Summit County Citizens Voice

Draft environmental study could be released in June

A draft map of a proposed terrain expansion on Peak 6 at Breckenridge. Click on the image for a larger view.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — A controversial plan to expand lift-served skiing on to Peak 6 at Breckenridge is nearing a major milestone, as the U.S. Forest Service prepares to release a draft environmental study in June. Read past Summit Voice stories online here for more background.

In preparation for the next phase of Forest Service review process, the resort is holding a June 1 open house on the proposed expansion. The open house is from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Great Divide Lodge in Breckenridge. The open house format includes a project overview presentation at the top of every hour, with informational booths throughout the afternoon and evening. Parking is free. For more information, call 970-754-2712.

“We are approaching a significant milestone in the review process with the upcoming release of the draft environmental Impact Statement expected sometime in June,” Breckenridge chief operating officer Pat Campbell said in a press release. “With the release of the DEIS, the public will be invited to provide comments to the United States Forest Service on the proposed project and alternatives. In preparation for the next phase … we hope people will engage in this process that will determine the future of the skiing and snowboarding experience at Breckenridge Ski Resort.”

The draft study will include several different options, including a preferred alternative and usually, a no-action alternative for the sake of comparison. In the study, the relative impacts of each alternative are supposed to fully disclosed and discussed.

The debate over Peak 6 is also on Facebook, with a Save Peak Group organized by grassroots environmental groups and local backcountry skiers, while Vail Resorts has posted a Support Peak 6 group to rally support from both local and visiting skiers and riders.

Filed under: Breckenridge, Breckenridge Peak 6 expansion, Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado, Dillon Ranger District, Environment, Ski Resorts, Summit County Colorado, US Forest Service, Vail Resorts, White River National Forest, wildlife Tagged: | Breckenridge news, Breckenridge Peak 6 expansion, Breckenridge ski resort, Environmental Impact Statement, Peak 6, peak 6 open house, Summit County Colorado, Summit County News, United States Forest Service, Vail Resorts, White River National Forest