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<br />Aspen Highlands SkI Area <br /> <br />modifications are within the bounds of the analysis of the EIS and they are compatible with Forest Service <br />objectives. These modifications may be approved without further NEPA review. <br /> <br />The discussion which follows describes those components which I have specifically authorized. It also <br />outlines the reasons for this part of the decision, and provides conditions for implementation and <br />operation. Required mitigation and monitoring measures are listed in the Required Mitigation and <br />Monitoring section of this ROD. <br /> <br />STEEPLECHASE <br />The Aspen Skiing Company is authorized to install a fixed-grip chair lift in the alignment shown in Figure <br />I. The Steeplechase Catwalk, an .extension of the Grand Traverse Catwalk (Temerity Catwalk). a portion <br />of the Highland Bowl Catwalk. and an access route on the divide between Highland and Maroon bowls <br />will also be built in the alignments shown on Figure 1. Associated trails/glading may also be developed <br />for skiing this pod. <br /> <br />DISCUSSION <br />The Deep Steeplechase area will almost double the vertical elevation currently available to skiers in this <br />area. The development of lift accessed service will provide the advanced and expert skiers with an <br />improved fall line in which to ski the area. This lift development will also reduce the number of skiers <br />accessing the Steeplechase area via the Loge Lift as the Grand Traverse Catwalk will not be used as <br />extensively to return for additional skiing in the Steeplechase area. Advanced and expert skiers will be <br />able to remain within the Steeplechase pod without having to return to the mid-mountain area. The <br />intennediate skiers skiing down Broadway will have less encounters with the advanced and expert skiers <br />and. thereby enhance a quality experience. <br /> <br />I have selected the Steeplechase Catwalk location identified in Alternative B over the Lower Temerity <br />emergency egress road identified in Altemative C mainly due to the wetlands that would be impacted. <br />The Anny Corps of Engineers has as their first order of wetland protection the action of "avoidance". The <br />catwalk location identified in Alternative C will require five (5) additional wetland crossings compared <br />to the alignment in Alternative B. I am authorizing the extension of the Grand Traverse Catwalk into the <br />Hyde Park area (Temerity Catwalk). The purpose of the 2,426-foot-long extension would be to facilitate <br />emergency egress from the upper Temerity area. The average grade for the Temerity Catwalk would be <br />about 13 percent. The construction of the Highland Bowl Catwalk will be constructed to the same <br />standards as those of the Steeplechase Catwalk. This catwalk will extend out toward Highland Bowl far <br />enough to capture the skiers egressing from the Temerity ski pod and return them to the base of the <br />Steeplechase Lift. The access route on the divide between Maroon and Highland howls occupies the <br />alignment of the Ridge Surface Lift as analyzed in Alternative C in the EIS. The purpose for this action <br />is to reduce the exposure to hazards to the ski patrol while perfonning their snow-safety activities in <br />Highland Bowl. <br /> <br />CONDITIONS <br />The Steeplechase and Highland Bowl catwalks will need to be constructed with some type of retaining <br />walls as the natural slope is too steep to retain a traditional cut-and-fill type construction. It will be <br />necessary for a third party geo-technical engineering !inn to perfonn analysis on any section of the <br />catwalk proposed to have cut slopes greater than eight (8) feet and any areas identified as potential <br />Geologic Hazards as identified in the EIS. The design and construction plans of these catwalks will be <br />reviewed and approved by the Forest Service prior to any ground disturbance. During dry seasons and/or <br />late season skiing, area closure may be required due to a lack of snow on the Steeplechase Catwalk. The <br />existing Grand Traverse Catwalk would still allow for skiing the existing sections of the Steeplechase area. <br />The extension of this catwalk (the Temerity Catwalk) will be constructed to the same standards (48 inch <br /> <br />8 <br /> <br />Decision and Rationale <br />Authori;;ed Master Development Plan Components <br />