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<br />i:n:. 9 ':. 1 Chap/er/. PIUpOS< andN..d <br /> <br />outside of the Aspen Highlands base area was made. A gondola interlink between Aspen Highlands, Aspen <br />Mountain, and Buttermilk, or between all four Aspen resort areas was proposed in order to alleviate potential <br />transportation and air quality problems, as well as facilitate skier access to additional terrain. A request was <br />made to determine the number of resort base parking spaces needed to accommodate the proposed expansion. <br /> <br />AIR QUAUn <br />Long-term adverse effects on air quality due to an increase in surrounding development and lI'affic was the <br />primary air quality concern of respondents. Agency and public concern was expressed regarding additional <br />vehicle miles lJ'aveled (VMT) in the Aspen Highlands base area because it was included in the Aspen PMIO non- <br />attainment area. PMIO is the pollutant of concern in the Aspen area as stated in the State Implementation Plan <br />(SIP). The Colorado Division of Air Pollution Control requested an accounting of additional VMT associated <br />with the proposed expansion and compliance with federal General Conformity Regulations. Concern was raised <br />about Aspen's ability to demonstrate continued "'aintenance of the required air quality standards and long-term <br />cumulative effects of ski area expansion on air quality. <br /> <br />BIODIVERSIn <br /> <br />Concerns were expressed by the public and the agencies about the amount of forest cover fragmentation <br />associated with the cutting of new ski runs. <br /> <br />WILDUFE RESOURCES <br />A major concern of both the public and the agencies was the impact of the proposed project on wildlife, primarily <br />the reduction of wildlife habitat and use of those habitats for movement by bighorn sheep. Concern was <br />expressed about the impact of increased human activity, particularly sid-related recreation, and facility installation <br />and maintenance activities, on wildlife species habitat. <br /> <br />THREATENED, ENDAIllGERED, AIllD FOREST SENSlnVE SPECIES <br />Public and agency concern was expressed regarding protection of plant. wildlife. and aquatic species listed under <br />the Eodangered Species Act (ESA 1973. as amended) as threatened or endangered or listed as Forest Sensitive <br />species by the Rocky Mountain Region of the Forest Service. In particular. concern was expressed regarding <br />WalO' withdrawal for snomnaking and the potential impacts on endangered Colorado River fishes. Concerns were <br />raised regarding the possible disturbances to raptors or other federally protected migratory birds. some of which <br />are also listed as Forest Service Region 2 sensitive species. <br /> <br />GEOLOGY <br />An issue of concern raised was potential landslides in the proposed project area. <br /> <br />VEGETAnON <br />Identification and mapping of old-growth forest on the mountain was requested. Concern regarding water <br />depletion, avalanche conll'ol, and potential impacts of these activities on vegetation in the project area was <br />expressed. A description of mitigation measures to minimize potential impacts on vegetation was requested. <br /> <br />WATER RESOURCES <br />Water resource issues were raised by the public and agencies concerning water withdrawal for snowmaking. <br />Concern was expressed regarding the effects of withdrawing water for snowmaking on sll'eam flow in Maroon <br />Creek and on the potential impacts of associated snowmelt runoff on water quality in Castle and Maroon creeks <br />during the spring snowmelt period. The proposed acreage for snowmaking relative to availability of water was <br />also a concern. Consideration of water conservation in designing facilities was requested. <br /> <br />Public Involvf!lMnJ CIIId Scoping <br />Issues and Concern.! <br /> <br />1-11 <br />