KALISPELL, MT — The proposed sale of Holland Lake Lodge has sparked significant debate across Western Montana, drawing attention to the future of the beloved property. The discussion first heated up three years ago when an expansion plan by POWDR, the company initially interested in acquiring the lodge, included plans to triple the size of the property. This proposal was met with public outcry, and the expansion plan was ultimately abandoned.
Recently, however, the conversation has resurfaced with the announcement from the Flathead National Forest that it has accepted a Special Use Authorization application from prospective buyers Eric Jacobsen and Thomas Knowles. While the expansion plans have been shelved, the potential new owners are requesting a permit to continue operating the lodge in much the same way it has been run for decades.
Flathead National Forest Supervisor Anthony Botello confirmed that the application seeks approval for the existing footprint of the property, which has remained largely unchanged since the 1920s. “They are requesting a permit for the same size, scope, intensity, and footprint as the existing operation,” said Botello. “No expansion, no increase to size or intensity, no new buildings.”
If granted, the Special Use Permit would last for 20 years, allowing the new owners to continue managing the lodge under the same conditions. However, a key component of the agreement is the submission of a Master Development Plan. This document will outline the future management of the property, and once submitted, it will trigger a new public involvement process, including a fresh round of environmental analysis.
“This is not the end of the conversation,” Botello emphasized. “If the buyers propose any future expansion or changes beyond what’s being proposed now, that will require another decision, with more public input, possibly in two to four years.”
Grace Soloti, president of the nonprofit organization Stewards of the Swan Valley, expressed concern over the potential for future development and called for greater transparency throughout the process. “We are all trying to be proactive and not rush this along. It’s important that we do it right because we only have one shot to do this,” Soloti said.
The Flathead National Forest has scheduled a community meeting on April 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the Swan Valley Elementary School in Condon. This meeting will provide an opportunity for locals to voice their opinions, ask questions, and receive updates on the future of the lodge. Botello stressed the importance of open communication with the public, noting that the Forest Service is committed to addressing concerns and ensuring that all voices are heard before any final decisions are made.
“We understand that a big expansion is something the public is concerned about, and we would be too,” said Botello.
As the comment period opens and the public engagement process unfolds, the future of Holland Lake Lodge remains uncertain. While the current proposal does not include any major changes to the property, the potential for future expansion still looms, prompting ongoing debate among local residents, environmental groups, and prospective buyers.
For now, the community waits with bated breath as the process continues, hopeful that their voices will shape the next chapter in the history of Holland Lake Lodge.
