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Aspen Highlands Ski Area GENERAL RATIONALE FOR THE DECISION This decision selects site-specific actions to implement a general land use authorization contained in previous decisions and programmatic documents. The selected actions (MOP components) will help ensure that the Aspen Highlands Ski Area continues to provide a high-quality, dependable skiing experience that is responsive to evolving customer preferences for outdoor recreation. I believe my decision will accomplish the following important benefits: .. Provide the type and extent of high-quality new advanced and expert terrain that is more consistent with the niche and ability levels of visiting skiers to the Aspen Highlands Ski Area. .. Provide for more reliable and dependable skiing conditions at Aspen Highlands Ski Area, particularly during early season and dry snow years. .. Provide for the better distribution of ability levels of visiting skiers, particularly in terms of exiting the Loge Peak lift area. .. Provide the improvements, such as high-speed lifts and advanced snowmaking systems, and terrain expansion needed to ensure that the Aspen Highlands Ski Area remains economically viable and capable of providing quality skiing experiences. .. Improve existing public access to NFS lands, and ensure its provision in the long-tenn, for a variety of recreational activities. .. Provide new and expanded high-quality year-round recreational opportunities, including downhill skiing and other developed and dispersed recreational activities, that are consistent with physical and biological resource objectives. .. Provide the type and extent of high-quality new terrain that will be the necessary impetus to attract and build skier visitation during non-peak periods. The reasons for the decision are further described in the discussion of the authorized MOP components below. AUTHORIZED MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN COMPONENTS GENERAL Authorized developments are shown in Figure I and listed in Table I below. Selection of these MOP elements does not necessarily mean that they will be constructed, since a considerable financial investment by the permittee will be required. The Forest Service can intervene to control the development schedule, should resource or other conditions make it necessary. However, the decision to initiate construction rests with the permittee. Indicating the location of authorized facilities either on maps or in writing does not preclude field adjustments being made during review of construction plans in order to avoid or minimize resource impacl< or to respond to technical issues not known at this time. However, no modifications may 4 DeCISIOn and Ralionale AUlhori=ed Masler Developmenl Plan Componenls