texts at the The project will change the culture and the ecology of the area. We very much look forward to doing that and continuing to work with the USFS, as well as the public, during the process. If you are using a mobile device, the setting for "Allow cross-website tracking" must also be enabled to view the documents. 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. 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. Another worries a bigger lodge would attract wealthier visitors that could push valley residents out. Last Completed Milestone: In the meantime, the Nov. 15 memo from Corn and Browder calls into question the validity of the current permit itself, issued May 2017. I just have no trust there.. At public meetings and in press interviews, POWDR has reiterated that it wants to build that trust with the community. Ive been there, done that. 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. people are sort of sensitive to all the people moving in and all the crowds coming with Covid, he said. Located on the north side of Holland Lake near the East Holland Connector Trail (trail# 415) Trailhead. 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. Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. 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. Call Holland Lake Lodge for dinner reservations at 406.754.2282 or email info@hollandlakelodge.com. I have an attachment myself, but Im also really excited for someone new to come in and do what they want to do.. Cookies must be enabled to use this tool. 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. What will happen to water quality? Construction could start as early as 2023. 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. Cookies must be enabled to use this tool. As a resort company known for its ski hills seeks to expand the 1940s historic Holland Lake Lodge, locals are pushing back. The original lodge was built on the shore of Holland Lake in 1924 but was consumed by a fire in 1946. How much acreage is permitted anyway? To verify enrollment eligibility, contact the school or district directly. I know they (the public) feel like they were blindsided, but this is really step one. It cites as one example termination upon change of control of the business entity.. The Bob Marshall Wilderness was named for Bob Marshall, the . PublishedDecember 28, 2022 at 6:00 AM MST. The MDP proposes to restore the old lodge, add buildings, and upgrade infrastructure within the existing 15-acre permit area. 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. 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. 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. 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. . 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. After getting few nibbles, he againlisted itwith a Bozeman realtor in 2019 for $3.49 million. POWDR told MTPR a new master development plan will be submitted sometime in 2023. We try our best to accommodate all walk-in parties. (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 property also holds six guest cabins, a gift shop, owners cabin and two outbuildings. The old gift shop and cabins would be removed. Take a look through some of the beautiful views and experiences the Lodge offers. Wohlfeil said such changes were needed for the Lodge to thrive. Early in 2018, VidCon was sold to Viacom. 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. The key thing is reinvesting profits back into the company. The Holland Lake area is already heavily impacted. Montana people are sort of sensitive to all the people moving in and all the crowds coming with Covid, he said. 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. 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. POWDR has said that the expanded lodge will allow the company to open access for more people to enjoy Montanas outdoor spaces. The area brings a sense of community values and is true to Montana roots. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. POWDR has built its brand on the premise of delivering soulful experiences that matter to guests and reflect the local community.