Regional Forester Affirms Snowbowl Ski Area Improvements
Albuquerque, NM (June 9, 2005) Southwestern
Regional Forester Harv Forsgren has affirmed the decision for the
Snowbowl Facilities Improvement Project on the Coconino National
Forest (NF) by Forest Supervisor Nora Rasure. This project authorizes
ski area improvements, including snowmaking using reclaimed water.
The proposed project is consistent with the Coconino NF Plan as
amended with the exception of cutting eleven trees in the Mexican
spotted owl protected activity center.
The study and decision documents acknowledge significant tribal
concerns for the spiritual values and religious beliefs and practices
associated with the San Francisco Peaks. This decision does not
preclude the continued use of the San Francisco Peaks for religious
beliefs and practices, and does not violate First Amendment rights.
The Snowbowl is located entirely on the Coconino NF on the western
flank of the San Francisco Peaks. The ski area is operated under
a 777-acre Forest Service-issued permit. Snowbowl is approximately
15 miles north of Flagstaff, one of the four largest metropolitan
areas in Arizona. Snowbowl is surrounded on three sides by the
18,963-acre Kachina Peaks Wilderness, which was designated by
the U.S. Congress in 1984.
As stated in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS),
the overall purpose and need for the projects is to provide a
consistent/reliable operating season, and to improve safety,
skiing conditions, and recreational opportunities by bringing
terrain and infrastructure into balance with existing demand.
The environmental analysis of the Snowbowl Facilities Improvement
Project was thorough, reasoned, and in line with environmental
laws and regulations. For more information about the FEIS, please
visit the Coconino NF Web site at: www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/nepa/2005/feis-snowbowl/index.shtml
This decision constitutes the final administrative determination
of the USDA Forest Service, as stated in 36 Code of Federal Regulations
215.18(c). There is an automatic stay in place. This means that
the proponent (Arizona Snowbowl Ski Area) may not begin the improvements
before June 30, 2005 which is fifteen business days following
the issuance of the review decision.
For more information about the appeal, please visit the USDA Forest
Service, Southwestern Region Web site at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/appeals/forest_coconino/forest_coc_index.htm and
scroll down to the bottom of the page.
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