The U.S. Forest Service has published an interim final rule that essentially allows ski areas operating on USFS land to offer a broader range of outdoor recreation, such as mountain biking and zip lines.
The amendments change the USFS definition of a ski area to comply with the Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act (SAROEA) of 2011. That act, which was supported by ski areas, amended the National Forest Service Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 to allow ski areas on USFS land to develop mountain biking trails, zip lines and other seasonal and year-round natural resource-based recreation activities on NFS lands “provided that authorization of these other activities and facilities would not change the primary purpose of the ski area to a purpose other than skiing and other snow sports.”
The new rule will become effective July 29. Those interested in commenting on the new rules can obtain instructions in the June 28, 2013 edition of the Federal Register.
