Please see our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics. 8717, 1947 Holland Lake Lodge Rd, Condon, MT 59826, 2023 by POWDR. POWDR already in charge of Holland Lake Lodge, lawyers allege The busiest spot on a recent December day was a gas station and convenience store at the north end of town. The expansion proposal discusses a project of 15 acres. Montana Public Radio | (Daily Montanan) 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. Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. Next Milestone: Buying a home for the first time can be terrifyingly intimidating A pre-approval letter from a lender makes your offer stronger. Holland Lake Lodge is about three miles to east of the Montana HWY 83. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. Meet Our Leadership Team | Brookfield Properties Rooms currently rent for $300 - $340 a night, up from the 2019 prices of $200 - $240 a night. Christian Wohlfeil, the present owner for the last 20 years, has partnered with a phenomenal company to transition the Lodge to the next chapter. The 10-acre site includes a fine dining restaurant, a full bar, six semi-rustic guest cabins and an eight-room lodge. 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 Forest Service announced the Holland Lake Lodge. 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. Austin graduated from the University of Montanas journalism program in May 2022. 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? That means the current proposal should include anticipated expansion plans for the next decade, he said. 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. Holland Lake Lodge is about three miles to east of the Montana HWY 83. He says he fears Condons all-volunteer emergency services could be overwhelmed by the added strain the larger lodge could produce. Holland Lake Lodge: Book Now "It was an amazing opportunity," said new owner Michael Gardner. 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. There has been no change since we (Powdr) originally partnered with Christian and Holland Lake, LLC, Hutchinson said in the email. 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. Home | Future Of Holland La POWDR already in charge of Holland Lake Lodge, memo alleges The property also holds six guest cabins, a gift shop, owners cabin and two outbuildings. The proposal noted owners Christian Wohlfeil and POWDR, of Park City, Utah, had submitted the joint application to expand and improve the resort. Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. Wohlfeil has owned and managed the resort for 20 years, according to the application. Emails: Flathead Forest favored Holland Lake Lodge proposal Typically, the exception means no EIS and no environmental assessment. NEPA or Forest Plan Amendment Decision Document Available (est. If you are using a mobile device, the setting for "Allow cross-website tracking" must also be enabled to view the documents. As a resort company known for its ski hills seeks to expand the 1940s historic Holland Lake Lodge, locals are pushing back. Condon unrolls along an evergreen-lined stretch of Highway 83 a strung-out series of homes, two churches, and a bar and diner. 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. POWDR has said that the expanded lodge will allow the company to open access for more people to enjoy Montanas outdoor spaces. Harzardous waste compliance actions; Facility improvements/construction; Forest vegetation improvements; Heritage resource management; Special use authorizations; Road improvements/construction, Project Milestones 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. 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. Environmental risk data is provided by Risk Factor, 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. 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. And thats a direct quote from a woman in Condon.. 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. 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). And what happens if people responded to a proposal that wasnt totally accurate? Holland Lake Lodge set to be sold to Missoula tech exec who plans to "It's a very healthy business and it's in the . (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). The current Lodge and surrounding structures were built in 1947. Bob Parcell joined the Missoula County Sheriffs Office as a deputy 40 years ago, and spent 33 of those patrolling along Highway 83. Right now, the foundation of the lodge is crumbling, and wed like to put it on an actual foundation and preserve it for future generations, Wohlfeil said. By, At the halfway point, Republicans pass budget bills, target 'woke extremism'. 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. For example, Holland Lake Lodge transferred a liquor license to a separate Holland Lake Lodge Restaurant LLC, according to Department of Revenue records. The Forest Service announced the Holland Lake Lodge expansion proposal this fall. The Secretary of State documents are included in a presentation made in Seeley Lake earlier this week by Save Holland Lake and cited in the memo. 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. 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. Call Holland Lake Lodge for dinner reservations at 406.754.2282 or email info@hollandlakelodge.com. Holland Lake Lodge: Dining Guests enjoy breathtaking sunsets, the fresh mountain air over the lake, hikes to the roaring falls, and delicious dinners. Holland Lake Lodge, Inc. and its joint venture partner, POWDR, announced that they have submitted a Master Development Plan (MDP) to the U.S. Forest Service to improve accommodations at Holland Lake Lodge, a rustic lakeside resort located in the Swan Valley, which was originally built in 1924 and last updated in 1947. However, she said the Forest Service has discretion over how much related documentation it needs to provide. Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. We very much look forward to doing that and continuing to work with the USFS, as well as the public, during the process. 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 could start as early as 2023. Brookfield, IL Recently Sold Homes | realtor.com Thousands of people submitted online comments to the Forest Service regarding POWDRs proposed project, the vast majority of which were against the expansion. 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. In earlier interviews, Wohlfeil has said the property needs significant investment in infrastructure upgrades in order to operate sustainably for future generations. Similarly, when Blacktail. The acreage is a complicated one, she said. Kalispell mental health clinic closes, leaving 200 patients without care, Racicot: preserving democracy outweighs party politics, House OKs a broadly written 'parental rights' bill. His goal has been to ensure that the necessary updates will be made, thus allowing Holland Lake Lodge to prosper into the future. The existing 4,600-square-foot lodge was built the following year and includes nine guest rooms and a restaurant. She said that type of exception can be used for expanding a toilet or a shower facility or replacing a chairlift. 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. Holland Lake provides a beautiful backdrop to any private gathering. 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. Gardner, 39, recently worked with Missoula real estate agent Shannon Hilliard to buy the property from its longtime former owner. The existing 4,600-square-foot lodge was built the following year and includes nine guest rooms and a restaurant. 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. One resident told me she worries the lodge would harm the quality of the watershed. 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. The MDP proposes to restore the old lodge, add buildings, and upgrade infrastructure within the existing 15-acre permit area. 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. So we have to ask for as much as we want to do now, he said. Another worries a bigger lodge would attract wealthier visitors that could push valley residents out. 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. 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. Keila Szpaller is deputy editor of the Daily Montanan and covers education. No one I talked to during my visit to Condon expressed support for POWDRs plans. 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. DEQ said if they both are acceptable, they may be used to serve the development in the future. But the big white signs with blue text that read Hands off Holland represent a campaign of a different kind. 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. 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. As a result, the Forest Service must approve all modifications. 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. Gardners plan is to attract investors, starting at $25,000, and to reinvest profits back into the property. POWDR told MTPR a new master development plan will be submitted sometime in 2023. 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. He has said he believes POWDR has the resources and vision to execute, as well as the ethic to do so responsibly, unlike some other organizations that have shown interest in the lodge. In the first season, there will be some changes but nothing too big, Gardner said. The original lodge was built on the shore of Holland Lake in 1924 but was consumed by a fire in 1946. 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. 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Cookies must be enabled to use this tool. We will share more of those details in the coming weeks. Powdr to Enhance Accommodations and Services at Holland Lake Lodge Lawmakers vote down four proposals to make judicial elections partisan. 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.. 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. The liquor license was transferred for $1,000, according to the DOR record. 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 this point, I wouldnt trust them to walk my dog, Hahn said. Flathead National Forest All Units, Notice and Comment Regulation Just this summer, he said he received 4,000 inquiries via email alone about cabins, and he was sold out from April through September. If he was starting from scratch, he said, he would understand the call for a full environmental study, but the Forest Service suggested the owners ask for a categorical exclusion because the resort is already in operation. The Holland Lake area is already heavily impacted. POWDRs corporate shenanigans may be legal, but they are precisely the sort of actions that the permit was drafted to address, the memo said. 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. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Its a place where many Montanans have spent their family weekends and vacations. The current nightly rate for two people is $340, including meals. by Keila Szpaller, Daily Montanan October 15, 2022. Plot thickens in Holland Lake Lodge expansion debate 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. At public meetings and in press interviews, POWDR has reiterated that it wants to build that trust with the community. Pitney Bowes, and GreatSchools Independent for reference only. Holland Lake Lodge set to be sold to Missoula tech exec who - MATR We will continue to look into this concern regarding current ownership and if something has changed we will take appropriate action.. Wohlfeil said such changes were needed for the Lodge to thrive. Holland Lake Lodge Learn More Stay Review of Holland Lake Lodge, Condon, MT - Tripadvisor 406.754.2282. info@hollandlakelodge.com. take the lodge with you The Holland Lake Lodge Gift Shop specializes in both local and customized apparel, gifts, novelties and souvenirs. 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. The current plan does not mention helicopter skiing, but Akland said that doesnt preclude the company from making a request in the future. The Lodge is currently accepting bookings for the 2023 season, with limited availability. It will prioritize renewable energy and precautions to prevent negative water, air, or soil impacts. 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. 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. Before joining States Newsroom Montana, she served as city editor of the Missoulian, the largest news outlet in western Montana. This includes Holland Lake Lodge where guests have been coming for generations.". Together, they look forward to expanding guest services and activities, while preserving the unique and special character of what is here now. 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. The property was listed for sale for $4 million, but the final sale price wasnt disclosed. An aerial view of the Holland Lake Lodge on Wednesday afternoon is shown. But the proposal and process both have raised the ire of residents of the Swan Valley. Holland Lake Lodge Learn more about proposed improvement plans and how you can weigh in below. Learn More Stay Breakfast Lunch dinner wine bar Dinner Served nightly from 5:45 - 8:45pm Reservations are recommended for dinner. Flathead National Forest is proposing facility expansion of Holland Lake Lodge. However, spokesperson Tami MacKenzie said the Forest Service will continue to evaluate the issue. The Bob Marshall Wilderness was named for Bob Marshall, the . The Forest Service announced the Holland Lake Lodge. POWDR has built its brand on the premise of delivering soulful experiences that matter to guests and reflect the local community. 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. The Daily Montanan is a nonprofit, nonpartisan source for trusted news, commentary and insight into statewide policy and politics beneath the Big Sky. 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. The public is confused, and now the Forest Service is confused. 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. Please subscribe to keep reading. Please call or message about having items shipped directly to you, as they make the perfect gift! 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. 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. To maintain this sense of community pride for generations to come, many buildings and facilities are outdated and in serious need of repair. In the meantime, Holland Lake Lodge is marching forward. 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. 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.