Forest Service gives forest health plan to Aspen Skiing Co.

ASPEN – The U.S. Forest Service has completed an environmental assessment for a Forest Health Project on the four ski areas operated by Aspen Skiing Co.The proposed action includes removing dead and dying trees, regenerating lodgepole pine and aspen where they have been present and “perpetuating mixed conifer and aspen stands” on about 845 acres at Aspen Highlands, 185 acres at Aspen Mountain, 403 acres at Buttermilk and 2,694 acres at Snowmass.”The purpose of this project is to reduce risks to the public and to ski area infrastructure from falling trees and to create conditions that would promote improved forest health and hasten forest regeneration,” said Aspen District Ranger Scott Snelson.The environmental assessment is available for public review and comment at http://www.fs.usda.gov/ whiteriver then by navigating to “Land & Resources Management” and clicking on projects. Comments must be received by Friday, July 29.