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. POWDR told MTPR a new master development plan will be submitted sometime in 2023. How much acreage is permitted anyway? 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. 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.. Flathead National Forest Supervisor Kurt Steele issued a letter in November essentially telling POWDR to try again, citing inaccuracies and inconsistencies within the companys proposal. Grace Siloti and her husband own and operate Mission Mountains Mercantile. On my way out of town, I made one last stop and visited with a resident who says hes not at all surprised by the backlash. Yeah, I just dont think theyll stay, Shirley Hahn said. by Keila Szpaller, Daily Montanan October 15, 2022. 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. update to your home value. The Forest Service announced the Holland Lake Lodge expansion proposal this fall. Holland Lake Lodge, Inc. Master Development Plan details building and infrastructure improvements, enhancing the visitor experience, within the current permitted area. The area brings a sense of community values and is true to Montana roots. The lodge was built in 1924 but burned down in 1946 and was rebuilt in 1947. 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. Lead Management Unit
By proceeding, you consent to receive calls and texts at the 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. 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. In our resubmittal, we will support the Forest Services recommendation to conduct an Environmental Assessment. The old gift shop and cabins would be removed. Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. Not Subject to Regulations, Project Activity Montana people are sort of sensitive to all the people moving in and all the crowds coming with Covid, he said. 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. So we have to ask for as much as we want to do now, he said. 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. Wohlfeil has alwaystoutedthe propertys rustic charm and intimate feel but talked about wanting to make more improvements. 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. 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. 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. 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. The original lodge was built on the shore of Holland Lake in 1924 but was consumed by a fire in 1946. 8717, 1947 Holland Lake Lodge Rd, Condon, MT 59826, 2023 by POWDR. 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. The Forest Service announced the Holland Lake Lodge expansion proposal this fall. 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. Construction could start as early as 2023. 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. She said an environmental assessment or EIS are still possible. That limited-liability corporation is controlled by Justin Sibley, POWDR CEO, according to the Montana Department of Revenue records. It will prioritize renewable energy and precautions to prevent negative water, air, or soil impacts. Otherwise, consider buying a gift card for you or a loved one. Daily Montanan maintains editorial independence. Recreation sites include but are not limited to campgrounds . However, she said the boundary for the permit is still pretty unknown because modern mapping tools havent been used on the property. The current nightly rate for two people is $340, including meals. POWDR has built its brand on the premise of delivering soulful experiences that matter to guests and reflect the local community. He says he fears Condons all-volunteer emergency services could be overwhelmed by the added strain the larger lodge could produce. The proposal noted owners Christian Wohlfeil and POWDR, of Park City, Utah, had submitted the joint application to expand and improve the resort. 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. 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. The LLC, in turn, has a concession agreement with the lodge, which the memo said allows the lodge to utilize the license that was formerly in its own name.. I just have no trust there.. My daughter is in the Navy stationed in Okinawa. Shirley Hahn says she worries an increase in traffic at the lodge would drive out wildlife. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics. 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 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. Gardner, who lives in Missoula, said hes always done things at a much more accelerated pace than many people. 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. What will happen to water quality? Kalispell mental health clinic closes, leaving 200 patients without care, Racicot: preserving democracy outweighs party politics, House OKs a broadly written 'parental rights' bill. We have enough people here to make a civilization, but its not a city, and nobody wants that here, Parcell said. Generally, he said his interest is in increasing overnight guest capacity to an average 130, or more than doubling it, upgrading the infrastructure, including sewer, parking and power, creating employee housing, and potentially running at least some services all year long. Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons licence CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. However, one week following a contentious public meeting about the proposal, Flathead National Forest Public Information Officer Tami MacKenzie said the Forest Service will conduct some type of environmental review, although the agency has not determined the extent of it, nor is it legally bound to complete an environmental study. 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. 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 a place where many Montanans have spent their family weekends and vacations. Gardners plan is to attract investors, starting at $25,000, and to reinvest profits back into the property. 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. If you are using a mobile device, the setting for "Allow cross-website tracking" must also be enabled to view the documents. I want to continue the legacy of this special, magical, wonderful lodge, he said. Contact Editor Darrell Ehrlick for questions: info@dailymontanan.com. 406.754.2282. info@hollandlakelodge.com. Hutchinson declined to provide specifics, but said many community members have approached POWDR privately to express support for its plans at Holland Lake. The existing 4,600-square-foot lodge was built the following year and includes nine guest rooms and a restaurant. The Forest Service has promised a full environmental review of the new plan, and more opportunities for the public to weigh in. The five-year plan is to be healthy and profitable and use the revenues to build a new lodge down the road.. NEPA or Forest Plan Amendment Decision Document Available (est. 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. She said Thursday she anticipates a decision will be made in the next week or two. The key thing is reinvesting profits back into the company. 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. This is why the current owner, Christian Wohlfeil, has been looking to sell the property. Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. 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. And what happens if people responded to a proposal that wasnt totally accurate? 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. Or do you want to come and enjoy what you came to see? 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. Austin graduated from the University of Montanas journalism program in May 2022. The Risk Factor models are designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios. By, At the halfway point, Republicans pass budget bills, target 'woke extremism'. 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. We very much look forward to doing that and continuing to work with the USFS, as well as the public, during the process. 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. Before joining States Newsroom Montana, she served as city editor of the Missoulian, the largest news outlet in western Montana. 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. That means the current proposal should include anticipated expansion plans for the next decade, he said. And thats what this plan is.. As a resort company known for its ski hills seeks to expand the 1940s historic Holland Lake Lodge, locals are pushing back. email, from realtor.com and, Home buyers reveal: 'What I wish I had known before buying my first home', Selling your home? 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. Environmental risk data is provided by Risk Factor, 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). POWDRs vice president of communications Stacey Hutchinson told MTPR the company is listening to feedback from the public before it makes its next proposal. Notice of Initiation (09/01/2022) Another worries a bigger lodge would attract wealthier visitors that could push valley residents out. 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. Together, they look forward to expanding guest services and activities, while preserving the unique and special character of what is here now. Holland Lake Lodge, Inc. Master Development Plan details building and infrastructure improvements, enhancing the visitor experience, within the current permitted area. Flathead National Forest is proposing facility expansion of Holland Lake Lodge. The property also holds six guest cabins, a gift shop, owner's cabin and two outbuildings. 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.' 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. 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. Buying a home for the first time can be terrifyingly intimidating A pre-approval letter from a lender makes your offer stronger. 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. The project will change the culture and the ecology of the area. Theres just not much left.. 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. Two years from now, what will their next proposal be?. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Driving north from Seeley Lake to Condon, the first sign pops up about 6 miles before the turn onto Holland Lake Road. 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. So we have 100 years of permits for this thing, and no two permits are really giving us the same layout and acreage.. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. The 10-acre site includes a fine dining restaurant, a full bar, six semi-rustic guest cabins and an eight-room lodge. Condon unrolls along an evergreen-lined stretch of Highway 83 a strung-out series of homes, two churches, and a bar and diner. Please call or message about having items shipped directly to you, as they make the perfect gift! Location Summary. Early in 2018, VidCon was sold to Viacom. * We will begin accepting group reservations for our 2023 season this October. 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. 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 presentation notes the signing took place before the public was notified of a proposed project.. After getting few nibbles, he againlisted itwith a Bozeman realtor in 2019 for $3.49 million. 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. 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. At public meetings and in press interviews, POWDR has reiterated that it wants to build that trust with the community. 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. A proposed tuition freeze for Montana students flew past one hurdle this week in Helena. 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.