December 4, 2004

Ski area expansion decision applauded

I am writing to applaud the decision by the U.S. Forest Service to approve the planned improvements and expansion of the Mt. Ashland Ski Area. Winter sports advocates have been looking forward to this for a long time. Skiing is a healthy family activity and the addition of beginner- and intermediate-level runs will improve the opportunities for parents and children to spend quality time together. The improvements will also benefit the economy of the Ashland community. Mt. Ashland has been working for many years on the expansion plans, investing in scientific studies and encouraging public participation in the process.

The Mt. Ashland Association has demonstrated its commitment to the city of Ashland and the citizens of the community throughout this process. Since the city owns the fixed assets of the ski area and holds the special-use permit from the Forest Service, it is essential that the interests of the community be protected. The approved plan has appropriately included a variety of watershed restoration projects designed to improve the condition of the watersheds within which the ski area operates. I am confident that the association will continue to solicit public input as this project moves forward and the end result will be a model for environmental sustainability.

Over the past 25 years, I have spent many summer days and nights attending plays at Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Theater has been my second passion and I served on the board of Artists Repertory Theatre in Portland for over 10 years. I have occasionally led groups to Ashland for a combination ski and theatre weekend. I know of other clubs and groups who have led similar trips. With the planned improvements to the ski area, this type of trip will be even more attractive. I look forward to introducing more people to skiing at Mt. Ashland and to the incomparable theater experience at OSF.

I know that there will be appeals of this decision as Mt Ashland moves to the construction phase. I encourage the Forest Service and the city of Ashland to stay the course. These improvements are important to the community and to the families who enjoy outdoor recreation together. Our success will be measured by our ability to show that, by working together we can protect the environment and create a healthy recreational experience for the entire community.

Stephen Coxen
President, Northwest Ski Club Council - www.nwskiers.org
Past President, Far West Ski Association - www.fwsa.org