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. 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). Siloti says it didnt take long for requests for copies of the Hands Off Holland sign to start pouring in. Categorical Exclusion Another worries a bigger lodge would attract wealthier visitors that could push valley residents out. Call Holland Lake Lodge for dinner reservations at 406.754.2282 or email info@hollandlakelodge.com. It was an amazing opportunity, said new owner Michael Gardner. Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. 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. 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. At first glance, it looks like residents of Condon have united behind the same candidate for office. Montana Public Radio | A career in the insurance industry doesn't exactly sound "sexy," but one Missoula firm is giving its employees generous benefits and career gr. But the proposal and process both have raised the ire of residents of the Swan Valley. Proudly created with Wix.com, Holland Lake Lodge, Inc. and its joint venture partner, POWDR, announced that they have submitted a. , a rustic lakeside resort located in the Swan Valley, which was originally built in 1924 and last updated in 1947. 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. And thats a direct quote from a woman in Condon.. Frequent letters to the editor in newspapers across western Montana show voices in opposition to the project. 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. POWDR partnered with Holland Lake Lodge, Inc., and came up with a development plan that they submitted to the Forest Service in April. Theyll have to move, and where are they going to move? The Daily Montanan is a nonprofit, nonpartisan source for trusted news, commentary and insight into statewide policy and politics beneath the Big Sky. Thats the difference.. 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. 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. An aerial view of the Holland Lake Lodge on Wednesday afternoon is shown. 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. 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. 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. 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. I want to get other investors on board and open the opportunity to other Montanans, he explained. The two have been in business together for 13 years, and know just about everyone in Condon. Keep in Touch. Together, they look forward to expanding guest services and activities, while preserving the unique and special character of what is here now. Grizzly bears? Thousands of people submitted online comments to the Forest Service regarding POWDRs proposed project, the vast majority of which were against the expansion. 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 current permit identifies Holland Lake Lodge as the holder and lists Wohlfeil as owner of the lodge. 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. 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. Many locals were outraged after they learned of Utah-based resort company POWDRs plan to buy and triple the capacity of the lodge in September five months after the company submitted the plan to the Forest Service. 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. 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. Wohlfeil has alwaystoutedthe propertys rustic charm and intimate feel but talked about wanting to make more improvements. There was a problem saving your notification. Some of the hottest neighborhoods near Brookfield, IL are Garfield Ridge, South Maywood, West Village, Seminary District, Old Town North. 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. Otherwise, consider buying a gift card for you or a loved one. One of its most striking attributes is actually something its missing noise. The current plan also would winterize the buildings, making Holland Lake Lodge a year-round destination. Just this summer, he said he received 4,000 inquiries via email alone about cabins, and he was sold out from April through September. In the meantime, Holland Lake Lodge is marching forward. Were trying to look at the long term future and have the lodge be viable for the future, Wohlfeil said. 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. The environment and ecosystems where we work and operate is our top priority and we have no desire to conduct business in a way that undermines that. Bob Parcell joined the Missoula County Sheriffs Office as a deputy 40 years ago, and spent 33 of those patrolling along Highway 83. Take a look through some of the beautiful views and experiences the Lodge offers. The Flathead National Forest was to hold a public meeting on Thursday night about a proposal to remove 10 aging. Contact Editor Darrell Ehrlick for questions: info@dailymontanan.com. Cover page of the Holland Lake Lodge expansion proposal. A few miles down the road from the mercantile, Shirley and Loyd Hahn live in a log home. Alternatively, these documents can be accessed on the Pinyon Public website: View Documents on Pinyon Public, https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61746. Lawmakers vote down four proposals to make judicial elections partisan. In the meantime, the Nov. 15 memo from Corn and Browder calls into question the validity of the current permit itself, issued May 2017. Its a very healthy business and its in the most beautiful place in the whole world.. A photo of Holland Lake in Montana (U.S. Forest Service via Flickr). Claim your home and get an email whenever there's an As a resort company known for its ski hills seeks to expand the 1940s historic Holland Lake Lodge, locals are pushing back. 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. 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. The current nightly rate for two people is $340, including meals. Holland Lake Lodge is best known for our dinners featuring fresh, local, seasonal ingredients. POWDR has said that the expanded lodge will allow the company to open access for more people to enjoy Montanas outdoor spaces. She said Thursday she anticipates a decision will be made in the next week or two. In an earlier interview, he said he recently sold minority shares to POWDR, which operates ski resorts and bills itself as an adventure life company. A proposed tuition freeze for Montana students flew past one hurdle this week in Helena. Following an outbreak of more than 50 cases of measles near the Washington/Oregon border last week, doctors and nurses at Community Medical Ce, In Montana, its illegal to drive a car or ride as a passenger without a seat belt, yet seat belts are not required onschool buses that trans. She declined to confirm POWDR is in control of the lodge and didnt discuss the ownership structure. 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. 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. Typically, the exception means no EIS and no environmental assessment. In a brief email Thursday in response to questions about the permit and arrangement between POWDR and Wohlfeil, POWDR spokesperson Stacey Hutchinson disputed any changes, ostensibly to the special use permit. 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. We try our best to accommodate all walk-in parties. The main lodge (9 guest. 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. Notice of Initiation (09/01/2022) She says she doesnt trust POWDR to change something so important to locals in the area. There will be the addition of some new structures to add capacity. 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. The information we have been given to date still has Christian Wohlfeil as the majority owner of Holland Lake Incorporated, MacKenzie said in an email. Flathead National Forest All Units, Notice and Comment Regulation Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. He says he fears Condons all-volunteer emergency services could be overwhelmed by the added strain the larger lodge could produce. Plans include increasing occupancy by adding a new lodge, new cabins and smaller studio cabins, with the goal of keeping nightly rates accessible. There has been no change since we (Powdr) originally partnered with Christian and Holland Lake, LLC, Hutchinson said in the email. 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. Montana people are sort of sensitive to all the people moving in and all the crowds coming with Covid, he said. 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. The old gift shop and cabins would be removed. Thursday, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality noted it had received the lodges application to construct two public water wells so they can be tested for quality and quantity. On Thursday, the Swan Lake Ranger District of the Flathead National Forest announced that it was taking public comment on a proposal to expand the Holland Lake Lodge facility near Seeley Lake. This home has a n/a noise level for the surrounding area. 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. Last Completed Milestone: 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. In the first season, there will be some changes but nothing too big, Gardner said. The current plan does not mention helicopter skiing, but Akland said that doesnt preclude the company from making a request in the future. 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. Theyre beautiful and well-loved for their rustic charm and serene landscape. However, she said the boundary for the permit is still pretty unknown because modern mapping tools havent been used on the property. 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. 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. If we can do year round operations, it would be at least 20 year round jobs, which we could then do full medical, dental, vision and 401K benefits, Wohlfeil said. 3 night minimum. Gardner, 39, recently worked with Missoula real estate agent Shannon Hilliard to buy the property from its longtime former owner. POWDR has built its brand on the premise of delivering soulful experiences that matter to guests and reflect the local community. Thats why thats so concerning to us and a lot of the locals and local groups, is that if the Forest Service decides to utilize a categorical exclusion, they can issue a decision immediately and begin ground disturbing activities, Akland said. people are sort of sensitive to all the people moving in and all the crowds coming with Covid, he said. 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. POWDRs vice president of communications Stacey Hutchinson told MTPR the company is listening to feedback from the public before it makes its next proposal. Follow Daily Montanan on Facebook and Twitter. 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. Theres just not much left.. 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. Yeah, I just dont think theyll stay, Shirley Hahn said. 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. 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. Christian Wohlfeil started managing the Holland Lake Lodge in 1999 and bought the property three years later. And thats what this plan is.. The current Lodge and surrounding structures were built in 1947. Flathead National Forest is proposing facility expansion of Holland Lake Lodge. Guests enjoy breathtaking sunsets, the fresh mountain air over the lake, hikes to the roaring falls, and delicious dinners. 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.. DEQ said if they both are acceptable, they may be used to serve the development in the future. Oops! His goal has been to ensure that the necessary updates will be made, thus allowing Holland Lake Lodge to prosper into the future. Its a Catch-22 because we also need tourism in our state that helps our economy.. 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. However, spokesperson Tami MacKenzie said the Forest Service will continue to evaluate the issue. MacKenzie, with the Flathead National Forest, said the Forest Service has not yet made a decision to use a categorical exclusion. 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. 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.. DEIJ Policy | Ethics Policy | Privacy Policy. 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. Our intention from the beginning of this process was to upgrade the infrastructure of Holland Lake Lodge in a sustainable way that would preserve the integrity of the lodge and environment without sacrificing affordability for residents and others seeking to marvel at the grandeur of our natural spaces. I ran operations for the Montana Food Bank Network and then met (local video and internet entrepreneur) Hank Green, he said. POWDR doesnt need a return on its investment right away, he said, but it needs a return sooner or later. "It was an amazing opportunity," said new owner Michael Gardner. Thursday, a Forest Service spokesperson was traveling and unavailable to fully address questions about the validity of the permit. We have gift cards available online! 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. After the sale, Gardner said he was looking for whats next., I stumbled upon this opportunity, he said. The current proposed updates to the infrastructure would be more sustainable for the lake as they are made to help with conservation and environmental protection. Ive hung 98% of the signage down Highway 83, Siloti said with a laugh. Hutchinson declined to provide specifics, but said many community members have approached POWDR privately to express support for its plans at Holland Lake. Please call or message about having items shipped directly to you, as they make the perfect gift! The memo also notes Utah Secretary of State records show POWDRs address in Park City as the same one listed as the legal address for the lodge by the Montana Secretary of States Office as of April 2021.
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