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Forum set What : Public forum organized by Headwaters environmental coalition on Ski Ashland expansion proposal When : 7 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday Where : Arena Room of Stevenson Union building, Southern Oregon University, Ashland Ski Ashland forum to be neutral By PAUL FATTIG ASHLAND -- Organizers of a public forum on the controversial Ski Ashland expansion proposal hope folks who get heated up over the issue chill out Wednesday night. The forum's goal is not to inflame but to enlighten, said Robert Lonsdorf, conservation policy coordinator for the Headwaters environmental coalition, which is organizing the event, dubbed "Thinking Like a Mountain." "We want to develop the public understanding of the issues involved," Lonsdorf said, adding, "Headwaters is neutral on this." Jeff Golden, radio talk show host and former Jackson County commissioner, will preside over the program. It is sponsored by the SOU-based Ecology Center of the Siskiyous. At issue is Mount Ashland Association's proposal to nearly double the ski area with a 350-acre expansion inside the McDonald Peak roadless area of the Rogue River National Forest. Plans call for about 80 acres to be clearcut. The Rogue Group Sierra Club leadership opposes the proposal as do the Oregon Natural Resources Council and the Siskiyou Regional Education Project. Opponents say the expansion would harm wetlands, meadows and riparian areas, while supporters counter that enough safeguards would be taken to avoid environmental damage. The Ashland Ranger District is expected to release its draft supplemental environmental impact statement next month, including a preferred alternative. A 45-day comment period will follow that release. Wednesday's forum will focus on four themes: site ecology, soil and water, social dimensions and project alternatives. Speakers will include project consultants, Forest Service officials, members of the Mount Ashland Ski Association and environmental researchers. The audience is encouraged to participate, Lonsdorf said, reiterating that the goal is to increase understanding of the issues. "We're searching for new ways to get the public involved and participating in public land management issues," Lonsdorf said. "We believe this forum is the right step so people can comment more meaningfully on these projects. "Our goal is to use this as one of the steppingstones in the process," he added. "Mount Ashland is a highly used public resource." Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA