Controversial ski pass expansion proposed
<p>Lookout Pass Ski Area is proposing to expand the area with additional ski lifts, ski trails and an expanded parking lot into the Idaho Panhandle National Forests and Lolo National Forest. Public comment is being taken until mid-April with public meetings scheduled in March. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service)</p>
Lookout Ski Area officials have proposed to expand their operation with additional ski lifts, ski trails, and a bigger parking lot, which could be a source of concern among taxpayers.
The proposed expansion is continuing to move forward with forest service agencies currently seeking public comment.
The Idaho Panhandle National Forests and Lolo National Forest have put together a draft environmental impact statement that analyzes and discloses the potential social and environmental effects of the expansion.
Some of the concerns about the project that resulted from public scoping meetings held in April of 2014,include the effects on wildlife, as well as, safety concerns over snowmobile and skier traffic using the same areas. Other factors include cultural resources where the expansion effects sites listed on, or are eligible for, the National Register of Historic Places. Debate over the definition of ‘market demand’ for the expansion and provide additional information regarding the number, timing and use preferences of recreational users at Lookout Pass Ski Resort.
Watershed health was another area of concern for the expansion, more specifically the effects on water quality and sedimentation in the streams, as well as wetland concerns. Another area of concern was the effects on wildlife in the area, including lynx, bull trout, and grizzly bear.
The Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area is located approximately 12 miles east of Wallace, Idaho, along Interstate 90 on the Idaho/Montana border. The proposal is to expand the ski area south and west of the current special-use boundary onto additional U.S. Forest Service lands in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests and Lolo National Forest. The expanded boundary would permit development of additional ski lifts, traditional terrain and gladed terrain ski trails, expanded parking, and access roads.
The forest services will be holding public meetings to discuss and explain the project. They will be in De Borgia, Montana on March 22 at the Black Diamond Ranch located at 120 De Borgia Haugan Frontage Road from 5 to 7 p.m.
The forest service will also hold meetings in Wallace, Idaho, on March 23 at the Wallace Inn from 5 to 7 p.m. and in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on March 24 at the Coeur d’Alene Forest Supervisors Office from 5 to 7 p.m.
Public comments will be taken until approximately mid-April.
The project can be viewed online at http://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/lolo/landmanagement/projects and click on Lookout Pass Ski Expansion EIS. The public can also submit written comments to SWCA Environmental Consultants, 1220 SW Morrison St., Suite 700, Portland, OR 97205; comments can also be hand delivered at the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District’s Fernan or Silver Valley Offices, or at the Superior Ranger District Office or emailed to: cmmnents-northernidpanhandle-coeur-dalene@fs.fed.us.