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Ski area plan extended Deadline for comment period on draft EIS moved to April 4 By PAUL FATTIG ASHLAND -- The Forest Service has extended the public comment period for the draft environmental impact statement for the Mount Ashland ski area expansion proposal. The new deadline of May 4 was the result of a citizen request. The deadline was April 3. "Based on the complexity of the information presented in the document and a recent request for extension, I think it will be helpful to take this additional time for the public to provide the Forest Service with substantive, informed comment about the draft EIS," said Tom Reilly, acting forest supervisor for the Rogue River National Forest. Comments should be sent to: Linda Duffy, Ashland Ranger District, 645 Washington St., Ashland, OR 97520. The draft EIS contains three alternatives: no action; Ski Ashland's $3.3 million proposal; and the Forest Service's scaled-back version that addresses issues raised by the public and the agency during its scoping process. There is no preferred alternative. A final EIS and decision is expected late this summer. Opponents have expressed concern about the planned expansion's impact on the watershed feeding the city of Ashland. They also expressed objections to the potential impact on rare plants and the McDonald Peak roadless area. Some have suggested the expansion should occur in the area known as the Knoll instead of into the roadless area. But others have urged support for the expansion, noting that the ski area needs to expand because of crowded conditions and to create more intermediate and novice ski trails. The agency originally approved the 1991 expansion request by the Mount Ashland Association, which operates the publicly owned nonprofit facility. New information that has come out since the original EIS and increased interest in the proposal prompted officials to create the new draft EIS. The Mount Ashland Association hopes to build a new chairlift, expand parking and build a 4,200-square-foot, midmountain lodge at the bottom of the area known as the Bowl. The ranger district is encouraging those with concerns or questions about the draft EIS to come to the district office to talk to members of the agency's interdisciplinary team who helped craft the document. To schedule an appointment, call project coordinator Steve Johnson at 482-3333. A public forum on the issue will be held Tuesday by the Environmental Education Graduate Program at Southern Oregon University. The event will begin at 7 p.m. in the Rogue River Room of the Stevenson Union. The forum will include a panel of experts on environmental considerations in the design and planning process, policy framework, roadless areas, Engelmann spruce, soils and wetlands, Crosson said. A facilitator will oversee the presentation. Following the panel presentation, written questions will be accepted. Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA