The Latest Chapter in the Snodgrass Saga

The ski area has been proposing to expand onto Snodgrass Mountain for 30+ years. Originally the proposal was turned down, but the USFS replaced the decision-maker and reversed the decision, an action that led to an investigation into undue influence. The expansion did receive approval, but CBMR did not move forward on it. In the ’90s as part of proposed improvements on the main mountain, CBMR submitted expansion plans. Those plans were controversial and were withdrawn in order to allow the other improvements to proceed. The USFS has invested a lot of time over the years in considering a Snodgrass expansion. Consequently before initiating a NEPA review of a new proposal, the USFS asked for CBMR to show strong public support of well thought out plans. On November 5th the USFS turned down CBMR’s request to initiate NEPA.

Snodgrass has long been an issue for the RMBL. Most scientists and students who have spent a summer in Gothic oppose it on a personal level. However, rather than opposing the expansion (we have had no official position) the Lab has been careful to identify a proactive vision for the valley. The ski resort expansion might make it difficult for us, but if issues such as transportation and land management were dealt with, it could be a net plus.

Many members of the community are upset by the USFS decision. There have been threats to boycott businesses and organizations that fail to support the expansion, including presumably the RMBL. The Gunnison Times ran a letter to the editor suggesting the skunk cabbage fields around Gothic be plowed for motorcross courses and that “no-growthers” be tarred and feathered. It’s sad to see the discussion to sink to such low levels. I doubt a campaign of intimidation will convince the USFS that CBMR has broad public support, nor does it create a compelling case that the issue is not divisive. Everybody, the RMBL and CBMR, benefits from a strong community that can agree and disagree in interesting and constructive ways. I hope that emotions will fade and the discussion will turn positive. Otherwise, we will all lose.