SWAN VALLEY - Kurt Steele, Flathead National Forest Supervisor, decided to extend the comment period for the Holland Lake Lodge Expansion Project until Oct. 7 and offer an additional public meeting in Seeley Lake Oct. 4.
“We had a well-attended public meeting last week and have received a lot of comments to date on this project,” said Steele. “The comments so far have made it clear to me that there is a lot of confusion surrounding the process and potential use of a categorical exclusion. I would like to make it clear that the use of a categorical exclusion does not mean there will not be an environmental analysis. The timeline for this project is to have a decision in late winter/spring 2023, with analysis and consultation ongoing until then. No decision has been made yet on this project or if a categorical exclusion, environmental assessment or environmental impact statement would be used.”
The deadline to submit comments has been extended from Sept. 21 until Oct. 7. Comments can be submitted online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61746 or hand delivered or mailed to Shelli Mavor, Swan Lake Ranger Station, 200 Ranger Station Road, Big Fork, MT 59911.
An additional public meeting will be held from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4 at the Seeley Lake Elementary School located at 200 School Lane. This meeting will include a presentation and the opportunity to ask specialists questions following the presentation. There will also be an option to join the meeting online. Information on how to join is posted to the project webpage under Project Documents. Those joining online will need to submit their questions ahead of time to Shelli Mavor at michele.mavor@usda.gov for consideration as the online version will allow for listening only.
“It is important for the public to understand that this process isn’t a vote but that your voice does matter,” said Steele. “I would like to be completely transparent through this entire process and the public input is important for me to hear before determining if this proposal is in the best interest of the American people.”
For more information on the project, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61746.
“Thank you to all who have taken the time to share comments with us,” said Steele. “I truly value all of your input and look forward to continuing the conversation.”
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