Forest Service announces Draft Record of Decision for Snow King Resort Improvement Project
45 day objection period open
by Bridger-Teton National Forest
October 9, 2020
The Jackson Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest has released a Draft Record of Decision (ROD) and Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Snow King Mountain Resort On-Mountain Improvements Project (dated Friday, Oct. 9, 2020).
In October 2019 the Forest released a summary of the draft alternatives that were developed based on public comment during the scoping period for this project. The three main issues derived from the scoping comments are in interest of preserving the cultural/historic nature of the ski area, wildlife habitat impacts, and recreation demands. The issues identified by the public helped determine the focus of the analysis in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and subsequently the FEIS which discloses potential effects of four alternatives, including the no action alternative.
The alternative selected in the draft ROD is Alternative 4. This includes a permit boundary adjustment, terrain development, a novice ski-way and summit access road, ski lift, conveyors (surface lifts), gondola, summit restaurant and guest services building, and zip-line along with mountain bike trails. "Ski areas provide an opportunity for the public to connect with their National Forests year-round, and the selected alternative provides enhanced winter and summer opportunities at the Resort", said Forest Supervisor Tricia O’Connor. Concentrating recreational use such as skiing and downhill mountain biking makes them more accessible and affords the Forest the opportunity to meet public demands while avoiding unnecessary sprawl into backcountry areas that provide critical wildlife habitat and undisturbed watersheds. Wider, year-round accessibility to these enhanced opportunities contributes to the quality of life we enjoy and supports local economies.
A portion of Snow King Mountain Resort is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places as a district under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The Bridger-Teton, Snow King, the State Historic Preservation Office and other historic preservation groups are signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) which commits to measures that mitigate potential changes on the historic landscape.
To view the full draft record of decision visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54201. Today marks the beginning of a 45-day objection period to the draft ROD. Objections will be accepted only from those who have previously submitted specific written comments regarding the proposed project during a designated opportunity for public comment. To file an objection, submit an objection, including any attachments, to: USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Region, ATTN: Objection Reviewing Officer, 324 25th Street, Ogden, UT 84401; or email to: objections-intermtn-regional-office@usda.gov. The objection reviewing officer is not accepting hand-delivered objections currently due to precautions in response to the coronavirus. For additional information, contact Sean McGinness at sean.mcginness@usda.gov.
|
