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Aspen Highlands Ski Area - Final Environmenlal Impacl Slalemenl Table 2. Summary of issues and concerns identified from scoping. Geology An issue of concern raised was potential landslides in the proposed project area. Water Water resource issues were raised by the public and agencies concerning water withdrawal for snowmaking. Resources Concern was expressed regarding the effects of withdrawing water for snowmaking on stream flow in Maroon Creek and on the potential impacts of associated snowmelt runoff on water quality in Castle and Maroon creeks during the spring snowmelt period. The proposed acreage for snowmaking relative to availability of water was also a concern. Consideration of water conservation in designing facilities was requested. Vegetation Identification and mapping of old growth forest on the mountain was requested. Concern regarding water depletion, avalanche control, and potential impactS of these activities on vegetation in the project area was expressed. A description of mitigation measures to minimize potential impacts on vegetation was requested. Biodiversity Concerns were expressed by the public and the agencies about the amount of forest cover fragmentation associated with the cutting of new ski runs_ Wildlife A major concern of both the public and the agencies was the impact of the proposed project on wildlife, primarily the reduction of wildlife habitat and use of those habitats for movement by bighorn sheep. Concern was expressed about the impact of increased human activity, particularly ski-related recreation, and facility installation and maintenance activities, on wildlife species habitat. Threatened Public and agency concern was expressed regarding protection of plant, wildlife. and aquatic species listed and under the Endangered Species Act (ESA 1973. as amended) as threatened or endangered or listed as Forest Endangered Sensitive species by the Rocky Mountain Region of the Forest Service. In particular, concern was expressed Species regarding water withdrawal for snowmaking and the potential impacts on endangered Colorado River fishes. Concerns were raised regarding the possible disturbances to raptors or other federally protected migratory birds, some of which arc also listed as Forest sensitive species for Region 2. Recreation The most common issue raised was concern that implementation of the proposal would change the quality of the recreation experience at Aspen Highlands. Respondents felt that the proposed Aspen Highlands expansion focused excessively on providing expen terrain instead of terrain that would also meet the needs of beginning to intennediate skiers. Concern was also expressed over increased crowding as a result of the proposed instlllhuion of the high-speed quad in Thunderbowl. Some respondents suggested retrofitting a high-speed quad with double chairs to access this area rather than installing a quad. A request was made to preserve the Olympic Lift rather than replace it because of the exceptional views from that lift. It was suggested that the estimated Aspen Highlands mountain capacity, skier egress capacity, and snowboarding descent patterns be analyzed. Other respondents' comments suggested improved trail signage, such as identification of the easiest way down on catwalks. ski slopes, and trail maps. One respondenl opposed mountain biking access on the mountain and another requested that one trail be reserved for pedestrian access. Public Health The primary concern regarding public health and safety was the potential for increased accidents (skier . and Safety collisions) due to introduction of skiers of various levels of ability onto the mountain, particularly in the Thunderbnwl area Concern was also expressed about increased risk and liability if the Forest Service approves developmenl of extreme skiing terrain, particularly in bowl areas with potentially significant avalanche hazards. Transportation Respondents expressed concern about potential short-tenn (during construction) and long-term impacts on transportation due to the proposed Aspen Highlands expansion. A !roggeslion to study the impact on traffic outside of the Aspen Highlands base area was made. A gondola interlink between Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, and Buttermilk, or between all four Aspen resort areas was proposed in order to alleviate potential tranSpOrtation and air quality problems. as well as facilitate skier access to additional terrain. A request was made to detennine the number of resort base area parking spaces needed to accommodate the proposed expansion. Air Quality Long-term adverse effects on air quality due to an increase in surrounding development and traffic was the primary air quality concern of respondents. Agency and public concern was expressed regarding additional vehicle miles traveled (VMf) in the Aspen Highlands base area because it was included in the Aspen PM,. non-attainment area. The Colorado Division of Air Pollution Control requested an accounting of additional VMf associated with the proposed expansion and compliance with federal General Confonnity Regulations. Concern was raised about Aspen's ability to maintain required air quality standards and long-term cumulative effects of ski area expansion on air quality. 6 Seelion I Scoping and Jdenlification of Issues and Concerns