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. A photo of Holland Lake in Montana (U.S. Forest Service via Flickr). And he said the Forest Service needs to know and present accurately to the public the actual scope of the permit and project. 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. Before joining States Newsroom Montana, she served as city editor of the Missoulian, the largest news outlet in western Montana. You have permission to edit this article. The current permit covers 10.53 acres. PublishedDecember 28, 2022 at 6:00 AM MST. 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. Brookfield Properties is lead by a group of innovative leaders, bringing fresh perspective to the real estate industry. 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. The Lodge offers six charming lakeside cabins and . 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. Renewing Holland Lake Lodge for the next 100 years of solitude and recreation. Ive got two full-grown kids, he said. How much acreage is permitted anyway? He came to MTPR as an evening newscast intern that summer, and jumped at the chance to join full-time as the stations morning voice in Fall 2022. 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. 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. Kalispell mental health clinic closes, leaving 200 patients without care, Racicot: preserving democracy outweighs party politics, House OKs a broadly written 'parental rights' bill. The Forest Service announced the Holland Lake Lodge expansion proposal this fall. This propertys wildfire risk is increasing. 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. 3 night minimum. Theres just not much left.. 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. 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. But the plan has not been popular with the public, in part because the Forest Service said it may not complete a full environmental assessment or more extensive environmental impact statement, or EIS, before approving the project. Frequent letters to the editor in newspapers across western Montana show voices in opposition to the project. Wohlfeil has alwaystoutedthe propertys rustic charm and intimate feel but talked about wanting to make more improvements. Rooms currently rent for $300 - $340 a night, up from the 2019 prices of $200 - $240 a night. We remain steadfast and optimistic to fulfill the vision for Holland Lake Lodge that many Montana residents, and other Americans support. At public meetings and in press interviews, POWDR has reiterated that it wants to build that trust with the community. So we have people going out to do the mapping portion of it, she said. 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. She also said questions about acreage still need to be answered, and figuring out boundaries is not straightforward. The Lodge is currently accepting bookings for the 2023 season, with limited availability. 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 project will change the culture and the ecology of the area. The current permit identifies Holland Lake Lodge as the holder and lists Wohlfeil as owner of the lodge. The original lodge was built on the shore of Holland Lake in 1924 but was consumed by a fire in 1946. Scale back, one commenter wrote. 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. 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. Justin Sibley, CEO of POWDR, said the changes would be soulful. A proposed tuition freeze for Montana students flew past one hurdle this week in Helena. Oops! Adjacent to Holland Lake Lodge is the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, which makes up an area of more than 1.5 million acres, a vast landscape of habitat for the Grizzly bear, lynx, wolverine, deer, elk, gray wolf, moose, black bear, mountain lion, mountain goat, and mountain sheep. POWDRs corporate shenanigans may be legal, but they are precisely the sort of actions that the permit was drafted to address, the memo said. After getting few nibbles, he againlisted itwith a Bozeman realtor in 2019 for $3.49 million. The expansion proposal discusses a project of 15 acres. Variations of that theme that the proposed expansion is just too big for Condon emerge as I continued my trip through town. 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. Not Subject to Regulations, Project Activity Grace Siloti and her husband own and operate Mission Mountains Mercantile. I want to get other investors on board and open the opportunity to other Montanans, he explained. "It was an amazing opportunity," said new owner Michael Gardner. POWDR partnered with Holland Lake Lodge, Inc., and came up with a development plan that they submitted to the Forest Service in April. Condon unrolls along an evergreen-lined stretch of Highway 83 a strung-out series of homes, two churches, and a bar and diner. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. The additional months of tourism would positively impact the surrounding communities and businesses, as visitors come and help power the local economies. Buying a home for the first time can be terrifyingly intimidating A pre-approval letter from a lender makes your offer stronger. Public comment might not do much to change the project. Located on the north side of Holland Lake near the East Holland Connector Trail (trail . The two have been in business together for 13 years, and know just about everyone in Condon. The key thing is reinvesting profits back into the company. Guests enjoy breathtaking sunsets, the fresh mountain air over the lake, hikes to the roaring falls, and delicious dinners. Otherwise, consider buying a gift card for you or a loved one. 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. Cookies must be enabled to use this tool. 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. Keep in Touch. 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. 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. Recreation sites include but are not limited to campgrounds . 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. KALISPELL Authorities have arrested a man in connection with a fatal shooting in northwest Montana. Please call or message about having items shipped directly to you, as they make the perfect gift! An aerial view of the Holland Lake Lodge on Wednesday afternoon is shown. Ive been around.. That limited-liability corporation is controlled by Justin Sibley, POWDR CEO, according to the Montana Department of Revenue records. people are sort of sensitive to all the people moving in and all the crowds coming with Covid, he said. GreatSchool Ratings compare a school's test performance to statewide results. 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. She said that type of exception can be used for expanding a toilet or a shower facility or replacing a chairlift. 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. 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. But the big white signs with blue text that read Hands off Holland represent a campaign of a different kind. We have gift cards available online! 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? Typically, the exception means no EIS and no environmental assessment. 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. 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. The area brings a sense of community values and is true to Montana roots. Like so many others, we marveled at the beauty and realized immediately the uniqueness of Holland Lake, the Lodge, and the surrounding community. Christian Wohlfeil, the present owner for the last 20 years, has partnered with a phenomenal company to transition the Lodge to the next chapter. 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. He said the Forest Service needs to confirm the acreage in question. The same Secretary of State report strikes out references to Wohlfeil. The liquor license was transferred for $1,000, according to the DOR record. 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. But the proposal and process both have raised the ire of residents of the Swan Valley. Although he admits the capacity at the lodge would be at least twice its current limit, he also said the number of additional visitors should be viewed in the context of all of the use at the lake. 406.754.2282. info@hollandlakelodge.com. He also said the project represents one of the tensions in a state thats growing. Charming rustic lakeside cabins, a proud main lodge circa 1947, and to-die-for food.. 1947 Holland Lake Lodge Rd, Condon MT 59826. The Forest Service announced the Holland Lake Lodge expansion proposal this fall. 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. "It's a very healthy business and it's in the . 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. POWDRs vice president of communications Stacey Hutchinson told MTPR the company is listening to feedback from the public before it makes its next proposal. Condon unrolls along an evergreen-lined stretch of Highway 83 a strung-out series of homes, two churches, and a bar and diner. Montana news about the environment, natural resources, wildlife, climate change and more. * We will begin accepting group reservations for our 2023 season this October. Follow Daily Montanan on Facebook and Twitter. The 2020 U.S. Census pinned its population at 285. One of its most striking attributes is actually something its missing noise. 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. To maintain this sense of community pride for generations to come, many buildings and facilities are outdated and in serious need of repair. Thousands of people submitted online comments to the Forest Service regarding POWDRs proposed project, the vast majority of which were against the expansion. 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. 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. She said an environmental assessment or EIS are still possible. The Forest Service has promised a full environmental review of the new plan, and more opportunities for the public to weigh in. The new facility would hold up to 156 guests and will require larger wastewater and sewage systems and parking areas, requiring the removal of several trees. Read about our leadership team. 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. This indicates that for the last 18 months, the Lodges corporate affairs have been conducted by POWDRs legal department,' the memo said. Notice of Initiation (09/01/2022) Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. We will share more information on the NEPA process when its available. The property was listed for sale for $4 million, but the final sale price wasnt disclosed. By proceeding, you consent to receive calls and texts at the 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. 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. What will happen to water quality? 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. 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. She said Thursday she anticipates a decision will be made in the next week or two. Contact reporter Laura Lundquist atlundquist@missoulacurrent.com. There will be the addition of some new structures to add capacity. 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. 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. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Thousands of people are raising objections to a controversial plan to expand Holland Lake Lodge, especially after the U.S. Forest Service admits it made errors at the beginning of the process. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. The plan is to preserve the lodge, the owners cabin and the barn and winterize the buildings so the facility can operate year-round. As a result, the Forest Service must approve all modifications. POWDR said in a statement it intends to submit a new plan that wont compromise on scale., Once someone like that has their foot in the door, next year, what will their next proposal be? Siloti said. Plus, he said, the exclusion wont bypass a review, it will allow for a less intensive analysis. District: Swan Lake Ranger District Project Documents Use the widget below to browse documents associated with this project. Hutchinson declined to provide specifics, but said many community members have approached POWDR privately to express support for its plans at Holland Lake. In Montana, liquor licenses can be sold for tens of thousands of dollars. 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. 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. Construction could start as early as 2023. This includes Holland Lake Lodge where guests have been coming for generations.".
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