Flathead National Forest releases signed decision on Holland Lake Lodge special use authorization
The decision continues the existing activities of the Lodge with no change to the authorized facilities or footprint
Contact Information: kira.powell@usda.gov
Kalispell, Mont., May 23, 2025 — The Flathead National Forest announced today that the decision has been made to issue a special use authorization for Holland Lake Lodge, authorizing Eric Jacobsen and Thomas Knowles of Holland Peak, LLC to operate the lodge within the existing footprint and facilities.
The application was determined to meet the screening criteria and the owners have the financial and technical capabilities to operate the Lodge. The proposed activities were analyzed for potential effects according to the NEPA environmental analysis process and were determined to fall within a category of actions listed in the Forest Service Handbook that are excluded from documentation in an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Based on review of public comments and analysis of potential environmental effects, the Flathead National Forest Supervisor Anthony 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. 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.
“Holland Lake Lodge is a historic lodge that has provided recreation opportunities for one hundred years. Providing a diverse range of recreation services is a valued resource for the community, a driver for the local economy, and helps improve visitor access to the surrounding National Forest Lands – all desired conditions identified in our Forest Plan,” said Forest Supervisor Anthony Botello. “I look forward to working with the new owners and community to continue this opportunity into the future.”
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, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/flathead/projects/67937.