For Immediate Release: February 7,  2001
Contact: Charlie Higby (970) 385-1374

BLM Considering Proposals for Ski Areas Near Silverton

The San Juan Field Office-BLM is accepting public comments on a Notice of Realty Action (NORA) to consider a Commercial Permit/Lease/Easement for two ski area proposals on BLM lands north of Silverton.

The two proposals overlap in an area bounded by Cement Creek, Gladstone, the South Fork of the Animas River, the eastern slope of the Boulder Gulch drainage, and Colorado State Highway #110. Core Mountain Enterprises, LLC, proposes to use 1,600 acres of public land for a recreational and learning facility. Velocity Peak Inc, proposes to use about 3,660 acres of public land for recreation development.

The proponents are asking for authorization to use BLM land for skiing, snow-boarding, and educational courses in winter, and biking, hiking and sightseeing in summer. If determined as suitable, these commercial uses of public land would be granted by permit, lease, or easement at fair-market rental consistent with federal regulations and the current San Juan Resource Area Management Plan.

The BLM will determine whether to analyze the proposals separately or jointly after reviewing formal applications from the proponents. This will be done in conformance with the National Environmental Policy Act through one or more Environmental Assessments or Environmental Impacts Statements. Key issues to be studied will include socio-economic impacts on communities, overlapping project boundaries, avalanche danger, private inholdings, and lynx habitat. 

Written comments on the NORA must be received by March 12, 2001, and should be directed to Charlie Higby, BLM Realty Specialist, San Juan Public Lands Center, 15 Burnett Court, Durango, CO 81301.

Copies of the NORA are available by contacting Higby at (970) 385-1374;
his e-mail address is Charles_Higby@co.blm.gov