The key thing is reinvesting profits back into the company. 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. Cover page of the Holland Lake Lodge expansion proposal. It will prioritize renewable energy and precautions to prevent negative water, air, or soil impacts. Rooms currently rent for $300 - $340 a night, up from the 2019 prices of $200 - $240 a night. The main lodge (9 guest. Located on the north side of Holland Lake near the East Holland Connector Trail (trail . A proposed tuition freeze for Montana students flew past one hurdle this week in Helena. The property also holds six guest cabins, a gift shop, owner's cabin and two outbuildings. Holland Lake Lodge operates on public land in the Flathead National Forest under the special use permit, which is valid through 2036. The current nightly rate for two people is $340, including meals. 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. 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. I know they (the public) feel like they were blindsided, but this is really step one. At this point, I wouldnt trust them to walk my dog, Hahn said. 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. Wohlfeil has alwaystoutedthe propertys rustic charm and intimate feel but talked about wanting to make more improvements. Its a Catch-22 because we also need tourism in our state that helps our economy.. Theyre beautiful and well-loved for their rustic charm and serene landscape. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The presentation notes the signing took place before the public was notified of a proposed project.. His goal has been to ensure that the necessary updates will be made, thus allowing Holland Lake Lodge to prosper into the future. The owner of Holland Lake Lodge, who sold significant ownership shares of the facility to POWDR, told the Montana Free Press that POWDR needs to be able to expand the facilities in order to turn a profit. 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. 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. 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. Charming rustic lakeside cabins, a proud main lodge circa 1947, and to-die-for food.. The current permit identifies Holland Lake Lodge as the holder and lists Wohlfeil as owner of the lodge. Shirley Hahn says she worries an increase in traffic at the lodge would drive out wildlife. I think the next step is for us to really get deep into the public comment, MacKenzie said. 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. PublishedDecember 28, 2022 at 6:00 AM MST. A photo of Holland Lake in Montana (U.S. Forest Service via Flickr). And that is a sad state of affairs.. Harzardous waste compliance actions; Facility improvements/construction; Forest vegetation improvements; Heritage resource management; Special use authorizations; Road improvements/construction, Project Milestones Please see our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics. Christian Wohlfeil, the present owner for the last 20 years, has partnered with a phenomenal company to transition the Lodge to the next chapter. Holland Lake provides a beautiful backdrop to any private gathering. But, to Parcell, that argument just doesnt work. DEIJ Policy | Ethics Policy | Privacy Policy. However, she said the boundary for the permit is still pretty unknown because modern mapping tools havent been used on the property. Thursday, a Flathead National Forest spokesperson said mapping is underway to clarify the acreage currently in use. Grizzly bears? Please subscribe to keep reading. I had people come up to me after the public meetings I was at in early October and say that they were worried that if they said anything positive in support of our efforts, that their cabin would be burned down, Hutchinson said. 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. 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. 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. 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. That limited-liability corporation is controlled by Justin Sibley, POWDR CEO, according to the Montana Department of Revenue records. To verify enrollment eligibility, contact the school or district directly. Seriously. . Read about our leadership team. Holland Lake Lodge, Inc. Master Development Plan details building and infrastructure improvements, enhancing the visitor experience, within the current permitted area. His input and local knowledge and experience was critical to development of the initial plan. I want to continue the legacy of this special, magical, wonderful lodge, he said. 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. You can cancel at any time. Theres just not much left.. people are sort of sensitive to all the people moving in and all the crowds coming with Covid, he said. In the first season, there will be some changes but nothing too big, Gardner said. 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. In addition,the East Holland Lake Connector Trailhead parking area would be expanded up to 3 acres. 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. However, spokesperson Tami MacKenzie said the Forest Service will continue to evaluate the issue. Another worries a bigger lodge would attract wealthier visitors that could push valley residents out. 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. Learn more about proposed improvement plans and how you can weigh in below. The property was listed for sale for $4 million, but the final sale price wasnt disclosed. Holland Lake Lodge set to be sold to Missoula tech exec who plans to expand, extend season. Something went wrong while submitting the form. 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. 3 night minimum. One of its most striking attributes is actually something its missing noise. 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. Pitney Bowes, and GreatSchools Independent for reference only. Thousands of people submitted online comments to the Forest Service regarding POWDRs proposed project, the vast majority of which were against the expansion. This includes Holland Lake Lodge where guests have been coming for generations.". Montana Public Radio | 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. The proposal noted owners Christian Wohlfeil and POWDR, of Park City, Utah, had submitted the joint application to expand and improve the resort. You have permission to edit this article. Condon unrolls along an evergreen-lined stretch of Highway 83 a strung-out series of homes, two churches, and a bar and diner. 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. 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. A 2022 report to the Montana . 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? 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. The public is confused, and now the Forest Service is confused. There has been no change since we (Powdr) originally partnered with Christian and Holland Lake, LLC, Hutchinson said in the email. 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.