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Critics claims Forest Service approval violates regulations and environmental laws
Critics have appealed the Forest Service approval for the Peak 6 expansion at Breckenridge Ski Area. Map courtesy US Forest Service.
More stories:
- Critics plan appeal of Breckenridge Peak 6 expansion
- Breckenridge Peak 6 expansion wins Forest Service OK, but community concerns, and some hard feelings, remain
- Memo and Text of Breckenridge Peak 6 expansion MOU
- Breckenridge: Town council looks for Peak 6 consensus
- Breckenridge Town Council weighs Peak 6 pros and cons
- Breckenridge, Vail Resorts clash over Peak 6 expansion plan
Summit Voice Peak 6 page, with background stories
By Bob Berwyn
SUMMIT COUNTY — Critics of the controversial Peak 6 expansion and Breckenridge Ski Area have formally appealed White River National Forest Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams approval of the project, charging that the agency violated its own regulations and federal environmental laws, including the Endangered Species Act.
The appeal was delivered to the agency’s regional headquarters last week. Forest Service officials have 45 days to respond to the appeal, which was signed by 45 entities, including numerous Breckenridge residents, along with local, statewide and regional conservation groups. Read the appeal here. (more…)
Filed under: Breckenridge Peak 6 expansion, Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado, Environment, public lands, Ski Resorts, Summit County Colorado, Summit County news | Tagged: Breckenridge Peak 6 appeal, Breckenridge ski area expansion, Peak 6 Breck, U.S. Forest Service | 2 Comments »
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Breckenridge: Peak 6 comment period winding down
A flow chart shows the timeline of the Peak 6 decision-making process. Click on the image to see a full-size version.
Long-term ski area growth questions linger
By Bob Berwyn
SUMMIT COUNTY — After two extensions, a public comment period on the proposal to add several hundred acres of new lift-served terrain at Breckenridge is coming to an end Aug 26, and the Peak 6 expansion is no less controversial now than when it was first proposed publicly in 2008.
The public debate about the expansion shows how ski communities in general are divided on ski area growth. There is strong support for the expansion plan from part of the town’s business community, including the Breckenridge Restaurant Association and some other ski-related businesses. Other residents feel strongly that the resort is big enough and that additional growth will undermine quality of life in the community.
Resort leaders say the plan to add new terrain served by a six-seat chair will help disperse skiers and riders across Colorado’s busiest ski area, easing congestion on existing lifts and trails. Critics of the plan say it will attract more visitors, ultimately resulting in even more crowding, both on the mountain and in the town.
There’s still time to get informed about the proposal by visiting the official Peak 6 website, which offers great access to information about the project and links for submitting comments. You can also read background stories on Peak 6 and listen to several town council discussions about the project by visiting the Summit Voice Peak 6 page. (more…)
Filed under: Breckenridge, Breckenridge Peak 6 expansion, Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado, Ski Resorts, Summit County Colorado, Summit County news, US Forest Service, White River National Forest | Tagged: Breckenridge news, Breckenridge ski area expansion, Breckenridge Ski Resort Peak 6, Environmental Impact Statement, Peak 6 comments, Summit County News, United States Forest Service, White River National Forest | Leave a Comment »