Number: 1986-10
WHEREAS, ski area development has become an increasing problem to conservation of wildlife habitat and other environmental qualities in the Rocky Mountain West and other parts of the country, with accompanying, subsequent threat to wildlife and to the enjoyment of hunting, fishing, and animal watching public; and
WHEREAS, the tourism industries of the various states are promoting the continued development of skiing and subsequent ski area development; and
WHEREAS, state agencies are also promoting this skiing image often in conflict with state wildlife agencies and organizations; and
WHEREAS, most of the actual skiing slopes in the Rocky Mountain West are located on National Forest Land; and
WHEREAS, each and every skiing proposal coming forth has certain irretrievable effects on wildlife, usually through the destruction of winter range, the loss of accessibility for the animals to these ranges, and the loss of wildlife-related public use activities within ski area sites and locations as well as the secondary impacts of associated development and population growth;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in annual meeting assembled March 20-23, 1986, in Seattle, Washington, that it urges the United States Forest Service to fulfill its obligation under the National Environmental Policy Act including:
(1) implementation of long overdue assessments of the cumulative impact of current and proposed ski area development on wildlife, as well as on environmental and social qualities of the states, and
(2) participation in cooperative studies with State Wildlife Agencies concerning ski area development; and that the Forest Service take appropriate action where warranted to ensure that wildlife is protected.