Realtor | Corey Dwan

U.S. FOREST CHIEF AFFIRMS DECISION FOR CRESTED BUTTE’S SNODGRASS MOUNTAIN EXPANSION PROPOSAL

MT. CRESTED BUTTE, Colo. – July 14, 2010 – Today U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell released a decision on his formal review of the recent appeal decision concerning Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s (CBMR) Snodgrass Mountain Expansion Proposal. The review was conducted by Associate Deputy Chief for National Forest System Gloria Manning on behalf of Chief Tidwell. Manning affirmed the decision by Deputy Regional Forester James Peña and Forest Supervisor Charlie Richmond.

“Of course we’re incredibly disappointed with this decision,” said Tim Mueller, president of CBMR. “The Forest Service has decided it is appropriate for one person in Delta to decide the future of an entire community with no public process whatsoever. Thousands of citizens and elected officials have asked the Forest Service to reconsider its decision and the Forest Service has refused,” added Mueller.

Chief Tidwell’s decision directs Forest Supervisor Richmond to discuss with CBMR whether or not there is a proposal for skiing on Snodgrass Mountain that can and will be considered by the Forest Service.
“As far as next steps we’ve just received the decision; we have not yet received the attachment,” added Mueller. “We are considering all of our options as we digest this new information.”

Background Detail & Timeline:
On December 18, 2009, Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) filed an appeal with the U.S. Forest Service disputing the agency’s November 2009 decision to reject the resort’s proposed expansion onto Snodgrass Mountain without conducting a public review under NEPA. In its appeal CBMR asked the Forest Service to initiate a public and objective NEPA process for Snodgrass.

On March 4, 2010, CBMR received a response to its appeal from GMUG Forest Supervisor Richmond. The response is not the Forest Service’s decision on the appeal; it is the GMUG’s reply to specific points raised in the appeal.

The reply filed by CBMR on March 25, 2010 was the last document filed in the appeal.

About Snodgrass Mountain
The proposed Snodgrass Mountain expansion would increase the amount of intermediate and advanced terrain at CBMR with 276 acres of skiing served by three lifts, a beginner carpet, and a connector Gondola from Crested Butte Mountain. Snodgrass Mountain is located adjacent to Crested Butte Mountain.
For more information about the proposed Snodgrass Mountain expansion visit http://www.snodgrassfacts.com.