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. This includes Holland Lake Lodge where guests have been coming for generations.". Learn more about proposed improvement plans and how you can weigh in below. 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. How much acreage is permitted anyway? Scale back, one commenter wrote. Citizen Groundswell Rises Up To Keep A Montana Lake Quaint 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. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. buy a gift card items available: The expansion proposal discusses a project of 15 acres. Breakfast Lunch dinner wine bar Dinner Served nightly from 5:45 - 8:45pm Reservations are recommended for dinner. 406.754.2282. info@hollandlakelodge.com. As a result, the Forest Service must approve all modifications. His input and local knowledge and experience was critical to development of the initial plan. There were 119 properties sold in Brookfield, IL, which spent an average of 61 days on the market. Or do you want to come and enjoy what you came to see? He wants to eventually extend the operating season from 135 days to 220 days, from April 1 through Oct. 30, and to be open the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas. 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. Christian Wohlfeil started managing the Holland Lake Lodge in 1999 and bought the property three years later. No one I talked to during my visit to Condon expressed support for POWDRs plans. It was an amazing opportunity, said new owner Michael Gardner. In earlier interviews, Wohlfeil has said the property needs significant investment in infrastructure upgrades in order to operate sustainably for future generations. The current nightly rate for two people is $340, including meals. 23.7 miles from Holland Lake Lodge St. Ignatius Sunset Motel View Hotel 20 reviews 24.9 miles from Holland Lake Lodge Free Wifi Free parking Top Rated Breakfast included Red Lion Ridgewater Inn & Suites Polson View Hotel 193 reviews 29.2 miles from Holland Lake Lodge Free Wifi Free parking Visit hotel website Breakfast included Bayview Inn Christian chose to work with POWDR to make updates that preserve the character of the lodge because of the companys dedication to protecting the environment and being inclusive of all guests and local residents. Holland Lake Lodge, Inc. Master Development Plan details building and infrastructure improvements, enhancing the visitor experience, within the current permitted area. Grace Siloti and her husband own and operate Mission Mountains Mercantile. Pitney Bowes, and GreatSchools Independent for reference only. Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. Gardners plan is to attract investors, starting at $25,000, and to reinvest profits back into the property. 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 MDP proposes to restore the old lodge, add buildings, and upgrade infrastructure within the existing 15-acre permit area. 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. If the Forest Service considers all the infrastructure currently in place, she said its greater than 15 acres based on a preliminary assessment. By, At the halfway point, Republicans pass budget bills, target 'woke extremism'. I think the next step is for us to really get deep into the public comment, MacKenzie said. For one, a group that formed to fight the expansion on public land noted the number of acres currently permitted 10.53 acres, according to the Forest Service wasnt presented accurately at first. 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. 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. We will share more of those details in the coming weeks. As a resort company known for its ski hills seeks to expand the 1940s historic Holland Lake Lodge, locals are pushing back. Thursday, a Flathead National Forest spokesperson said mapping is underway to clarify the acreage currently in use. update to your home value. The current plan does not mention helicopter skiing, but Akland said that doesnt preclude the company from making a request in the future. The MDP proposes to restore the old lodge, add buildings, and upgrade infrastructure within the existing 15-acre permit area. HOLLAND LAKE LODGE - Reviews (Condon, MT) - Tripadvisor 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. Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. Recently sold homes in Brookfield, IL had a median listing home price of $330,000. The existing 4,600-square-foot lodge was built the following year and includes nine guest rooms and a restaurant. 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. On my way out of town, I made one last stop and visited with a resident who says hes not at all surprised by the backlash. 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. The current plan also would winterize the buildings, making Holland Lake Lodge a year-round destination. 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. 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. Holland Lake Lodge She said that type of exception can be used for expanding a toilet or a shower facility or replacing a chairlift. It will prioritize renewable energy and precautions to prevent negative water, air, or soil impacts. Otherwise, consider buying a gift card for you or a loved one. POWDR already in charge of Holland Lake Lodge, lawyers allege However, she said the Forest Service has discretion over how much related documentation it needs to provide. take the lodge with you The Holland Lake Lodge Gift Shop specializes in both local and customized apparel, gifts, novelties and souvenirs. Montana Public Radio | 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 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. Alternatively, these documents can be accessed on the Pinyon Public website: View Documents on Pinyon Public, https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61746. Holland Lake Lodge: Book Now He also said the project represents one of the tensions in a state thats growing. One of its most striking attributes is actually something its missing noise. 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. 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 same Secretary of State report strikes out references to Wohlfeil. Holland Lake Lodge is best known for our dinners featuring fresh, local, seasonal ingredients. The Forest Service has promised a full environmental review of the new plan, and more opportunities for the public to weigh in. Seriously. Some of the hottest neighborhoods near Brookfield, IL are Garfield Ridge, South Maywood, West Village, Seminary District, Old Town North. District: Swan Lake Ranger District Project Documents Use the widget below to browse documents associated with this project. by Keila Szpaller, Daily Montanan October 15, 2022. Variations of that theme that the proposed expansion is just too big for Condon emerge as I continued my trip through town. Montana news about the environment, natural resources, wildlife, climate change and more. Montana people are sort of sensitive to all the people moving in and all the crowds coming with Covid, he said. One-off special of sitcom will poke fun at Sussexes 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. The group that formed to oppose the project, Save Holland Lake, has said the Forest Service itself contributed to confusion and public distrust after it misstated the acreage covered in the current permit. Flathead National Forest: Decision on Holland Lake likely coming this Holland Lake Lodge is about three miles to east of the Montana HWY 83. Then, in 2017, he put it up for sale. Austin graduated from the University of Montanas journalism program in May 2022. 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. email, from realtor.com and, Home buyers reveal: 'What I wish I had known before buying my first home', Selling your home? 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. This indicates that for the last 18 months, the Lodges corporate affairs have been conducted by POWDRs legal department,' the memo said. Daily Montanan maintains editorial independence. Thanks for subscribing! This is why the current owner, Christian Wohlfeil, has been looking to sell the property. 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. But the Forest Service later said the permit was for 10.53 acres, and Thursday, MacKenzie said the agency still needs to confirm the acreage in question. 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. Ive been around.. She says she doesnt trust POWDR to change something so important to locals in the area. 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. At this point, I wouldnt trust them to walk my dog, Hahn said. POWDR has built its brand on the premise of delivering soulful experiences that matter to guests and reflect the local community. He says he fears Condons all-volunteer emergency services could be overwhelmed by the added strain the larger lodge could produce. PublishedDecember 28, 2022 at 6:00 AM MST. Thats the difference.. He lives just down the road from Holland Lake at the south end of town. A proposed tuition freeze for Montana students flew past one hurdle this week in Helena. Condon unrolls along an evergreen-lined stretch of Highway 83 a strung-out series of homes, two churches, and a bar and diner. 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 already in charge of Holland Lake Lodge, memo alleges 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. Flathead National Forest is proposing facility expansion of Holland Lake Lodge. And what happens if people responded to a proposal that wasnt totally accurate? * We will begin accepting group reservations for our 2023 season this October. 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. 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). 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. I want to continue the legacy of this special, magical, wonderful lodge, he said. 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. Cookies must be enabled to use this tool. In the meantime, the Nov. 15 memo from Corn and Browder calls into question the validity of the current permit itself, issued May 2017. 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). For example, Holland Lake Lodge transferred a liquor license to a separate Holland Lake Lodge Restaurant LLC, according to Department of Revenue records. Holland Lake Lodge: Gift Shop However, she said the boundary for the permit is still pretty unknown because modern mapping tools havent been used on the property. Located on the north side of Holland Lake near the East Holland Connector Trail (trail . Claim your home and get an email whenever there's an 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. The current nightly rate for two people is $340, including meals. New owners propose expansion of Holland Lake Lodge Don't neglect these 6 maintenance tasks - or else, Debunked! And that is a sad state of affairs.. But the memo also alleges a U.S. Forest Service permit in use by Holland Lake Lodge is no longer valid because changes to control of the resort voided the agreement. The project will change the culture and the ecology of the area. 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. As of Sunday, more than 2,800 people . Improvements at the Holland Lake Lodge and the East Holland Lake Connector Trailhead would offer the opportunity to satisfy some of the increased demand for outdoor recreation on public lands in the Swan and Flathead Valleys.. About 2 Save Holland Lake 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. Wohlfeil has owned and managed the resort for 20 years, according to the application. 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. There was a problem saving your notification. The 2020 U.S. Census pinned its population at 285. At meetings and in public comment, many members of the public also decried the agencys initial decision to excuse the project from a thorough environmental review by granting a categorical exclusion. However, MacKenzies email Thursday noted the agency will conduct at least an environmental assessment if the project moves ahead. Public comment might not do much to change the project. Use the widget below to browse documents associated with this project. 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. Theres just not much left.. She declined to confirm POWDR is in control of the lodge and didnt discuss the ownership structure. 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. MacKenzie, with the Flathead National Forest, said the Forest Service has not yet made a decision to use a categorical exclusion. So we have 100 years of permits for this thing, and no two permits are really giving us the same layout and acreage.. Call Holland Lake Lodge for dinner reservations at 406.754.2282 or email info@hollandlakelodge.com. 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. Plot thickens in Holland Lake Lodge expansion debate We will share more information on the NEPA process when its available. Something doesn't seem right with the Holland Lake Lodge transfer 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. 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. 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. Please call or message about having items shipped directly to you, as they make the perfect gift! He is also exploring partnerships for hosting music festivals, holiday celebrations and corporate retreats. POWDRs corporate shenanigans may be legal, but they are precisely the sort of actions that the permit was drafted to address, the memo said. Theyll have to move, and where are they going to move? There has been no change since we (Powdr) originally partnered with Christian and Holland Lake, LLC, Hutchinson said in the email. One dog-gone expensive hound is slated to be stationed near the entrance to Missoulas newest dog park. a product of First Street Foundation. Follow Daily Montanan on Facebook and Twitter. Wohlfeil has alwaystoutedthe propertys rustic charm and intimate feel but talked about wanting to make more improvements. 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. Grizzly bears? Review of Holland Lake Lodge, Condon, MT - Tripadvisor 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. Holland Lake Lodge Facility Improvement & Expansion Yeah, I just dont think theyll stay, Shirley Hahn said. Source Property Type: Single Family Residence. He said the Forest Service needs to confirm the acreage in question. The property also holds six guest cabins, a gift shop, owners cabin and two outbuildings. 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. Buying a home for the first time can be terrifyingly intimidating A pre-approval letter from a lender makes your offer stronger. The current permit identifies Holland Lake Lodge as the holder and lists Wohlfeil as owner of the lodge. Recreation sites include but are not limited to campgrounds . Similarly, when Blacktail. 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. As a resort company known for its ski hills seeks to expand the 1940s historic Holland Lake Lodge, locals are pushing back. The public is confused, and now the Forest Service is confused. Voices from Condon: Holland Lake Lodge proposal meets local opposition "It needs enough income structure here to be a viable, healthy business. Categorical Exclusion Guests enjoy breathtaking sunsets, the fresh mountain air over the lake, hikes to the roaring falls, and delicious dinners. 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. Keila Szpaller is deputy editor of the Daily Montanan and covers education. Holland Lake Lodge Facility Improvement & Expansion His goal has been to ensure that the necessary updates will be made, thus allowing Holland Lake Lodge to prosper into the future. 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 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.. This home has a n/a noise level for the surrounding area. Brookfield Properties is lead by a group of innovative leaders, bringing fresh perspective to the real estate industry. 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. 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. KALISPELL Authorities have arrested a man in connection with a fatal shooting in northwest Montana. Lawmakers vote down four proposals to make judicial elections partisan. POWDRs vice president of communications Stacey Hutchinson told MTPR the company is listening to feedback from the public before it makes its next proposal. 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. Charming rustic lakeside cabins, a proud main lodge circa 1947, and to-die-for food.. Proposed Improvement Plan Would/Would Not, Master Development Plan (MDP) to the U.S. Forest Service. We try our best to accommodate all walk-in parties. However, spokesperson Tami MacKenzie said the Forest Service will continue to evaluate the issue. But the proposal and process both have raised the ire of residents of the Swan Valley. The area brings a sense of community values and is true to Montana roots. I started digging and have been working on it for a couple of years.. We have enough people here to make a civilization, but its not a city, and nobody wants that here, Parcell said. The property was listed for sale for $4 million, but the final sale price wasnt disclosed. 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. So, I guess theres a tradeoff, Parcell says, Do you want to destroy what youre coming to see? 3 night minimum. 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. 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. Ive been there, done that. 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. Preserve the lodge, owners cabin, and barn, Add wildfire and life safety fire suppression system, Update wastewater and sewage systems to 2022 standards, Construct buildings to 2022 safety and accessibility standards, Winterize buildings for year-round access, Conserve water by upgrading to EPA approved WaterSense fixtures, Conserve energy by upgrading to EPA EnergyStar certified appliances, lighting and heating, Improve waste management by installing bear proof trash and recycling receptacles, Improve water quality in the lake by moving car parking away from the lake towards the barn, Add renewable energy with rooftop solar where feasible, Protect the night sky by following the International Dark Sky Park Program, Partner with local guides and outfitters to offer guests more activities, Add a 28-room lodge, welcome center, restaurant, and cabins, Add a maintenance building and employee housing, Install a dock for non-motorized boats and two swimming docks, Maintain an Adirondack inspired aesthetic for new building design, Provide year-round lodging, food and beverages, and accommodations, Eliminate or reduce local access to Holland Lake. What will happen to water quality? 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.
