Two weeks from today will mark one year since the Flathead National Forest (FNF) first revealed to the public their and POWDR’s plan that would seriously damage the ecological, cultural and recreational values of Holland Lake and negatively affect the quality of life of Swan Valley residents and the vast majority of visitors.
Since that day, numerous inspiring and sometimes surprising events have occurred, beginning with the spark of many friendships arising from common interest in protecting beautiful Holland Lake and the incredible Swan Valley. Here’s a few…
Over 6,500 people took the time to learn about the proposed massive expansion of Holland Lake Lodge and write the FNF to express their opposition, representing over 98% of all comments! It is unlikely that the Forest Service (FS) has ever before experienced such a large volume and unanimity of public opposition to a project proposed for categorical exclusion.
Due to widespread public criticism of the FNF’s intended use of a categorical exclusion, the FS publicly committed to prepare an EA at a minimum for any expansion proposal.
As a result of overwhelming public opposition and many specific objections, the FNF was forced to “cease evaluation” of POWDR’s proposed expansion due to “anomalies, inconsistencies and inaccuracies.”
After initially failing to do so, the FS publicly committed to applying the required screening criteria to any future proposed expansion of Holland Lake Lodge.
Save Holland Lake (SHL) exposed the FNF’s unreasonable withholding of information from the public and their attempt to surreptitiously enlarge the permit area at POWDR’s request.
After months of public requests, the FNF finally required the permit holder to remove an unauthorized trailer from national forest land.
FS confirmed in writing it “effectively” rescinded former Forest Supervisor Steele’s April 27, 2022 letter “accepting” POWDR’s master development plan.
At the urging of the Swan Valley Community Council, residents of the upper Swan and other Missoula County residents, the Missoula Board of County Commissioners sent a letter to the FNF Forest Supervisor requesting “a more transparent decision-making process” including opportunities for public comment “as part of any consideration of issuance or re-issuance of a special use permit for Holland Lake Lodge”, and “as part of any process that considers changes to ownership, management, site modifications or master plan review for Holland Lake Lodge.”
FS acknowledged they do not consider POWDR the “effective” owner of HLL.
FNF formally withdrew Amendment #2 which had authorized drilling two new wells within the permit area.
The FS has not issued a new special use permit to POWDR subsidiary E3 Destinations, more than 6 months after receiving their application.
This is a remarkable series of accomplishments! They are the result of persistent and unwavering public efforts to oppose the construction of a large, high-priced destination resort on national forest system land along the shoreline of Holland Lake.
The public has made it crystal clear that the proposed expansion of Holland Lake Lodge is NOT in the public interest!
While the threat is far from over, we gratefully acknowledge the positive outcomes of the public’s collective efforts and recommit to do all we can to ensure that Holland Lake and the conservation legacy of the Swan Valley are conserved unimpaired for future generations.
Many thanks to every one of the more than 6,500 people and organizations that have loudly expressed their desire to Save Holland Lake!
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