Holland Lake Lodge use approved, with no changes to existing footprint

The Flathead National Forest issued a 20-year special use authorization and approved a 2025 operating plan for Holland Lake Lodge, authorizing Eric Jacobsen to operate the lodge within the existing footprint and facilities.  

The authorization does not include any new activities, nor any expansion of Holland Lake Lodge facilities. The Forest Service will administer the operations and activities consistent with the terms and conditions of the special use permit to ensure that operations are conducted safely for visitors and resources are protected. 

The Forest Service is continuing to work with a contracted engineering firm to determine repair options to restore the treatment system to operability. Due to the status of the wastewater treatment system, the lodge may not be able to operate or may only offer limited recreation services, pending approval by the Forest Service. Prior to system repair work, the Forest Service will conduct environmental analysis and solicit public involvement. 

The Flathead National Forest received an application for a special use authorization in October 2024 and determined that the application met screening criteria, and the applicants have the financial and technical capabilities to operate the lodge. The special use activities were analyzed for potential effects according to the NEPA environmental analysis process and decision memo was signed in May 2025. 

“I am looking forward to Holland Lake Lodge beginning to provide a minimal range of recreation services and opportunities for the community in 2025,” said Forest Supervisor Anthony Botello. “The lodge has historic value for the forest, the community and local economy, and has provided visitor access to the surrounding National Forest Lands for one hundred years. 

“I am pleased to have reached this milestone with both the new owners and community to continue this opportunity into the future.” 

In a responding statement, Stewards of the Swan Valley’s Grace Siloti and Fred Clark said that more than 7,000 Americans told the U.S. Forest Service that they wanted to keep the lodge the way it is. 

 “We hope the new owners will manage the lodge consistent with the vision and values expressed by locals and Americans at large. And we’ll ensure that Americans have access to our public lands in the Swan Valley for generations to come,” Silot and Clark said.  

To view the permit and operating plan, and for more information visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/flathead/projects/67937.