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<br />OfWI:90 <br /> <br />NOTE TO READER <br /> <br />This document is a summary of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). <br />The full FEIS is in excess of 1,100 pages and has been distributed only to those <br />parties who have specifically requested to receive a copy or who have some type <br />of jurisdictional authority. The full FEIS is on file at area libraries and at <br />Forest ServiCe offices in Aspen and Glenwood Springs. <br /> <br />AS a summary I this document is intended to provide only an overview of the <br />analysis contained in the full FEIS. Also, certain information essential to a <br />complete understanding of the range of alternatives and potential effects of <br />their implementation is simply too lengthy to include here. For example, an <br />extensive mitigation and monitoring program has been developed to accompany the <br />description of alternatives. Readers desiring a more comprehensive understanding <br />of the analyses conducted are encouraged to review the full FEIS. <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 />proposed MOP is intended to replace that authorized by the Forest Service in <br />1983. The proposal includes: upgrading existing snowmaking, lifts, trails and <br />other facilities within the currently developed portion of the permit area (Baldy <br />Mountain); expansion of ski area development onto the upper portion of Burnt <br />Mountain; adding a second access/egress portal at the base of the mountain in the <br />future East Village area; and expanding summer recreational uses throughout the <br />permit area. Mountain capacity would be increased by 2,500 skiers-at-one-time <br />(SAOT) . <br /> <br />Related to, but independent of ASC's proposal, is proposed development by the <br />Snowmass 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 />The Snowmass Ski Area is operated through a Special Use Permit issued by the <br />White River National Forest (WRNF). The permit area encompasses approximately <br />5,400 acres. Development to date has been limited to the Baldy Mountain portion. <br />The analysis area includes the existing permit area, as well as NFSL between the <br />Snowmass Ski Area and the Tiehack Ski Area to the east. It is generally bounded <br />on the south and west by the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness (MB-SW), to the <br />east by the Tiehack Ski Area and privately owned lands, and to the north by the <br />Town of Snowmass village (TOSV). <br /> <br />This FEIS is not a decision document. Its primary purpose is to disclose the <br />environmental consequences that could occur through implementation of the <br />alternatives under consideration. Comments received during public review of the <br />Draft EIS were evaluated and responded to in the preparation of this FEIS. A <br />Record of Decision (ROD) was issued by the Forest Supervisor along with the FEIS. <br />The ROD approves site-specific development activities within the assessment area. <br /> <br />Summary . 1 <br />