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Opposition of
Mt. A is misguided
I am dismayed at the fear-fueled opposition against Mt. Ashland's ski expansion and the response of the ski association in the Saturday Tidings. The story leaves us with an inaccurate impression of "ski business insensitive to the environment" versus "concerned environmental citizens." not represented are skiers, snow-boarders, families, seniors, volunteers and other everyday people who love winter recreation provided by our ski area and support the small non-profit ski association.
The biggest misconception is that trees cut equals harm to the watershed equals danger to our water supply. This reinforces fear and an emotional response, but not necessarily a thoughtful one. The truth is the ski association has been exceptionally responsible to environmental concerns, has revised plans in order to protect the environment, and the expansion would have negligible impact on the watershed.
Consider for a moment this is not a clear cut proposal! Some trees will be removed to create ski trails. In Southern Oregon, we have a large system of hiking trails. These hiking trails do have an environmental impact, but we consider it negligible and therefore do not propose eliminating hiking trails.
Least you misunderstand; I am a long time supporter of alternative energy and protection of the environment. I served on the "Sunergy" board of directors here in the '70s, and have contributed to various environmental causes over the years. I have looked but see no significant threat from the ski proposal. Instead, I'm left thinking how great it would be to channel all this wonderful energy and concern for the environment into efforts that really could have significant impact on pollution and global warming.
In conclusion, I would like to leave you with a quote I learned while supporting preservation of Loon habitat in Alaska. It suggests that only love of the outdoors instills a desire to protect it:
"In the end we will conserve only what we Love.
We will love only what we Understand, and
We will understand only what we are Taught."
Baha Dioum Isenecau
I hope all well meaning people will carefully consider the different sides of this issue and support responsible expansion of Mt. Ashland. The improvements are responsible and much needed. I salute all the wonderful citizens of our "Mystical Hamlet of the Siskiyous" who love our beautiful environment and desire to protect it.
Suzanne K Frey
Ashland
