Holland Lake Lodge Special Use Permit Information

Holland Lake Lodge sits on the shores of Holland Lake in Condon, Montana. Nearly a century ago, the United States Forest Service issued a permit under the authority of the Term Permit Act of 1915 to build a privately-owned lodge and cabins on National Forest System lands that would be open to the public. The original lodge was built in 1925 and opened to the public on July 4, 1925. The original Holland Lake Lodge burned and was replaced in 1946. The rebuilt lodge, with some upgrades such as electricity, retains its historic character, reminiscent of the 1940s.

In addition to the lodge, visitors to Holland Lake have a choice of amenities such as a 42-site fee campground, day use area, primitive boat launch, 16-site non-fee Owl Creek Packer Camp, two Forest Service corrals, six Outfitter and Guide corrals, a Forest Service Rental Cabin, and the popular Holland-Gordon Trailhead (Trail #35). 16 Recreation Residences also hold Special Use Permits along the Holland Lake shoreline.

E3 Destinations/POWDR previously had controlling interest of Holland Lake Lodge, Inc. and had submitted an application for a new special use permit. On January 31, 2024, the Flathead National Forest was notified that E3 Destinations/POWDR provided needed documentation of change in controlling interest of Holland Lake Lodge, Inc. The Forest Service has since accepted the withdrawal of the E3 Destinations/POWDR application. The controlling interest of Holland Lake Lodge, Inc is now Christian Wohlfeil. The existing permit, as issued in 2017 to Holland Lake Lodge, Inc., remains valid.

Holland Lake Lodge, Inc. has submitted an Operating Plan for 2024 season and the Forest Service is evaluating that Operating Plan. The wastewater system that has served the lodge and the campground is not currently operable. We are working on identifying options for the lodge for this operating season.

For the 2024 season, the permitted concessionaire for the Holland Lake Campground will supply portable restrooms for the Bay Loop area where flushing restrooms are closed. The RV dump station will be closed this season but potable water will be available. The areas already serviced by vault toilets will remain open with no change.

This webpage provides the most current information on Holland Lake Lodge, broken into three sections titled: Special Use Permitting Process, Holland Lake Wastewater Treatment System, and E3 Destinations/POWDR application (withdrawn) for a new special use permit. All previous FAQs can be found in the third section (E3 Destinations/POWDR...)

For public inquires please contact: flathead_contactus@usda.gov

Special Use Permitting Process

While the Forest Service does not regulate or otherwise control privately owned improvements, it authorizes and regulates use of National Forest System lands in accordance with applicable federal laws and regulations.

Any transfer of title to the improvements covered by a Special Use Permit or a change in controlling interest triggers termination of the permit. When private improvements change ownership or a change in the controlling business entity takes place, it is Forest Service policy to issue a new special use authorization to the new owner/controlling business entity. The acquiring party or entity must submit an application for a new permit.

This Information Sheet on Special Use Permits [PDF 0.20MB] provides more information on the process. The Flathead National Forest will continue to update this page as more information becomes available.

Holland Lake Wastewater Treatment System

May 21, 2024 Update

The Forest Service visually monitored the lagoons throughout the 2024 spring season for an opportunity to conduct a second groundwater assessment of the three monitoring wells installed in November 2023.

The lagoons were reported to be completely thawed the week of April 15, and samples were taken on April 23. The results of the latest groundwater assessment indicated no groundwater contamination. The results have been shared with Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

The raw data report is accessible via download:

Holland Lake Monitoring Wells Test Results 4/23/2024 [PDF 0.31MB]

December 15, 2023 Update

Following direction from Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Forest Service completed the installation of groundwater monitoring wells to test for contamination from the wastewater treatment lagoons that serve the Holland Lake campground and Holland Lake Lodge. Sample results showed no evidence of groundwater contamination.

The Forest Service consulted with DEQ to conduct a groundwater assessment and identify locations for upgradient and downgradient monitoring wells between the lagoon and the lake to determine impacts to groundwater. Samples were taken from the north shore of Holland Lake and from the three monitoring wells. The results indicated no groundwater contamination.

A summary of the testing results reviewed by DEQ was made available 12/22/2023.

The raw data reports are accessible via download in two files:

Holland Lake Monitoring Wells Test Results 11/28/2023 [PDF 0.58MB]

Holland Lake Lakeshore Test Results 11/09/2023 [PDF 0.52MB]

Holland Lake Nitrogen Test Results 10/19/2023 [PDF 0.28MB]

Summary of Testing Results 12/22/2023 [PDF 0.23MB]

October 19, 2023 Update

For the past several months, the Forest Service has been actively engaged in correspondence with Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and has met with DEQ leaders and staff regarding the Holland Lake wastewater treatment system.

The wastewater system is in place to serve the 42-site Holland Lake Campground and associated dump station, as well as Holland Lake Lodge. As per DEQ’s request, the Forest Service investigated the holding ponds and conducted a leakage study, following DEQ’s procedures.

A site visit late last week, conducted in conjunction with the DEQ and Missoula County, indicated a leak in the wastewater system. Both sites are now closed, and no additional effluent will enter the wastewater system. The Forest Service began taking remedial steps and making plans to replace the liner due to the results of the test, working with DEQ to take an appropriate and timely course of action. The Forest Service appreciates the involvement of DEQ and Missoula County and will continue to actively cooperate with our partners.

E3 Destinations/POWDR application (withdrawn) for a new special use permit

On February 6, 2023, the Flathead National Forest received an application for a new permit for existing use at the Holland Lake Lodge due to a change in control of the business. The Forest Service requires all permit holders to follow laws and regulations and will continue to work with all appropriate parties to provide ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Background information on the return of the first application and associated documents, including the full Public Scoping Report, is available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61746.

February 23, 2024 Update

In fall of 2023, the Flathead National Forest received notice that E3 Destinations/POWDR intended to withdraw their application for a special use permit for the operations of Holland Lake Lodge. Over the course of the winter, Flathead National Forest leadership met with Holland Lake Lodge Inc. ownership and requested formal documentation to confirm controlling interest, so that the application could be properly withdrawn.

On January 31, 2024, the Flathead National Forest was notified that E3 Destinations/POWDR provided needed documentation of controlling interest of Holland Lake Lodge, Inc. The Forest Service has accepted the withdrawal of the E3 Destinations/POWDR application.

Based on the documentation that was submitted, the existing special use permit, as issued in 2017, remains valid. Holland Lake Lodge, Inc. has submitted an Operating Plan for 2024 season and once the Forest Service has evaluated that Operating Plan, Holland Lake Lodge would be authorized to continue to operate under this permit.

October 13, 2023 Update

Holland Lake Lodge Inc. recently informed the Flathead National Forest that they will no longer continue a partnership with POWDR Corp. and will be withdrawing all pending applications with the Forest Service. The Forest Service will continue to work with Holland Lake Lodge Inc. and administer the current permit until there is a change in ownership or control. If sold, the purchaser of the business must apply for, and be issued, a special use permit to operate.

When private improvements change ownership or a change in the controlling business entity takes place, it is Forest Service policy to issue a new special use authorization to the new owner/controlling business entity. If Holland Lake Lodge, Inc. undergoes a change of ownership and/or control, the new controlling interest must submit an application for a new special use permit for the existing authorized uses/improvements (not expanded uses/improvements).

Holland Lake Lodge, Inc. is the current holder of, and is operating under, the existing special use permit, issued in 2017. The existing permit will remain in effect until an application for a new permit is submitted, is reviewed, and a determination to authorize/not authorize is made. Holland Lake Lodge is currently closed for the winter season.

The FAQs listed below were last updated September 18, 2023 and will no longer be updated. The most current information can be found above.

Q1. Has the existing permit been terminated due to change in control?

A1. The existing permit is currently valid as issued to Holland Lake Lodge, INC. The Forest Service was formally informed of the change of control and an application for a new permit was submitted. Acquisition of a controlling interest in Holland Lake Lodge, INC. triggered termination of the existing permit; however, termination is not effective until/unless a new permit is issued.

To clarify, the existing permit, as issued in 2017, is still in effect until the application for a new permit is submitted, can be reviewed, and a determination to authorize/not authorize is made. Refer to Q2 below for status of the new permit application.

Q2. What is the status of the application for a new special use permit?

A2. The application for a new special use permit is still under consideration. The application under consideration does not include any expansion, it is merely an application for a new special use permit for existing authorized operations. It reflects a change in management of Holland Lake Lodge Inc.

Q3. Will the Forest Service notify the public if a new permit is issued for existing uses at Holland Lake Lodge?

A3. Interested persons will be informed through this webpage if a new permit is issued for the existing use.

Q4. Who is the owner of the authorized facilities and improvements?

A4. Holland Lake Lodge, INC is the owner of the facilities and improvements.

Q5. Who is responsible for the building maintenance?

A5. The permit holder is required to maintain the authorized improvements and permit area to standards of repair, orderliness, neatness, sanitation, and safety acceptable to the authorized officer and consistent with other provisions of this permit. The permit holder shall comply with all present and future federal laws and regulations and all present and future state, county, and municipal laws, regulations, and other legal requirements that apply to the permit area.

Q6. Is there a signed operating plan?

A6. An operating plan for the existing permit for Holland Lake Lodge, Inc was signed on June 13, 2023. A concession agreement and related agreements were approved and appended to the plan on June 15.

Q7. Is Holland Lake Lodge open for business?

A7. Holland Lake Lodge, Inc is operating under the existing special use permit as issued to Holland Lake Lodge, Inc in 2017.

Q8. What is the Forest Service's authority when a business changes control or ownership?

A8. While the Forest Service does not regulate or otherwise control privately owned improvements, it authorizes and regulates use of National Forest System lands in accordance with applicable federal laws and regulations.

Q9. What is the process for accepting a new master development plan?

A9. A master development plan (MDP) is a conceptual guide encompassing the entire operation presently envisioned for potential long-term development in connection with use authorized by the permit. Upon acceptance by the authorized officer, the master development plan shall become a part of the permit. There is no public process for acceptance of the master development plan because this is a conceptual plan only and does not authorize any action. No proposal for changes to existing authorized use at the resort, including development or construction of improvements, will be authorized without the requisite environmental analysis and documentation needed to support that additional construction or development under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Acceptance of the MDP does not constitute approval of its contents or provide any assurance that any item in the MDP will be authorized by the Forest Service or constructed by the holder. No rights or obligations of the holder or the Forest Service are determined by the authorized officer's acceptance of the original or revised MDP, including the legal requirement to conduct environmental analysis under NEPA. Screening criteria are applied and if accepted as an application, subsequent NEPA analysis will occur when a proposal is brought forward for consideration.

Q10. How will the public be notified that a new master development plan has been submitted?

A10.There is no public process for the review and acceptance of a master development plan. The public will be notified when a proposal from the Master Development Plan has been reviewed through the screening criteria and formally accepted for processing as an application. After the proposal has been accepted as an application then it is brought forward for consideration through the NEPA process as a proposed action. Please see below for response on the process of accepting a new proposal.

Q11. What is the process if a new expansion proposal is submitted?

A11. The permit holder must submit a proposal from the accepted MDP. The proposal will be reviewed under the screening process criteria (Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, section 251.54). If formally accepted, the proposal will be processed as an application and analyzed through the NEPA process as a proposed action. If rejected the proposal will be returned to the proponent.

Q12. What is the Flathead National Forest's response regarding the wastewater lagoon inspection by Montana DEQ?

A12. The MT DEQ Engineering Bureau WPCSRF Section Supervisor conducted an inspection of wastewater treatment lagoons and the leakage assessment was inconclusive (view MT DEQ letter from Engineering Bureau WPCSRF Section Supervisor Abrahamson, P.E. here). DEQ's Enforcement Program sent a separate letter related to complaint response and citing the applicable regulations (view MT DEQ letter from Enforcement Program Enforcement Specialist Thomas here). The Flathead National Forest responded to DEQ’s comments and committed to accomplishing DEQ recommended actions, including leakage assessment following DEQ's recommended method. View the response letters here and here

fog hangs just over the water on an early morning at holland lake