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IW[1~91 During preparation of the DEIS, two newsletters were mailed to all individuals, organizations and agencies on the mailing list, providing information on the planning process and opportunities for participation. Six public meetings were conducted during the scoping period and four public meetings were held during the public comment period on the DEIS and prior to release of the FEIS. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) is participating in the EIS process as a Cooperating Agency, pursuant to 40 CFR 1501. 6 and 1508.5. COE has permit authority over any potentially impacted wetland areas and mitigation of such impacts. An Interagency Task Force (ITF), consisting of twelve federal, state and local agencies, was established to foster communication among governmental agencies. This group was instrumental in defining additional research to be undertaken for DEIS preparation, providing related studies and information, and in defining regulatory requirements for the proposed expansion. ITF members were also provided the opportunity to review and comment on the adequacy of draft subconsultant reports. Throughout the planning process, interdisciplinary team members consulted extensively with federal, state and local regulatory agencies, particularly on issues related to wetlands, wildlife and air quality regulations. Consultation also occurred with a Ute Tribal representative to identify potential cultural resources within the permit area. The public comment period for the DEIS began on May 7, 1993, with a press release by the Supervisor's Office announcing the availability of the DEIS, and a briefing for the Interagency Task Force. A Notice of Availability was published in the Federal Register on May 13. The initial 4S-day public comment period was extended by 15 days to a total of 60 days by the Forest Supervisor in response to several requests for extensions. The formal public comment period closed on July 13, 1993, although comments received after that date have been considered in the preparation of the FEIS. Six-hundred copies of the full DEIS and 900 copies of a DEIS Summary were printed. Virtually all these copies were distributed to federal and state agencies, local governments, elected officials, and libraries, as well as to individuals, organizations, and businesses. Numerous radio, television and newspaper stories followed publication of the DEIS, A variety of organizations throughout the region discussed the DEIS in their newsletters and/or prepared special mailings for their membership. TWO open houses were conducted on June 8 and June 10, 1993, to solicit public input on the DEIS. Notice of the open houses was provided in the cover letter which accompanied OEIS documents, press releases, organizational newsletters, newspaper articles and through legal advertisement in local newspapers. The open houses were designed to solicit input on the adequacy of the range of al ternati ves and analysis of potential impacts in the OEIS. Input was specifically requested on the proposed authorization of certain lift upgrades prior to completion of the FEIS/ROD and the most critical mitigation actions to undertake to reduce wildlife and air quality impacts. Local government elected officials, representatives of major environmental groups and ABC were _ invited by the Forest Supervisor to participate in two "Needs Meetings" on July 30 and August 18, 1993. The purpose of these sessions was to define areas of agreement and disagreement regarding the proposed ski area development. Among the results: general agreement that mitigation of transportation impacts could best be accomplished through the Snowmass to Aspen Transportation Plan process and the TOSV Parking, Transit and Traffic Management Plan; commitments to cooperatively pursue private land easements and other measures to protect big game habitats; agreement not to debate Snowmass Creek snowmaking water withdrawal issues due to pending litigation; and wide Summary . 3