Forest Service announces 45-day extension to public comment period for the Lutsen Mountains Ski Area Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement

On October 21, the Forest Service announced it was extending the public comment period for an additional 45-days for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) analyzing the proposals to expand Lutsen Mountains Ski Area. The announcement extends the original comment period from October 26 to December 9, 2021.

The Lutsen Mountain Ski Area DEIS addresses the potential impacts of a proposed ski area expansion onto 495-acre National Forest System lands and provides a set of alternatives for implementation of this proposal.

The public comment period extension will allow additional time for the public to ask questions about this complex project and submit comments. To support the public further understanding the DEIS, the Superior National Forest plans to hold a second virtual open house on November 16. Details about the open house will be forthcoming. An initial open house was held on October 5 and a recording of this session will be available soon on the project website.

After the full 90-day comment period, the Forest Service will revise the Draft EIS into a Final EIS based on public input and consultation with Tribes. The final EIS will be issued with the selection of an alternative and the Forest Supervisor’s decision about whether or not to grant the special use permit to allow the expansion.

The Lutsen Mountain expansion DEIS and supporting documents can be found on the Forest Service website. Comments must be submitted in writing, electronically, or by U.S. mail by December 9.

When you submit a comment, please include your name, address, and the title of the project. Your comments become part of the official record record and are public information.

Written comments should be directed to Michael Jimenez, Project Leader: Lutsen DEIS Project, Superior National Forest, 8901 Grand Avenue Place, Duluth, MN 55808.

Electronic comments should be emailed to comments eastern-superior@ usda.gov. Please include Lutsen Mountains Ski Are Expansion Project” in the subject line.

For further information about this project or questions about commenting, please contact Michael Jimenez, project coordinator, at Michael.Jimenez@ usda.gov.