A proposed expansion to Holland Lake Lodge is proving quite controversial. The existing special use permit holders - along with POWDR, a large ski resort operation - are proposing to tear down ten current structures and replace them with 32 new buildings. Included in the new builds would be a restaurant, more than two dozen lakeside cabins and a 28-room lodge.
More details on the project can be found here.
While Montana BHA understands the special use permit holders desires and reasonings for wanting updated and expanded facilities, many of our members are concerned with the process of approving this, the potential environmental impacts this may have, and/or the additional recreational pressures this may add to the wild lands that border Holland Lake.
To that end, Montana BHA is requesting that the US Forest Service undergo a full environmental assessment of the project and then consider an additional extension to the already extended comment period. At the very least, an additional extension will allow the public time to digest and comprehend the information shared by the US Forest Service at upcoming public meetings in the Seeley-Swan and use that knowledge to submit well-informed comments.
Upcoming Meetings:
Tuesday, October 4th - Swan Valley Community Hall in Condon, MT - Noon - 2:00pm
Tuesday, October 4th - Seeley Lake Elementary School - 5:30pm -7:30pm
Full meeting details and how to attend in-person or virtually can be found here.
Comments on this proposal can be submitted here, and at this time, the comment deadline is October 7th.
*Image courtesy of Montana BHA board member and life member Aaron Agosto.
About Montana BHA
The voice for Montana's wild public lands, waters and wildlife