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Forest Service Approves Aspen's Pandora Expansion

ASPEN, Colo. (AP) - The U.S. Forest Service has authorized Aspen Skiing Co.'s proposal to develop an additional 0.3 square miles of skiing on Aspen Mountain. The Aspen Times reports the authorization came in a draft decision notice issued Wednesday.

Winter X-Games 2015 Aspen - Men's and Women's Ski Slopestyle Final
Dara Howell of Canada takes 3rd place during the Winter X Games Men's and Women's Ski Slopestyle on January 24, 2015 in Aspen, USA. (Photo by Nathan Bilow/Agence Zoom/Getty Images)

The agency also approved the company's desire to construct a new chairlift and add snowmaking as part of a goal to develop the Pandora terrain on the upper east side of the mountain. The company says the new terrain will meet customer demands for a more diverse experience.

The White River National Forest performed an Environmental Analysis on the company's plan. The release of the draft decision initiates a 45-day objections period. Individuals and groups that submitted comments during a May 2018 scoping period have standing to file an objection. No new parties can raise objections.

(© Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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