Washington – People have until Monday to comment on rules that could increase advertising in national forests, including at many of Colorado’s ski resorts.
Currently, outdoor advertising is generally banned on public land, including ski resorts that lease their land from the U.S. Forest Service. There are some exceptions, such as advertising inside ski lodges and event sponsorships.
The new rules would allow ads directed at skiers and snowboarders riding on chairlifts.
Rules for where event sponsors can display their logos also would be modified.
“I do not anticipate a lot of changes being seen by the overall public,” said Ken Karkula, who oversees concessions for the Forest Service. “You’re not going to see signs all over the place saying sponsored by this or that.”
But a public-employee group says the modifications would open the door to substantially more advertising. Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility also says the changes to sponsorship rules could turn public lands into advertising backdrops.
Those wishing to comment by Monday’s deadline can send an express letter to USDA Forest Service, Attn: Carolyn Holbrook, Recreation and Heritage Resources Staff (2340), 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Stop 1125, Washington, DC 20250-1125, by fax to Holbrook at 202-205-1145, or by e-mail to rhr2300@fs.fed.us.