Project: Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Colorado
- The EIS analyzed controversial issues such as ski area development within an Inventoried Roadless Area, backcountry skiing, and effects to wildlife and stream health.
- Several public outreach meetings were conducted during the NEPA process.
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SE Group prepared an EIS to analyze and disclose the estimated environmental effects of implementation of projects contained in Arapahoe Basin Ski Area’s April 2006 Master Development Plan Amendment. Planning efforts and environmental studies conducted prior to the NEPA analysis effectively located and designed all project elements, which translated into the formulation of only a “No Action” and “Proposed Action” alternative. The EIS analyzed controversial issues such as ski area development within an Inventoried Roadless Area, backcountry skiing, and effects to wildlife and stream health.
During the NEPA process, SE Group, the Forest Service, and Arapahoe Basin conducted several successful public outreach meetings, allowing the public opportunities to ski with planners and Forest Service officials to better understand the purpose and need behind proposed project elements. Subsequent to Forest Supervisor approval, the Final EIS was appealed on Inventoried Roadless Issues, but the research and analysis presented in the Final EIS allowed the Region to successfully uphold the decision. The approved Montezuma Bowl Lift opened during the 2007-08 season, resulting in an increase of the ski area’s terrain by 80 percent.
