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Ski resort's new partnership invites visitors to support restoration efforts at Grizzly Creek Fire

Ski resort's new partnership invites visitors to support restoration efforts at Grizzly Creek Fire
Posted at 10:53 AM, Nov 20, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-20 12:53:51-05

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — Thanks to a new partnership, a Colorado ski resort is offering skiers and snowboarders the opportunity to support restoration efforts around the Grizzly Creek Fire burn area.

Sunlight Mountain Resort in Glenwood Springs has partnered with the National Forest Foundation (NFF) and White River National Forest to help restore the national forest, which includes area that were burned by the 32,631-acre Grizzly Creek Fire.

The Grizzly Creek Fire broke out in Glenwood Canyon in August and shut down Interstate 70 for about two weeks. Investigators say it was cause by humans, but no other details have been released about how it started.

Sunlight Mountain Resort skiers and riders can voluntarily add a $5 donation to their online season pass or lift ticket purchase, according to the NFF. The NFF will provide a net $2.50 match for every $5 donation.

Acting Forest Supervisor Lisa Stoeffler said this gives Sunlight visitors an easy and convenient way to contribute to the White River National Forest Restoration Fund.

“We will continue to work with our many partners this winter to identify the long-term restoration needs in the Grizzly Creek Fire burn area,” Stoeffler said.

All funds raised will go to implementing projects to help “restore the landscape and repair important infrastructure for public access” in the White River National Forest, according to NFF.

Sunlight Mountain Resort General Manager Tom Hays said they are excited to partner with NFF to help restore lands impacted by the wildfire.

“We want to thank the hundreds of skiers and riders, both locally, and from afar, who have already donated funds,” he said.

To learn more about the fund or to donate now or in the future, click here.