Plans Denied

Written on 02 July, 2008 08:33:00 by Matt Baldwin

Bitterroot Resort's proposal for land development has been rejected by Forest Service.

Bitterroot Resort will have to rework its plans to develop downhill and Nordic skiing opportunities in the National Forest adjacent to the Maclay Ranch in Lolo, Montana. The Forest Service rejected the proposal last week due to potential issues with water quality, soil conditions and groomed Nordic trails impacting the lynx and elk populations of the area. Bitterroot Resort has said they will revise their proposal as necessary and resubmit it to the Forest Service in the coming weeks.

The rejected proposal included details of a guided skiing operation on public lands above the private Maclay Ranch, as well as groomed Nordic trails and mountain bike trails.

Long term plans, beyond the most recent proposal, outline a four-season destination resort with shopping, dining, lodging and alpine skiing opportunities on the flanks of Carlton Ridge and Lolo Peak. These plans are controversial in surrounding communities as many consider the land around Lolo Peak a pristine wilderness and believe a lift-served ski resort would have negative impacts on the area. Others in support of the resort consider the impact the development will have on the local economy, and the relief of expanded alpine skiing opportunities within a growing community.

Visit www.skibitterrootresort.com to learn more about the proposed resort, view Forest Service applications and look over proposed maps.

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