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APPENDIX. C? <br /> 2) Winter Sports cv�l�7j�lN 7 T•�o—//meson' C2. L v <br /> There is one existiro ski area ano three inventoried potential winter sports sites within <br /> the Plannino Unit. IFioure 12) its present capacity for ival;ty skiing is 1400 skiers <br /> with a potential to lift-serve app*cx',mately 3,000 dewnh,ll skiers per day. Completion <br /> of the raster plan for the development of the Sunlight Ski Area is essential to provide <br /> a auaiity experience for the projected growth in the valley. The Sunlight Peak and <br /> Twin Peaks inventoried ski areas nave not been proposed for development ,n this plan due <br /> to environmental , social , and economic associated impacts. The Coal Basin inventoried <br /> ski area has been retained to or^�ect `^is development octeat�. Development of any <br /> proposed ski area would require an t...S. througn the (N:P,A) process. Other winter <br /> recreation uses include cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and photography. <br /> e. Wildlife <br /> ' yc8 <br /> Numerous species of wildlife are found in the Thompson Creek Unit. They include at least <br /> 188 species of birds, 50 mammals, and several amphibians and reptiles. Game species such <br /> as elk, mule deer, black bear, and wild turkeys generate the most interest, but the non- <br /> consumptive uses of the smaller species are gaining in popularity. Winter ranee is the <br /> limiting factor for big game at the present time. Accelerated coal production, increased <br /> population, and recreationists attracted to the scenic beauty of the area can be expected <br /> to reduce available winter range along the Crystal River in the near future. Approximately <br /> 350 to 400 elk make up the resident herd which shows a continual upward trend. Much of <br /> the winter h bi* t i ^r, private and BLM lands outside the National Forest boundary. <br /> F gure 15) Deer population is estimated to be around 9uu head wit") a downward trend. <br /> There is some overlapping of the use on winter range by both deer and elk. There a are no <br /> endangered or threatened species affected. <br /> MANAGEMENT UNITS <br /> T-1 Sunlight Ski .Area (3,450 acres) Tios.►� �� <br /> 1. Future expansion proposals will be directed toward day-use activities associ- <br /> ated with downhill skiing to serve the local user. <br /> 2. Develop a "master plan" which will provide a quality experience with emphasis <br /> on safety, traffic patterns, and support facilities. <br /> 3. Make available commercial and free use timber cutting to improve ',,he- esthetic <br /> qualities of ski trails and lift lines. <br /> 4. Defer any major upgrading of the existing facilities until after completion of <br /> the "master plan." <br /> 1-2 Coat Basin Inventoried Winter Sports Site (4,450 acres) <br /> 1. This area is to be managed to retain the potential for future development. <br /> 2. Development of these arsaa can come about when a need arises and environmental , <br /> social and economic impacts are justified. <br /> 3. Construct no roads within this area except when clearly justifiable under <br /> existing mining regulations and when no feasible alternative exists. <br />