The White River National Forest has released a Final Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Record of Decision for the Vail Mountain Recreation Enhancements Project, the first large-scale project in the nation to authorize summer and year-round activities proposed in response to the Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011.
The Draft Record Of Decision identifies the Forest Supervisor’s Selected Alternative, which includes the following facilities and activities at Vail Ski Area:
Over the past several decades, summer recreation activities have evolved beyond what are considered traditional activities. The goal of the project is to offer a comprehensive range of opportunities to engage guests and provide a wide spectrum of natural resource-based activities and experiences for an increasingly diverse recreating public at Vail Ski Area.According to Scott Fitzwilliams, WRNF Forest Supervisor, “The ski areas on the White River National Forest are important gateways to public lands. We offer world class recreational opportunities to millions of guests each year at these resorts. These projects will allow the Forest to better reach those audiences who may not be familiar with national forests and provide activities that cater to a wider range of recreationists.”
Dave Neely, Eagle/Holy Cross District Ranger added, “We’re very close to issuing a decision that may positively change the way our guests connect with nature and the national forests. These new activities will provide thousands of families new and fun ways to interact with the environment in a natural setting.”
The release of the Final Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Record Of Decision initiates the 45-day objections period, which allows members of the public who have previously commented on the project and who have standing to object to this Draft Record Of Decision. The White River National Forest plans to issue a final Record of Decision after the objections process is complete.
The Final Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Record of Decision are available at the project website: http://www.VailRec-EIS.info.