WSP05909

• File Number: 8200.765
• Description: White River General
• State: CO
• Basin: Yampa/White
• Water Division: 6
• Date: 4/1/1997
• Author: USFS
• Title: Aspen Highlands Ski Area - Final Environmental Impact Statement
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

n J ~- 5 g i Aspen Highlands Ski Area
Final Environmental Impact Statement - Summary
White River National Forest
Aspen Ranger District

Pitkin County, in the State of Colorado
April 1997

Lead Ageocy:

USDA, Forest Service

Respoosible Official:

Veto J. LaSalle, Forest Supervisor
White River National Forest
P.O. Box 940
Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81602

For Further loformatioo
or Commeot:

Arthur Bauer, Special Projects Coordinator
Aspen Ranger District
806 West Hallam Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
[phone]

Abstract: A Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been prepared in response to a proposal
submitted by the Aspen Skiing Company (ASC) to the USDA Forest Service (Forest Service) to amend their
Master Development Plan for the Aspen Highlands Ski Area (Aspen Highlands). Aspen Highlands operates
under a special use pennit on the White River National Forest. The Forest Service has prepared this Final
EIS pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)(I969, as amended).
Three alternatives are considered in the Final EIS and present different arrangements of lift locations, ski
terrain including access and egress, on-mountain support facilities, snowmaking, summer uses, and associated
base area support facilities. The alternatives evaluated in tenns of direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts
on natural and human resources include: I) the No Action Alternative; 2) the pennittee's Proposed Action
(Alternative B); and 3) the Forest Service's Preferred Alternative which reduces safety and visual concerns
and adds summer recreation (Alternative C). In addition, an existing facilities alternative comparing the
current situation with the No Action Alternative and an alternative that would intensify use of the current ski
areas including Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, and Buttennilk were analyzed and found to
be inappropriate and present no less impact to resources. This document summarizes the purpose of and need
for the Proposed Action, describes the affected environment, details the potential effects of implementing
each alternative, and identifies potential mitigation measures to lessen impacts.

A Draft EIS was released for public comment on September 30, 1996. Approximately 74 comment letters
were received during the comment period. A copy of the comment letters received and the agency's
responses is included as Appendix 0 in the Final EIS. The Final EIS has been revised as a result of these
comments.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service is a diverse organization committed to
equal opportunity in employment and program delivery. USDA prohibits discrimination on the basis of race,
color, national origin, age, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or political affiliation. Persons believing
they have been discriminated against should contact the Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Washington D.C. 20250 or call [phone] (voice), or [phone] (TOO).

Appeals: The Record of Decision accompanying the EIS is subject to appeal pursuant to 36 CFR 215.7. A
written Notice of Appeal must be submitted within 45 days after publication of the notice of this decision.
Notice of Appeal must be sent to: USDA-Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region, Attn: Tom Thompson,
Appeals Deciding Officer, P.O. Box 25127, Lakewood, Colorado 80225.