A ski resort operator in Gunnison County is appealing the U.S. Forest Service’s decision last month that stopped cold an expansion onto Snodgrass Mountain.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort wants to add 276 acres of skiing and three lifts onto adjacent undeveloped terrain in the Gunnison National Forest.
The company filed its appeal with the U.S. Regional Forester in Denver on Friday, seeking a “fair “public process,” including environmental studies and public comments, before a decision is made.
In a Nov. 5 letter to the resort, forest supervisor Charlie Richmond characterized the proposal as divisive to locals, who use the area for hiking, cycling and backcountry skiing.
He cited “geologic hazards presented by unstable soils and unpredictable hydrology,” potentially affecting slope stability and increasing avalanches.
“As we have discussed on numerous occasions, I have significant concerns about the limitations of Snodgrass Mountain for lift-served skiing development based on the numerous studies and environmental issues that have been identified over the years,” Richmond stated in his letter to the resort.
Richmond, in an interview at the time, said the Forest Service has to be comfortable with a proposal before beginning the the federal National Environmental Policy Act process, which would take five to seven years to complete.
The company contends Richmond ignored federal rules that require a public review, instead making “a decision in a private process that is deeply offensive to the right of the public to participate in public lands decisions.”
In a statement, the Crested Butte Mountain Resort said the expansion “is critical for the long-term viability of CBMR and the economic health of the East River Valley in Gunnison County.”
The resort said Snodgrass Mountain has been part of its permit to use federal land since 1982, and designated as a future ski areas in other Forest Service management plans.
The resort pays an annual fee to the Forest Service, based on its revenue.
Joey Bunch: 303-954-1174 or jbunch@denverpost.com
