Forest Service seeks comment on proposed special use permit for Homewood Mountain Resort

South Lake Tahoe, Calif.  –The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is asking for public input on the proposed Homewood Mountain Resort 20-year Ski Slope Permit.  The permit would allow Homewood to continue to provide downhill skiing and snowboarding opportunities on the recently acquired Quail Lake parcel.

The Forest Service purchased the Quail Lake parcel from Homewood Mountain Resort in 2009.  Prior to the purchase, the parcel was used for skiing and snowboarding along with Homewood’s grooming operation.  Temporary ski slope permits were issued to authorize continued operations from 2010 to 2013.  In 2012, the LTBMU accepted a proposal from Homewood Mountain Resort for a 20-year ski slope special use permit.

The proposed 20-year permit would authorize the operation and maintenance of the ski runs known as Main Cirque, 55 Chutes, Wally’s Folly, The Shoulder, Third Creek and Noonchester Traverse.  Avalanche control would provide for public and employee safety on Main Cirque, 55 Chutes, Wally’s Folly and The Shoulder.  Grooming to provide for emergency and skier access would take place on existing Forest Service roads to Quail Lake and for the run known as Noonchester Traverse.  The existing run known as Third Creek would also be groomed.

Comments may be submitted electronically to comments-pacificsouthwest-[email protected] using the subject line:  Homewood Permit.  Comments are most helpful if received by July 1, 2013.  For more information, contact Jonathan Cook-Fisher, (530) 543-2741, email [email protected], or visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/HomewoodSkiPermit