The Forest Service announced the Holland Lake Lodge expansion proposal this fall. Theyll have to move, and where are they going to move? Gardners plan is to attract investors, starting at $25,000, and to reinvest profits back into the property. Our company was founded on the premise of providing broad access to the outdoors in a safe, sustainable manner that would create generations of nature lovers who, in turn, would join us in becoming advocates of ecological stewardship. I just have no trust there.. Cookies must be enabled to use this tool. 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. 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. The presentation notes the signing took place before the public was notified of a proposed project.. About 2 Save Holland Lake Siloti says it didnt take long for requests for copies of the Hands Off Holland sign to start pouring in. Buying a home for the first time can be terrifyingly intimidating A pre-approval letter from a lender makes your offer stronger. Justin Sibley, CEO of POWDR, said the changes would be soulful. The MDP proposes to restore the old lodge, add buildings, and upgrade infrastructure within the existing 15-acre permit area. 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. "It was an amazing opportunity," said new owner Michael Gardner. Theyre beautiful and well-loved for their rustic charm and serene landscape. The liquor license was transferred for $1,000, according to the DOR record. Learn more about proposed improvement plans and how you can weigh in below. The 2020 U.S. Census pinned its population at 285. She said an environmental assessment or EIS are still possible. I have an attachment myself, but Im also really excited for someone new to come in and do what they want to do.. In Montana, liquor licenses can be sold for tens of thousands of dollars. The original lodge was built on the shore of Holland Lake in 1924 but was consumed by a fire in 1946. She also said questions about acreage still need to be answered, and figuring out boundaries is not straightforward. Holland Lake Lodge is about three miles to east of the Montana HWY 83. This is why the current owner, Christian Wohlfeil, has been looking to sell the property. She says she doesnt trust POWDR to change something so important to locals in the area. New owners propose expansion of Holland Lake Lodge Holland Lake Lodge set to be sold to Missoula tech exec who plans to expand, extend season. Location Summary. Cookies must be enabled to use this tool. Don't neglect these 6 maintenance tasks - or else, Debunked! 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. Holland Lake Lodge: Gift Shop 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. Then, in 2017, he put it up for sale. 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. I want to get other investors on board and open the opportunity to other Montanans, he explained. But the proposal and process both have raised the ire of residents of the Swan Valley. Typically, the exception means no EIS and no environmental assessment. 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. 'Sad state of affairs' as Forest Service considers Montana resort And thats what this plan is.. It cites as one example termination upon change of control of the business entity.. 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. 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. However, she said the Forest Service has discretion over how much related documentation it needs to provide. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. We will continue to look into this concern regarding current ownership and if something has changed we will take appropriate action.. At public meetings and in press interviews, POWDR has reiterated that it wants to build that trust with the community. Our plan will also incorporate several modifications that came from the previous public comment period - constructive ideas from those who want the best for the Lodge and the land. Driving north from Seeley Lake to Condon, the first sign pops up about 6 miles before the turn onto Holland Lake Road. The main lodge (9 guest. 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. Public comment might not do much to change the project. He lives just down the road from Holland Lake at the south end of town. Gardner, 39, recently worked with Missoula real estate agent Shannon Hilliard to buy the property from its longtime former owner. 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. Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Early in 2018, VidCon was sold to Viacom. Condon unrolls along an evergreen-lined stretch of Highway 83 a strung-out series of homes, two churches, and a bar and diner. Holland Lake Lodge permit questioned - missoulian.com It will prioritize renewable energy and precautions to prevent negative water, air, or soil impacts. The property was listed for sale for $4 million, but the final sale price wasnt disclosed. Contact Editor Darrell Ehrlick for questions: info@dailymontanan.com. by Keila Szpaller, Daily Montanan October 15, 2022. There were 119 properties sold in Brookfield, IL, which spent an average of 61 days on the market. Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. "It's a very healthy business and it's in the . 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). The Forest Service announced the Holland Lake Lodge. This home has a n/a noise level for the surrounding area. POWDRs corporate shenanigans may be legal, but they are precisely the sort of actions that the permit was drafted to address, the memo said. The current owner of Holland Lake Lodge has been seeking to sell the property for years, saying it is in bad shape and in need of updates. 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. Flathead National Forest: Decision on Holland Lake likely coming this Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons licence CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. DEQ said if they both are acceptable, they may be used to serve the development in the future. The Greatest Good - Flathead Beacon 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. POWDR has said that the expanded lodge will allow the company to open access for more people to enjoy Montanas outdoor spaces. Recreation sites include but are not limited to campgrounds . 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. District: Swan Lake Ranger District Project Documents Use the widget below to browse documents associated with this project. 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. He said the former owner was also a young guy in his early 40s but was looking to pass the torch. 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. 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). Something went wrong while submitting the form. However, spokesperson Tami MacKenzie said the Forest Service will continue to evaluate the issue. Holland Lake Lodge The additional months of tourism would positively impact the surrounding communities and businesses, as visitors come and help power the local economies. Hutchinson declined to provide specifics, but said many community members have approached POWDR privately to express support for its plans at Holland Lake. Seriously. The same Secretary of State report strikes out references to Wohlfeil. If the Forest Service considers all the infrastructure currently in place, she said its greater than 15 acres based on a preliminary assessment. Located on the north side of Holland Lake near the East Holland Connector Trail (trail# 415) Trailhead. Holland Lake Lodge: Dining 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. So we have to ask for as much as we want to do now, he said. The main lodge (9 guest rooms, restaurant, bar & lounge), 6 guest cabins, gift shop, newly constructed owner's cabin, and two out-buildings School data provided by National Center for Education Statistics, There will be the addition of some new structures to add capacity. We will share more information on the NEPA process when its available. 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. 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. Take a look through some of the beautiful views and experiences the Lodge offers. An aerial view of the Holland Lake Lodge on Wednesday afternoon is shown. The current plan also would winterize the buildings, making Holland Lake Lodge a year-round destination. Forest Supervisor Kurt Steele signed the document as well. 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. 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. She said Thursday she anticipates a decision will be made in the next week or two. *30 guests or less. She said that type of exception can be used for expanding a toilet or a shower facility or replacing a chairlift. Cover page of the Holland Lake Lodge expansion proposal. To verify enrollment eligibility, contact the school or district directly. The Daily Montanan is a nonprofit, nonpartisan source for trusted news, commentary and insight into statewide policy and politics beneath the Big Sky. Together, they look forward to expanding guest services and activities, while preserving the unique and special character of what is here now. 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. 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. Thanks for subscribing! 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. Otherwise, consider buying a gift card for you or a loved one. 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. Brookfield, IL Recently Sold Homes | realtor.com