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County asks U.S. Forest Service to analyze habitat, wetlands and logging methods in Telluride Ski Resort scoping period
Summary
San Miguel County instructed staff to submit Forest Service scoping comments on Telluride Ski Resort proposals, citing potential impacts to lynx habitat, wetlands/fens, noxious weeds and use of tethered (spider/sky) logging and public‑land access during construction.
San Miguel County commissioners voted to have county staff submit scoping comments to the U.S. Forest Service on proposed improvements at Telluride Ski Resort. The move came during a county presentation about the Forest Service’s scoping notice for various ski‑area actions.
County Natural Resources Director Star Jamieson told the board that the scoping period is intended to identify the issues the Forest Service should analyze, and she urged the Forest Service to evaluate: potential impacts to lynx habitat and sensitive wetlands or fens; the resort’s weed‑mitigation plans; the effects of using tethered/steerable logging systems (referred to in meeting as “SPEDMER” / tethered logging techniques) in steep terrain; and plans to maintain public access to adjacent public lands during construction.
Commissioners and staff noted Telluride Ski Resort had previously begun on‑mountain work that prompted county and Forest Service enforcement; several commissioners asked that future on‑mountain dining and other expansions be required to meet full building, utility and fire‑suppression permitting and inspection before operations begin.
The board approved directing staff to submit scoping comments; commissioners said they support project investment but want the Forest Service to study alternatives and mitigation measures.
Next steps - County staff will prepare and file scoping comments by the Forest Service deadline and then review the Forest Service environmental assessment when it is released. No county regulatory determination was made at the meeting; scoping comments are an input to the federal NEPA process.
