Following USFS decision to ‘cease evaluation’ of application, an out-of-state company and a grassroots campaign opposed to its expansion plan prepare for a prolonged fight

Bill Lombardi, spokesman for the citizens’ coalition Save Holland Lake, called the Nov. 23 announcement “good Thanksgiving news.” But Lombardi’s outlook could change in the coming months as an out-of-state resort company with an unpopular vision for the historic Holland Lake Lodge finesses its strategy and recasts its proposal to expand.

The latest turn in the development saga unfolding down the Swan Valley occurred Nov. 23, when the Flathead National Forest announced it would “cease evaluation” of a contentious expansion proposal, marking a setback for Utah-based ski resort company POWDR after months of escalating tensions surrounding the lodge’s future.

By Denali Sagner