Forest Service Approves Eldora Ski Area Expansion Plans
NEDERLAND, Colo. (CBS4) - The U.S. Forest Service announced its decision Thursday on the Eldora Mountain Resort Ski Area expansion project.
After nearly three years of planning, environmental analysis, and public input, the Eldora Mountain Resort proposal for expansion and improvement has been approved.
The decision applies only to land within the Forest Service's domain: Eldora consists of 524 acres of National Forest System lands, and 680 acres of private and leased lands.
Replacing lifts, adding gladed terrain and new runs, improving snowmaking, and building restaurants will all take place within the boundaries of the ski area's existing Special Use Permit (SUP).
The proposals outside the ski area's SUP boundary will have to be developed collaboratively with interested parties.
A total of 35 entities filed complaints to the expansion on a variety of issues. Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Boulder County, Town of Nederland, Sierra Club, and private individuals were some of the objectors.
Both the Placer Lift expansion and Jolly Jug lift expansion projects were primary concerns. Issues raised by the concerned parties included the impact to wildlife, aquatic habitat, water quality, the existing Nordic trail system, and residents of Eldora.
The reviewing officer found no violations of the law, but Forest Supervisor Ron Archuleta decided there was more collaborative work to be done before approving expansion into land beyond the ski area's permit.
"While the Environmental Impact Statement adequately disclosed the effects of these proposed projects, there were still environmental and social effects that could be better resolved," Archuleta said.
The decision does not approve the Jolly Jug chairlift nor Placer Lift.
