|
Lookout Pass ski area improvements on tap |
|
May 19, 2017 |
 |
Idaho Panhandle National Forest Supervisor Mary
Farnsworth and Lolo Forest Supervisor Tim Garcia
are pleased to announce they have signed the
Record of Decision approving the expansion of
the Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area.
“I am thrilled to initiate the expansion of
skiable terrain and additional facilities for
the enjoyment of our skiing and riding guests,”
said Phil Edholm, President and CEO of Lookout
Pass.
The recently signed decision allows the Lookout
Pass Ski and Recreation Area to begin
implementing expansion plans outlined in the
decision. The expansion provides an opportunity
to build upon the overall public recreation
experience at Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation
Area, contribute economically to local
communities, and meets the Forest Service’s
goals to provide a diverse range of developed
recreation opportunities for the public.
The expansion increases the special-use permit
area from 538 acres to a total of 1,023 acres,
and includes approximately 100 acres of new ski
terrain (groomed and gladed), installation of
two new chair lifts offering up to a 1,650-foot
vertical drop, upgrading an existing chair lift,
construction of new maintenance and guest
service facilities and 130 additional parking
spaces.
The winter recreation expansion review process
began in early 2014 and included extensive
environmental analysis and opportunity for
public comment under the National Environmental
Policy Act.
Work is expected to begin this summer.
This project was subject to review and objection
pursuant to 36 CFR 218 regulations (Subparts A
and B). Two objections were received, focused
largely on user conflicts and on dispersed
winter recreation, both motorized and
non-motorized, in the St. Regis Basin and larger
Stevens Peak backcountry area.
After review of the objections, the objection
reviewing officer offered instructions to the
Forest Supervisors regarding clarification of
cumulative effects and organization of a meeting
to discuss long-term winter recreation use. Both
instructions were met, and the expansion was
approved.
The Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area is
located on National Forest System Lands
administered by the Lolo and Idaho Panhandle
National Forests, and currently operates under a
Special Use Permit administered by the U.S.
Forest Service to provide winter recreation
opportunities. |
|
Questions or comments about this
article?
Click here to e-mail! |
|
|
|
|
