Two businessmen have received permission from the Flathead National Forest to operate the historic Holland Lake Lodge for 20 years, although they cannot expand the facilities.
On Friday afternoon, Flathead National Forest supervisor Anthony Botello announced that he's signed a decision granting a special use permit to a duo who are proposing to buy the lodge, Eric Jacobsen and Thomas Knowles of Holland Peak, LLC, to operate the lodge within the existing footprint and facilities.
The lodge facilities are privately owned but sit on public land.
An aerial view of the Holland Lake Lodge in 2022 is shown.
"Based on review of public comments and analysis of potential environmental effects, Botello has decided to issue a new special use authorization, approving Holland Peak, LLC to hold a 20-year special use authorization for the operation of Holland Lake Lodge, within the existing footprint," the Flathead National Forest said in a press release. "This approval does not include any new or expanded activities, nor any expansion of Holland Lake Lodge facilities. Within this authorization, Holland Peak, LLC would be held to terms and conditions within the associated special use permit to ensure that operations are conducted safely for visitors and resources are protected."
The release went on to say that Botello determined that he deemed the special use permit didn't require an Environmental Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement, because there are no changes to the authorized facilities or increases in the scope or magnitude of authorized activities. Simply put, he said, the permit is being issued for a change of ownership.
The lodge was listed for sale in 2023 by current owner پWohlfeil. Before that, Wohlfeil entered into an agreement to redevelop the resort with a Utah-based company called POWDR. However, there was a large public outcry, the redevelopment plans were never approved and Wohlfeil dropped the partnership.
Eric Jacobsen answers Swan Valley residents' questions regarding the potential sale of the Holland Lake Lodge during a community meeting at the Condon Public Library on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024.
In October of 2024, Jacobsen and Knowles entered into a purchase agreement for the lodge. Their proposal includes operating seven days a week from June through October. There is no proposed expansion of the resort and only minor maintenance of existing facilities is planned.
Wohlfeil still owns the lodge property, and he told the Missoulian on Friday that the sale is still "pending."
Still, the issuance of the permit moves Jacobsen and Knowles one step closer in their plans to buy the lodge.
The Forest Service will still be involved in making sure they adhere to the permit going forward if they do indeed buy the lodge.
"An annual operating plan will be drafted and submitted by the permit holder, and approved by the Forest Service, authorizing uses for each year," the press release continued. "The operating plan will need to be in compliance with the terms and conditions of the authorization. The final operating plan for the 2025 season will be an appendix to the permit, and will not be required until the special use authorization is issued to Holland Peak, LLC. The Forest will be working with the applicant to finalize and issue the special use permit and operating plan for 2025 in the coming weeks. Those documents will be made available when completed."
For more information about the decision, special use authorization application, and the National Environmental Policy Act environmental analysis, visitƵ.
"Holland Lake Lodge has provided a unique recreation opportunity for national forest visitors for one hundred years,Ƶ Botello said in a statement earlier this spring. ƵThe resort has served as a destination for forest visitors to enjoy the Flathead National Forest and I look forward to working with the new owners and community to continue this opportunity into the future.Ƶ