It has been in the works for a while, but Lutsen Mountains Master Development Plan (MDP) to expand recreation services onto adjoining Superior National Forest (SNF) lands has been accepted by the U.S. Forest Service.
The next step will be for Lutsen Mountains to apply for a Ski Area Special Use Permit (SUP) before authorization to proceed with future expansion plans for the ski area may occur. Processing the SUP will require following the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), including environmental review and analysis, and consideration of alternatives and impacts. Plans include winter operations, ski runs, and visitor services.
In preparing for this process, Lutsen Mountains has undertaken extensive planning following Forest Service procedures. The Master Development Plan will guide the next phase of planning, environmental review, and permitting. As a part of that process, Lutsen Mountains invites the public to one of two public meetings on June 1, 2017 to preview the project MDP and the process moving forward.
Last fall, in a meeting with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Tom Rider, one of the owners of Lutsen Mountains, talked about doubling the number of runs (90 more) at Lutsen if the company could lease U.S. Forest Service land adjoining the ski hill. This is a first step in that goal.
“The master plan looks at the long range picture, but as we apply for special use permits, we will look at smaller increments,” said Jim Vick, marketing director at Lutsen Mountains.
“The first permit application is for the Eagle Mountain portion. The permitting process for the SUP will likely take at least two years and then a few years for implementation,” Vick said.
“Somewhere in that timeline we will apply for a SUP for the Moose Mountain portion, with its associated delay for permit approval and implementation. The full build out is at least 10 years out. Details will be available at our June 1 meeting.”
In Cook County there will be an open house at the Lutsen Mountains Summit Chalet on Thursday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to noon.
In Duluth an open house will be held Thursday, June 1 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Pier B Resort.
For more information about the project proposal visit: www.lutsen.com/about/expansion plan/special-use-permit/
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