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Aspen Highlands Ski Are-a - Draft EnviroN7lefllal Impact Stale-menJ Table 2; .. Summ;,~Of'lssutsaridcorii:ernsiaerititiedfrom sconlrilii .... ....... . Geology An issue of concern raised was potential landslides in the proposed project area. WaJer Wara resource issues were raised by the public and agencies concerning water withdrawal for snowmaking. Resources Coruxm was expressed tegarding the effCClS of withdrawing W1ller for snowmaking on stream flow in Maroon Creek and on the potential impacts of associIlIcd snowmelt runoff on waJer quality in Castle and Maroon cteeb during the spring snowmelt period. The proposed acreage for snowmalting telative to availability of waJer was also a concml. Consideration of warer conservation in designing facilities was requested. Vegetation IdentificaIion and mapping of ok! growth forest on the mountain was requested.. Concern regarding water depletion, avalanche control. and porcntial 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 sid runs. Wildlife A major concml 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. Concml was expressed about the impact of increased human activity, particularly ski-related recreation, and facility installation and maintenance activities, on wildlife species habitat Tlueatened Public and agency concml was expressed tegarding protection of plan~ wildlife. and aquatic species listed under and the Endangcn:d Species Act (ESA 1973. as amended) as threatened or endangcn:d or listed as Forest Sensitive Endangered spcci<s by the Rocky Mounlain Region of the Forest Service. In particular, concern was expressed tegarding waJer Spcciu withdrawal for Sllowmaking and the potential impacts on endangered Colomdo River fishes. Concerns were raised tegarding the possible disblrbances 10 raptms or other fedenilly protected migratory birds, some of which lite also listed as Forest sensitive species for Region 2. Recn:ation The most common issue raised was concern that implementation of the proposal would change the quality of the reaeation experience at Asper> Highlands. Respondents felt lhat the proposed Aspen Highlands expansion focused excessively on providing expert temlin insteod of terrain that would also meet the needs of beginning 10 intermediate skiers. Concern was also expressed over increased crowding as a result of the proposed installaIion of the high- speed quad in ThunderbowL Some ltSpOI1derus suggestedtelrofining a high-5pCcd quad with double choirs 10 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 analyred. Other respondents' comments suggested improved trail signage, such as identification of the easiest way down on catwalks, ski slopes, and trail maps. One respondent opposed mountain biking access on the mountain and another requested that one trail be reserved for pedestrian access, Public Health The primary concern tegarding public health and safety was the potential for increased accidents (skier collisions) and Safety due to inlIoduction of skiers of various levels of ability onto the mountain, panicularly in the Thundcrbowl area. Concern was also expresscd. about inaeasc:d risk. and liability if the Forest Service approves development of extreme skiing terrain. particularly in bowl areas with potentially significant avalanche hazards. Transponation Respondents expressed concern about potential short-tc:rrn (during construction) and long-term impacts on tmnsportation due 10 the proposed Aspen Highlands expansion. A suggestion to study the impact on ttallic outside of the Asper> 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 10 alleviate potential tnmsportation and air qualityprobJerns. as well as faciIiIate skier access 10 additional terrain. A request was made 10 determine the numbo: of resort base 8tell parking spaces needed 10 accommodate the proposed expansion. Air Quality long-tcm1 OOvClSC effcas on air quality due to an inCIUSe in surrounding development and traffic was the primary air quality concml of respondents. Agency and public concern was expteSsed tegarding additional vehicle miles traveled (VMf) in the Aspen Highlands base IltelI because it was included in the Aspen PM" non-attainment area. The Colomdo Division of Air Pollution Control requested an accounting of additional VMT associated with the proposed expansion and compliance with federal General Conformity Regulations. Concern was raised about Asper>'s ability 10 mainlain required air quality standards and long-term cumulative effects of ski area expansion on air quality. Scenic Concern regarding impacts 10 visual quality were expressed by the public. A request for an analysis of potential Resources visual impacts for each al1cmaIive was requested. A request was made to maintain the character of the rcson by preserving the visual quality associated with Loge Peak; the views from the Olympic chair; the uncluttered views onto Maroon and Highland bowls from Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk and Snowmass; the low-pace, local area atmosphere of the mounlain; and the local area quality of the old base lodge. Minimization of tree cutting associated with construction ofnrnnnsed trails and lift facilities was also suooested. 6 Seclion I List of Permils and Approvals