Logging Mitigation Phase II Starts

MONDAY, 23 AUGUST 2010

Starting possibly as early as Monday, August 23, 2010, the Steamboat Ski Area will begin the second phase of logging operations to remove approximately 30 acres of dead lodgepole pine trees from areas along the Thunderhead liftline, Burgess Creek liftline and the north facing slopes above Bashor.

�As we�ve seen, addressing the effects of the mountain pine beetle epidemic will span the next several years,� said Doug Allen, vice president of mountain operations for the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. �For your safety and the safety of the crews operating in the areas, it is imperative that the public understands the dangers associated with this operation and abide by all closures/detours and keep clear of affected areas.�

This portion of the logging project is anticipated to possibly begin as early as Monday, August 23, 2010 and continue through late fall/early winter. The ski area closed daily operation last Sunday, August 22nd and will then operate weekends through September 19th.

Due to the extensive logging activity during this phase of the project, sections of the Zig Zag and Valley View mountain bike trails will be restricted from public use. Corresponding detours will be encountered and on some sections, bikes, vehicles and other traffic will share the road. Currently, no closures/detours are planned for the Thunderhead hiking trail.

This program continues to focus solely on lodgepole pines and will not affect spruce, fir and aspen. Steamboat is fortunate that the forest cover on the mountain is comprised primarily of Engelmann Spruce, Subalpine Fir, Lodgepole and Aspen as well as a few Douglas fir.

Source: www.steamboat.com