Analysis: Montanans say "No, No" to Lolo Peak Resort Plans
Friday, February 9, 2007
Eight out of 10 Montanans oppose turning Montana's Lolo Peak into a ski resort, according to analysis of public comments by the Sierra Club. Bob Clark, with the Sierra Club's Missoula field office, believes the public strongly supports preserving Lolo Peak from development because they dislike how previous explosive growth along the Bitterroot Valley has changed the landscape.
"When it comes to public lands, Montana has these tremendous open spaces, where we can go and recreate. These places are on public lands, so we don't have to lose them."
About 80 percent of those surveyed opposed resort development on public lands. Developers have promoted this particular resort as an economic benefit for the area. Forest management plans are expected in a couple of months that will outline future use of Lolo Peak.
Clark adds the Forest Service has traditionally managed Lolo Peak as a wild area, which he says has reflected the public view of the land.
"The people of this state have a perception that this area should be protected in a way that retains its wilderness character, its roadless nature, and its value to wildlife and water quality."
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