Superior National Forest seeks public comment on proposed Lutsen Mountains ski area expansion

The Forest Service would like to hear from the public on the potential expansion of the Lutsen Mountains Ski Area (Lutsen) in northeast Minnesota.

Lutsen has expressed interest in expanding their ski resort on 550 acres of adjacent National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Superior National Forest that are administered by the Forest Service. Lutsen has documented their long-term vision for the expansion of their ski resort operations in a Master Development Plan (MDP) which is posted on Lutsen’s website. It is anticipated that Lutsen will soon submit a formal proposal to the Forest Service outlining their proposed expansion project. 

Superior National Forest managers are conducting pre-proposal scoping to inform interested and affected parties prior to Lutsen’s submission of a formal proposal. The comments will be used to inform the agency’s review process and determination of how to proceed. In particular, forest managers are looking for any interests, concerns or other information relevant to the MDP and the resources and values on the NFS lands where the expansion is envisioned. If the

Forest Service accepts Lutsen’s formal proposal, an environmental analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) will be initiated, with additional opportunities for public involvement and review.

Comments may be sent via postal service to Superior National Forest, ATTN: Lutsen Mountains Ski Expansion, 8901 Grand Ave. Place, Duluth, MN 55808; e-mailed to comments eastern-superior@fs.fed.us, or faxed to 218-626-4398. Comments are due by Sept. 29.