ASPEN, Colo.—Forest Service officials plan to review a policy allowing weddings at a Maroon Bells wilderness area amphitheater after a watchdog group raised concerns.
The Aspen-Sopris Ranger District this summer started renting an amphitheater near Maroon Lake, with its majestic mountain views, for special events at a rate of $150 for two hours. Guests were limited to 100 people, and no wedding receptions were allowed.
There were 15 weddings, with another planned this weekend, and a handful of special events, said Martha Moran, a recreation manager for the ranger district.
“The people that are getting married love it,” said Moran.
But the citizens group Free the Bells wants to remind the Forest Service of its pledges to avoid commercializing Maroon Bells facilities. The group met with Moran and Aspen-Sopris District Ranger Irene Davidson this summer to discuss concerns.
Free the Bells lobbied for stricter limits on the number of wedding guests and a prohibition on temporary facilities, like tents.
“We’re not saying no weddings,” group member Howie Mallory said.
Moran said citizens’ input is welcome. “It’s good to have a Free the Bells to keep us sensitive,” she said.
A spot on Stein’s Meadow and a picnic area at the East Maroon trailhead also are rented for special events for $75.
A group opposed to the commercialization of public land, Wilderness Workshop, feels the Forest Service shouldn’t be “forced to get into the wedding facilities business,” Executive Director Sloan Shoemaker said. However, the Forest Service has to make up for inadequate funds, Shoemaker said.
“It’s kind of like the Forest Service is being reduced to holding the equivalent of bake sales to pay for its basic operations,” said Dave Reed, development director for the group.
Moran said the district staff will work on a business plan for the Maroon Bells area this winter. The Forest Service allows Maroon Bells to collect fees to raise revenues for operations. Visitors there paid about $182,000 during the 2006 fiscal year.
