News - Local
Forest Service blocks Crested Butte ski expansion
Posted: Nov 10, 2009 11:38 AM by Associated Press
The U.S. Forest Service has blocked a western Colorado ski area's plans to expand onto national forest land.
Federal officials have rejected Crested Butte Mountain Resort's application for an environmental review, a required first step. The resort wanted to increase its terrain by 276 acres.
Charlie Richmond, supervisor of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison national forests, released a decision last week noting the public was divided on the proposal.
He also cited the impacts of more skiers on public services and such environmental issues as unstable soils in the area as other reasons for the rejection.
Resort president Tim Mueller said Monday that feedback from the Forest Service had been positive and he hadn't expected the decision.
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