Ski Area Master Development Plans

White River National Forest skiers, Copyright by Jack Affleck Many ski areas across the country are partially or completely located on public lands, including 12 commercial downhill and four commercial cross country ski areas on the White River National Forest. Each ski area pays a use fee based on its income derived from use of the public lands. These use fees are comparable to land rents collected by private land owners. This fee goes directly back to the Federal treasury.

In addition to the land use fee, ski areas are also asked to prepare Master Development Plans (MDPs) that identify the existing and desired conditions for the ski area and the proposed improvements on the National Forest System lands within the permit boundary. These plans help the ski areas articulate their long range vision for the use of public lands, and they help the Forest Service anticipate future use. The plans provide local governments, other agencies and the public with information about possible long term plans that may affect them.

Conceptual projects contained in the MDP are reviewed by the Forest Service to determine if they meet Forest Plan goals and objectives. Acceptance of the MDP by the Forest Service does not imply authorization to proceed with construction or implementation of any proposed projects. Specific projects proposed in an MDP require a more in-depth, site-specific evaluation prior to proceeding into environmental review and/or analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act.