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orjfi!,G8 Terms of the permit require Forest Service approval of layout, design, and construction_plans prior to constructing any particular facility or undertaking any slope improvements on NFSL. Annual operating plans will specify operational items to be carried out during the course of a given year. The permit requires the permittee to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations during construction and operation of the permitted facility. Terms of the permit also authorize the Forest Service to suspend construction and/or operations at any time to protect public health and safety or the environment. E. SUMMARY OF DECISION REASONS The selected actions will improve the overall quality of the recreational experience within the permit area for winter and summer visitors. Providing a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities is one of ~he important roles of the Forest Service. Modernization and expansion of services and facilities will accommodate additional winter and summer uses and evolving customer preferences for recreational uses within and adjacent to this permit area. There have been significant changes over the past decade in public perceptions as to what constitutes a quality ski resort recreational experience. Technological advances in ski equipment, lifts, slope-grooming, and snowmaking systems; demands by skiers for increased services and amenities; and the economics of ski resort operation have significantly changed the nature of the skiing business. The authorized upgrading and expansion of existing facilities will provide the quality and quantity of recreational opportunities envisioned and authorized by the Forest Plan and Regional Guide for the permit area. Visitation statistics indicate that areas that have improved and/or expanded to provide high quality, year-round recreational opportunities are the most popular and successful regionally and nationally. By designating the permit area as a winter sports site, the Forest Service has committed this- portion of NFSL to provide public recreational opportunities. It is in the public interest that the permittee's operations remain financially viable so that high-quality public recreation opportunities continue to be provided over the long term. The addition of high-quality terrain, expansion of snowmaking coverage to help ensure early openings, replacement of outdated lift equipment, and renovation and/or addition of on-mountain restaurant and support facilities will measurably improve the overall recreational experience at the ski area. Improved lift systems will provide better distribution of skiers throughout the area, raise overall quality to current industry standards, and satisfy customer expectations. Additional terrain will balance lift capacities; maintain the optimal skier density per acre, consistent with the quality of experience being promoted; and meet projected demand increases associated with local development and general increases in skier visits, as projected by programmatic plans. Currently, lodge guests and residents of TOSV enjoy greater accessibility to ski facilities than do day skiers visiting from outside TOSV. Residents of surrounding communities or guests staying in less expensive lodges in outlying areas now face inconveniences when accessing the ski area. The new East Village ingress/egress portal, with its improved parking and additional mass transit, will improve the visitor experience when entering and leaving the ski area. RECORD OF DECISION Page . 21 The economy of TOSV is highly dependent on the recreational opportunities provided within the permit area. In the past, the community has had to cope with the instability and fiscal problems associated with the seasonality of skiing. With the steadily increasing demand for summertime activities in the local area, the expanded and enhanced summer recreational opportunities authorized by this decision will substantially contribute to creating a more seasonally balanced resort industry.