Montana news about the environment, natural resources, wildlife, climate change and more. And thats what this plan is.. Location Summary. Christian Wohlfeil started managing the Holland Lake Lodge in 1999 and bought the property three years later. I just have no trust there.. Ive been there, done that. His input and local knowledge and experience was critical to development of the initial plan. 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. At public meetings and in press interviews, POWDR has reiterated that it wants to build that trust with the community. We will continue to look into this concern regarding current ownership and if something has changed we will take appropriate action.. 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. In Montana, liquor licenses can be sold for tens of thousands of dollars. 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. The current nightly rate for two people is $340, including meals. Located on the north side of Holland Lake near the East Holland Connector Trail (trail# 415) Trailhead. 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. His goal has been to ensure that the necessary updates will be made, thus allowing Holland Lake Lodge to prosper into the future. 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. She says she doesnt trust POWDR to change something so important to locals in the area. POWDR told MTPR a new master development plan will be submitted sometime in 2023. The main lodge (9 guest. In the meantime, Holland Lake Lodge is marching forward. 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). 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. 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. Use the widget below to browse documents associated with this project. 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. Categorical Exclusion District: Swan Lake Ranger District Project Documents Use the widget below to browse documents associated with this project. people are sort of sensitive to all the people moving in and all the crowds coming with Covid, he said. Keep in Touch. Located on the north side of Holland Lake near the East Holland Connector Trail (trail . He is also exploring partnerships for hosting music festivals, holiday celebrations and corporate retreats. The acreage is a complicated one, she said. 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. And that is a sad state of affairs.. 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. Ive seen (mergers and acquisitions), Ive been in nonprofits, Ive been in publicly traded companies, I was the VP of a massive global media conglomerate. Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. Together, they look forward to expanding guest services and activities, while preserving the unique and special character of what is here now. 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. Wohlfeil has alwaystoutedthe propertys rustic charm and intimate feel but talked about wanting to make more improvements. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. 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. 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! Driving north from Seeley Lake to Condon, the first sign pops up about 6 miles before the turn onto Holland Lake Road. 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 current permit identifies Holland Lake Lodge as the holder and lists Wohlfeil as owner of the lodge. KALISPELL Authorities have arrested a man in connection with a fatal shooting in northwest Montana. We will share more of those details in the coming weeks. The same Secretary of State report strikes out references to Wohlfeil. 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. Environmental risk data is provided by Risk Factor, POWDR has built its brand on the premise of delivering soulful experiences that matter to guests and reflect the local community. 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. It was an amazing opportunity, said new owner Michael Gardner. She said an environmental assessment or EIS are still possible. 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. 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. Holland Lake Lodge is about three miles to east of the Montana HWY 83. 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. I ran operations for the Montana Food Bank Network and then met (local video and internet entrepreneur) Hank Green, he said. Oops! However, she said the boundary for the permit is still pretty unknown because modern mapping tools havent been used on the property. The existing 4,600-square-foot lodge was built the following year and includes nine guest rooms and a restaurant. Were trying to look at the long term future and have the lodge be viable for the future, Wohlfeil said. The property also holds six guest cabins, a gift shop, owners cabin and two outbuildings. 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. If you are using a mobile device, the setting for "Allow cross-website tracking" must also be enabled to view the documents. There has been no change since we (Powdr) originally partnered with Christian and Holland Lake, LLC, Hutchinson said in the email. 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 2020 U.S. Census pinned its population at 285. He also said the project represents one of the tensions in a state thats growing. This is why the current owner, Christian Wohlfeil, has been looking to sell the property. 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? 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. Condon unrolls along an evergreen-lined stretch of Highway 83 a strung-out series of homes, two churches, and a bar and diner. I want to continue the legacy of this special, magical, wonderful lodge, he said. The plan is to preserve the lodge, the owners cabin and the barn and winterize the buildings so the facility can operate year-round. Plans include increasing occupancy by adding a new lodge, new cabins and smaller studio cabins, with the goal of keeping nightly rates accessible. Thursday, a Flathead National Forest spokesperson said mapping is underway to clarify the acreage currently in use. 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. For example, Holland Lake Lodge transferred a liquor license to a separate Holland Lake Lodge Restaurant LLC, according to Department of Revenue records. Gardner, who lives in Missoula, said hes always done things at a much more accelerated pace than many people. Last Completed Milestone: One resident told me she worries the lodge would harm the quality of the watershed. At first glance, it looks like residents of Condon have united behind the same candidate for office. Montana people are sort of sensitive to all the people moving in and all the crowds coming with Covid, he said. 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. 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. The property also holds six guest cabins, a gift shop, owner's cabin and two outbuildings. 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. Thursday, a Forest Service spokesperson was traveling and unavailable to fully address questions about the validity of the permit. But, to Parcell, that argument just doesnt work. I would encourage everyone to just continue through this process with us and see where it ends up.. 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. In Montana, liquor licenses can be sold for tens of thousands of dollars. Learn more about proposed improvement plans and how you can weigh in below. One dog-gone expensive hound is slated to be stationed near the entrance to Missoulas newest dog park. So we have to ask for as much as we want to do now, he said. Siloti says it didnt take long for requests for copies of the Hands Off Holland sign to start pouring in. 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. We have gift cards available online! The old gift shop and cabins would be removed. The presentation notes the signing took place before the public was notified of a proposed project.. 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. Flathead National Forest is proposing facility expansion of Holland Lake Lodge. Or do you want to come and enjoy what you came to see? A proposed tuition freeze for Montana students flew past one hurdle this week in Helena. You can cancel at any time. Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons licence CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Flathead National Forest is proposing facility expansion of Holland Lake Lodge. Directions: North on MT-83 N, East onto Holland Lake Road, continue onto Holland Lake Lodge Road. 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. Like so many others, we marveled at the beauty and realized immediately the uniqueness of Holland Lake, the Lodge, and the surrounding community.