The MDP proposes to restore the old lodge, add buildings, and upgrade infrastructure within the existing 15-acre permit area. 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). Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. Located on the north side of Holland Lake near the East Holland Connector Trail (trail . Yeah, I just dont think theyll stay, Shirley Hahn said. We remain steadfast and optimistic to fulfill the vision for Holland Lake Lodge that many Montana residents, and other Americans support. 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. 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. 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. 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. The current Lodge and surrounding structures were built in 1947. 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. But the memo also alleges a U.S. Forest Service permit in use by Holland Lake Lodge is no longer valid because changes to control of the resort voided the agreement. Theyre beautiful and well-loved for their rustic charm and serene landscape. Siloti says it didnt take long for requests for copies of the Hands Off Holland sign to start pouring in. 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.. 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. No one I talked to during my visit to Condon expressed support for POWDRs plans. Rooms currently rent for $300 - $340 a night, up from the 2019 prices of $200 - $240 a night. 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. 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. Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. 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. I think the next step is for us to really get deep into the public comment, MacKenzie said. How much acreage is permitted anyway? A proposed tuition freeze for Montana students flew past one hurdle this week in Helena. 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. Justin Sibley, CEO of POWDR, said the changes would be soulful. MacKenzie, with the Flathead National Forest, said the Forest Service has not yet made a decision to use a categorical exclusion. 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. 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. We have gift cards available online! Not Subject to Regulations, Project Activity 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. 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.. 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. 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. A career in the insurance industry doesn't exactly sound "sexy," but one Missoula firm is giving its employees generous benefits and career gr. The MDP proposes to restore the old lodge, add buildings, and upgrade infrastructure within the existing 15-acre permit area. He said the former owner was also a young guy in his early 40s but was looking to pass the torch. My hope is that a new owner really preserves how special everything is and brings it up to 2020, Wohlfeil told the Daily Interlake in 2019. Ive got two full-grown kids, he said. POWDR has built its brand on the premise of delivering soulful experiences that matter to guests and reflect the local community. There was a problem saving your notification. 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. 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. Directions: North on MT-83 N, East onto Holland Lake Road, continue onto Holland Lake Lodge Road. Use the widget below to browse documents associated with this project. I would encourage everyone to just continue through this process with us and see where it ends up.. Lead Management Unit As of Sunday, more than 2,800 people . Its a very healthy business and its in the most beautiful place in the whole world.. The proposal noted owners Christian Wohlfeil and POWDR, of Park City, Utah, had submitted the joint application to expand and improve the resort. Forest Supervisor Kurt Steele signed the document as well. Ive hung 98% of the signage down Highway 83, Siloti said with a laugh. The busiest spot on a recent December day was a gas station and convenience store at the north end of town. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). As proposed, the Master Development Plan will restore the proper foundation and infrastructure to the property. Driving north from Seeley Lake to Condon, the first sign pops up about 6 miles before the turn onto Holland Lake Road. Plus, he said, the exclusion wont bypass a review, it will allow for a less intensive analysis. Austin graduated from the University of Montanas journalism program in May 2022. In Montana, liquor licenses can be sold for tens of thousands of dollars. The Bob Marshall Wilderness was named for Bob Marshall, the . 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. His input and local knowledge and experience was critical to development of the initial plan. Christian Wohlfeil, the present owner for the last 20 years, has partnered with a phenomenal company to transition the Lodge to the next chapter. 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. Kalispell mental health clinic closes, leaving 200 patients without care, Racicot: preserving democracy outweighs party politics, House OKs a broadly written 'parental rights' bill. Wohlfeil has alwaystoutedthe propertys rustic charm and intimate feel but talked about wanting to make more improvements. 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. To maintain this sense of community pride for generations to come, many buildings and facilities are outdated and in serious need of repair. "It needs enough income structure here to be a viable, healthy business. The two have been in business together for 13 years, and know just about everyone in Condon. Some of the hottest neighborhoods near Brookfield, IL are Garfield Ridge, South Maywood, West Village, Seminary District, Old Town North. His goal has been to ensure that the necessary updates will be made, thus allowing Holland Lake Lodge to prosper into the future. The property was listed for sale for $4 million, but the final sale price wasnt disclosed. I have an attachment myself, but Im also really excited for someone new to come in and do what they want to do.. POWDR - an adventure lifestyle corporation based in Park City, Utah, that owns 10 ski resorts, including Snowbird in Utah, Copper Mountain in Colorado and Killington in Vermont - soon stepped in. The Forest Service has promised a full environmental review of the new plan, and more opportunities for the public to weigh in. Grace Siloti and her husband own and operate Mission Mountains Mercantile. Otherwise, consider buying a gift card for you or a loved one. Thanks for subscribing! She also said questions about acreage still need to be answered, and figuring out boundaries is not straightforward. Keila Szpaller is deputy editor of the Daily Montanan and covers education. Wohlfeil has owned and managed the resort for 20 years, according to the application. It was an amazing opportunity, said new owner Michael Gardner. The acreage is a complicated one, she said. Holland Lake Lodge is about three miles to east of the Montana HWY 83. Take a look through some of the beautiful views and experiences the Lodge offers. 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. 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. Learn More Stay We look forward to continuing this legacy, Sibley said in a statement. Next Milestone: Were trying to look at the long term future and have the lodge be viable for the future, Wohlfeil said. At first glance, it looks like residents of Condon have united behind the same candidate for office. 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. The presentation notes the signing took place before the public was notified of a proposed project.. Similarly, when Blacktail. The process has been fouled up from the beginning.. Recreation sites include but are not limited to campgrounds . Or do you want to come and enjoy what you came to see? Keep in Touch. Location Summary. Lawmakers vote down four proposals to make judicial elections partisan. 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. The project will change the culture and the ecology of the area. Variations of that theme that the proposed expansion is just too big for Condon emerge as I continued my trip through town. 1947 Holland Lake Lodge Rd, Condon MT 59826. Following an outbreak of more than 50 cases of measles near the Washington/Oregon border last week, doctors and nurses at Community Medical Ce, In Montana, its illegal to drive a car or ride as a passenger without a seat belt, yet seat belts are not required onschool buses that trans. 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. But the proposal and process both have raised the ire of residents of the Swan Valley. 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. 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. 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. The Forest Service announced the Holland Lake Lodge. 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. Ive been there, done that. Together, they look forward to expanding guest services and activities, while preserving the unique and special character of what is here now. 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. Holland Lake Lodge is about three miles to east of the Montana HWY 83. 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. Pitney Bowes, and GreatSchools Independent for reference only. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The original lodge was built on the shore of Holland Lake in 1924 but was consumed by a fire in 1946. a product of First Street Foundation. 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. Holland Lake Lodge is about three miles to east of the Montana HWY 83. 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 indicates that for the last 18 months, the Lodges corporate affairs have been conducted by POWDRs legal department,' the memo said. The five-year plan is to be healthy and profitable and use the revenues to build a new lodge down the road.. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices American Heritage Real Estate, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago - Downers Grove Office, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago - La Grange Office, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago - Oak Park Office, Home buyers reveal: 'What I wish I had known before buying my first home, Debunked! Scale back, one commenter wrote. Holland Lake Lodge, Inc. Master Development Plan details building and infrastructure improvements, enhancing the visitor experience, within the current permitted area. Treating yourself or a loved one to a stay at the Lodge, or items in our gift shop, is now easier than ever. The current plan does not mention helicopter skiing, but Akland said that doesnt preclude the company from making a request in the future. So we have 100 years of permits for this thing, and no two permits are really giving us the same layout and acreage.. We have enough people here to make a civilization, but its not a city, and nobody wants that here, Parcell said. So we have to ask for as much as we want to do now, he said. 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. View 127 homes that sold recently in Brookfield, IL with a median transaction price of $257,000 at realtor.com. I just have no trust there.. Something went wrong while submitting the form. NEPA or Forest Plan Amendment Decision Document Available (est. Plans include increasing occupancy by adding a new lodge, new cabins and smaller studio cabins, with the goal of keeping nightly rates accessible. Typically, the exception means no EIS and no environmental assessment. The main lodge (9 guest. That means the current proposal should include anticipated expansion plans for the next decade, he said. The public is confused, and now the Forest Service is confused. Sign up here for updates and news on the process. 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. Guests enjoy breathtaking sunsets, the fresh mountain air over the lake, hikes to the roaring falls, and delicious dinners. 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. Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. We will continue to look into this concern regarding current ownership and if something has changed we will take appropriate action.. The current permit covers 10.53 acres. District: Swan Lake Ranger District Project Documents Use the widget below to browse documents associated with this project. Ive been around.. Call Holland Lake Lodge for dinner reservations at 406.754.2282 or email info@hollandlakelodge.com. Cookies must be enabled to use this tool. The liquor license was transferred for $1,000, according to the DOR record. Please subscribe to keep reading. Flathead National Forest All Units, Notice and Comment Regulation The area brings a sense of community values and is true to Montana roots. As a resort company known for its ski hills seeks to expand the 1940s historic Holland Lake Lodge, locals are pushing back. 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. * We will begin accepting group reservations for our 2023 season this October. 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. By, At the halfway point, Republicans pass budget bills, target 'woke extremism'. He also wants to increase the dining and lodging capacities by adding indoor and outdoor seating, installing the eco-yurts and opening the owners residence to guests. Located on the north side of Holland Lake near the East Holland Connector Trail (trail# 415) Trailhead. 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. However, she said the boundary for the permit is still pretty unknown because modern mapping tools havent been used on the property. 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. Cover page of the Holland Lake Lodge expansion proposal. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. To verify enrollment eligibility, contact the school or district directly. He says he fears Condons all-volunteer emergency services could be overwhelmed by the added strain the larger lodge could produce. 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. 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 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. On Thursday, the Swan Lake Ranger District of the Flathead National Forest announced that it was taking public comment on a proposal to expand the Holland Lake Lodge facility near Seeley Lake. Renewing Holland Lake Lodge for the next 100 years of solitude and recreation. POWDRs vice president of communications Stacey Hutchinson told MTPR the company is listening to feedback from the public before it makes its next proposal. update to your home value. Holland Lake Lodge set to be sold to Missoula tech exec who plans to expand, extend season. This includes Holland Lake Lodge where guests have been coming for generations.". Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Cookies must be enabled to use this tool. email, from realtor.com and, Home buyers reveal: 'What I wish I had known before buying my first home', Selling your home? I want to get other investors on board and open the opportunity to other Montanans, he explained. The US Forest Service and POWDR are doing environmental assessments and welcome public feedback about their improvement project. So we have people going out to do the mapping portion of it, she said. Early in 2018, VidCon was sold to Viacom. He also said the project represents one of the tensions in a state thats growing. POWDR doesnt need a return on its investment right away, he said, but it needs a return sooner or later. One of its most striking attributes is actually something its missing noise. POWDR partnered with Holland Lake Lodge, Inc., and came up with a development plan that they submitted to the Forest Service in April. 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. by Keila Szpaller, Daily Montanan October 15, 2022. The current plan also would winterize the buildings, making Holland Lake Lodge a year-round destination. However, spokesperson Tami MacKenzie said the Forest Service will continue to evaluate the issue. In addition,the East Holland Lake Connector Trailhead parking area would be expanded up to 3 acres. And he said the Forest Service needs to know and present accurately to the public the actual scope of the permit and project. 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. 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. 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 that type of exception can be used for expanding a toilet or a shower facility or replacing a chairlift. Alternatively, these documents can be accessed on the Pinyon Public website: View Documents on Pinyon Public, https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61746. Then, in 2017, he put it up for sale. Just this summer, he said he received 4,000 inquiries via email alone about cabins, and he was sold out from April through September. 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. The 10-acre site includes a fine dining restaurant, a full bar, six semi-rustic guest cabins and an eight-room lodge. But citing public records, the memo from Corn and Browder identifies changes it alleges already place control of Holland Lake Lodge in the hands of POWDR. That limited-liability corporation is controlled by Justin Sibley, POWDR CEO, according to the Montana Department of Revenue records. 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. Holland Lake provides a beautiful backdrop to any private gathering. The original lodge was built on the shore of Holland Lake in 1924 but was consumed by a fire in 1946. 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.