A-Basin's Plan For Major Terrain Expansion Takes Step Forward
SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - A popular Colorado ski resort is one important step closer to gaining final approval from the U.S. Forest Service for a proposed major terrain expansion.
This week the White River National Forest released a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and draft Record of Decision (ROD) for Arapahoe Basin Ski Area Projects proposed at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area.
"A-Basin's 2012 Master Development Plan identified a future need to enhance visitor experience and improve infrastructure and access," said Scott Fitzwilliams, Forest Supervisor. "It's time to move that vision along with a project that enhances both summer and winter opportunities and has the potential to connect more people to National Forest Lands in a confined and developed area."
A-Basin officials called the decision an important step.
"Summit County is a destination for outdoor recreation all year-round. The A-Basin project provides a unique opportunity to expand the ways and time of year in which people connect to the national forest. The project will allow A-Basin to provide additional guest opportunities while at the same time maintaining the unique A-Basin experience that the public is attracted to," said Bill Jackson, Dillon District Ranger in a prepared statement Wednesday.
RELATED: A-Basin Expansion Plan Faces Local Opposition
If given the final approval later this year, the addition of approximately 338 acres of skiing and riding terrain in the Beavers will be allowed.
Additional construction of a new chairlift to access the Beavers terrain, a new surface lift to access Montezuma Bowl, replacement of the Molly Hogan and Pallavicini chairlifts, removal of the Norway chairlift, grading projects to improve operational efficiency and skier circulation, and construction of a canopy tour and challenge course will also be included.
"The announcement of this decision represents many years of work for both the White River National Forest team and Arapahoe Basin," stated Roger Poirier, Winter Sports Program Manager for the White River National Forest. "Actions proposed in the Selected Alternative will enhance and expand the recreational experience for visitors on National Forest Lands."
"After scoping, concerns over habitat were raised both internally and through the public comment process," said Roger Poirier. "To address these concerns, some changes were made to the proposed Alternative and the end result provides a good balance of recreational access and resource protection."
Additional Resources
Objections Process:
The release of the draft also opens up a 45-day objections period. Individuals who submitted timely and specific written comments during the scoping period (November 21, 2013 through January 17, 2014) or Draft EIS comment period (February 5, 2016 through March 21, 2016) will have eligibility to file an objection to the draft ROD under 36 CFR §218.8.
Both documents are available for download on the White River National Forest website at http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fs-usda-pop.php/?project=41664. Hardcopies may be reviewed at the Forest Supervisor's Office in Glenwood Springs and the Dillon Ranger District office in Silverthorne.
Matt Kroschel covers news throughout Colorado working from the CBS4 Mountain Newsroom. Send story ideas to mrkroschel@cbs.com and connect with him on Twitter @Matt_Kroschel.
