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<br />Summary . 1 <br /> <br /> <br />"'~l.,I1"O <br />o:~~),....~I,) <br /> <br />I. PURPOSE AND NEED <br /> <br />A. INTRODUCTION <br /> <br />This FEIS was prepared in response to a proposal by the Aspen Skiing Company <br />(ASC) for a new Master Development Plan (MOP) for the Snowmass Ski Area. The <br />Snowrnass Ski Area is operated through a Special Use Permit issued by the White <br />River National Forest (WRNF). The permit area encompasses approximately 5,400 <br />acres. Development to date has been limited to the Baldy Mountain portion. The <br />analysis area includes the existing permit area, as well as NFSL between the <br />Snowrnass Ski Area and the Tiehack Ski Area to the east. The proposed MOP is <br />intended to replace that authorized by the Forest Service in 1983. The proposal <br />includes: upgrading existing snowrnaking, lifts, trails and other facilities <br />within the currently developed portion of the permit area (Baldy Mountain); <br />expansion of ski area development onto the upper portion of Burnt Mountain; <br />adding a se~ond access/egress portal at the base of the mountain in the future <br />East Village area; and expanding summer recreational uses throughout the permit <br />area. Mountain capacity would be increased by 2,500 skiers-at-one-time (SAOT). <br /> <br />Related to, but independent of ASC's proposal, is proposed development by the <br />Snowrnass Land company (SLC) of the East Village area on private land at the base <br />of Burnt Mountain. Certain facilities proposed by ASC for inclusion in the new <br />MOP would be located both on NFSL and within the East Village development. As <br />a consequence, portions of the East Village development are analyzed as a <br />connected actions, pursuant to 40 CFR 1508.25. <br /> <br />B. PURPOSE AND NEED <br /> <br />The action proposed is upgrading and expansion of winter and summer recreational <br />development in an area allocated to winter resort recreation by the WRNF Forest <br />Plan. This action is being assessed in order to implement land use allocations <br />and management prescriptions specified for the area in the Forest Plan. The <br />proposal is consistent with programmatic direction set forth in the Rocky <br />Mountain Regional Guide and the Forest Plan. <br /> <br />The decision needed is selection of activities that enhance the area's <br />recreational potential, consistent with environmental, economic and social <br />factors. The decision will be implemented through issuance of a new special use <br />permit, pursuant to the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986, which will <br />be based upon the updated MOP approved through this EIS process. <br /> <br />The proposed improvements and expansion of the existing skiing terrain are <br />intended to: <br /> <br />. Provide new and expanded high-quality year-round recreational <br />opportunities, including downhill skiing and other developed and dispersed <br />recreational activities, that are consistent with physical and biological <br />resources Objectives. <br />. Provide thja services and facilities needed by existing and projected <br />visitors, including day skiers, destination skiers and summer visitors, <br />over the short and long terms. This includes accommodating additional <br />demand for recreational opportunities that will be generated from local <br />(Roaring Fork Valley-wide area) planned and approved developments. <br />. Improve access, egress, day skier parking and skier distribution to and <br />within the permit area and thus the recreational experience on NFSL. <br />. Improve the balance of summer and winter recreational opportunities in the <br />Snowmass Village area to promote community diversity and stability, <br />economic viability and a more stable work force. <br />