Placer County and the U. S. Forest Service released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Report (DEIS/R) on April 27, for the proposed Squaw/Alpine Base to Base Gondola. The DEIS/R considers four different alternatives. All four routes would cross the Sierra Crest, the popular Five Lakes Trail and either encroach on or be very close to the Granite Chief Wilderness area. The original route, Alternative 1 would cross the Granite Chief Wilderness area. Alternatives 2, 3 & 4 would all skirt and have no affect on the wilderness area but could have as many as 37 towers with two midway stations and would have 33 adverse environmental effects. Alternative 4 would have less affect on the Granite Chief Wilderness area and was therefore determined to be the most environmentally desirable alternative. The report also stated that a “no action” alternative would be “environmentally preferable.” Click on the map to the right to view the three preferred alternatives.
This proposal is separate from Squaw Valley Ski Holdings’ (owned by KSL Capital Partners/Alterra Mountain Company) approved development plan, which is now in litigation, to greatly expand the Village at Squaw Valley. However it is a part of their overall plan to keep Squaw Alpine competitive in the rapidly consolidating ski industry. They originally, unsuccessfully, tried to join the two resorts by purchasing the White Wolf property which borders both resorts. The owner of that property was not interested in selling due to his intention to develop his own boutique ski resort. Had both parties been able to agree on this the connection between the two resorts could have been done with several chair lifts (one of which already has towers in place). This probably would have had less adverse environmental impacts.
As I am sure most of you know in our very environmentally conscious community this proposal has generated strong negative reaction from environmentalists and equally strong positive reaction from Squaw Alpine ski enthusiasts. There are good arguments, both positive and negative, on either side. The next step in this process is a public comment period on the draft report which ends June 11. There are two public meetings scheduled; on May 22nd a Forest Service Open House and on May 24th a Placer County Planning Commission meeting. I encourage you to submit your comments no matter which side you are on.
Click here to read the Truckee Sun article and get information on the DEIS/R and on the upcoming public meetings.
To read views two opposing viewpoints click on the links below.
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