DENVER—A U.S. Forest Service official has affirmed a decision blocking Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s plans to expand onto Snodgrass Mountain.
Deputy Regional Forester Jim Pena last week rejected the ski resort’s appeal of a decision by Gunnison National Forest Supervisor Charlie Richmond in November to block the proposal.
Richmond had decided that the proposed expansion was not in the public interest. Richmond listed concerns, including that developing Snodgrass Mountain would adversely affect Canada lynx and place pressure on neighboring land to shift from ranching toward commercial ski base and housing development.
Resort President Tim Mueller said Monday he plans to appeal Pena’s decision to Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. Mueller said he spent four years and $2 million working with Richmond to sculpt the expansion proposal and said Richmond had previously indicated the proposal met pre-application concerns.
“Charlie Richmond played a bait and switch game with CBMR and Pena’s decision completely ignores all of that,” Mueller said in a written statement.
Pena wrote that Richmond thoroughly examined the relevant issues before he made his final decision, which was within his broad discretionary authority. Pena also said Richmond’s decision did not violate law, regulation, or agency policy.
However, Pena added that Richmond should provide the resort guidance on an acceptable proposal to offer downhill skiing on Snodgrass Mountain.
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Pena’s decision:
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Information from: The Denver Post,
