Public comments that argue the proposed major expansion of Holland Lake Lodge is NOT in the public interest may cause the FNF Supervisor to reconsider his determination or at least explain it to the public.

Forest Service regulations for approving a special use permit (36 CFR 251.54(e)(5) require:

”An authorized official shall reject any proposal if … the officer determines that … (ii) the proposed use is not in the public interest.”

Has the Flathead National Forest Supervisor determined that a major expansion of Holland Lake Lodge is in the public interest? If so, what is the rationale for this determination? The overwhelming public opposition to the proposed major expansion, and the public concerns about specific potential environmental impacts, strongly suggest it is NOT in the public interest. While the proposed major expansion may be in the best interest of the HLL permit holder and POWDR, that does not mean it is in the best interest of the public.

While the proposed major expansion may partially meet an ever-increasing demand for resort accommodations and services, that does not mean that it is in the public interest. The proposed major expansion is NOT in the public interest because it will negatively impact many exceptional public values associated with the public lands of the Swan Valley and Holland Lake. The proposed major expansion of Holland Lake Lodge may significantly harm the extraordinary and increasingly rare values of the area, such as:

• the scenic beauty of the lake, its shoreline, and the surrounding landscape;

• an incredible assemblage of native wildlife species that, unlike nearly all other places in the lower 48, has persisted since the time of Lewis & Clark;

• near-pristine water quality;

• relatively secure habitat for threatened, sensitive, and declining species including Grizzlies, Canada Lynx, Fisher, Wolverine, Flammulated Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, and Goshawk;

• adjacent Wilderness areas and the Swan Front-Bud Moore Recommended Wilderness;

• nesting habitat for Common Loons;

• a disjunct population of Bull Trout severely threatened by habitat impairment and invasive Lake Trout; and

• opportunities to enjoy quiet and relative solitude in one of the most beautiful natural settings anywhere.

Diminishing these extraordinary, and increasingly rare, values, and forever changing the essence of one of Montana’s special places - the public lands of the Swan Valley, is NOT in the public interest.