BERGMAN BOWL ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT DECISION NOTICE - February 2021 - USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region White River ...
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BERGMAN BOWL ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
DECISION NOTICE
February 2021
USDA Forest Service
Rocky Mountain Region
White River National Forest
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720‑2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632‑9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov (link sends e-mail). USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. We make every effort to create documents that are accessible to individuals of all abilities; however, limitations with our word processing programs may prevent parts of this document from being readable by computer-assisted reading devices. If you need assistance with this document, please contact the White River National Forest at (970) 945-2521.
Decision Notice
Contents
INTRODUCTION/ APPENDICES
BACKGROUND ...................... 1 Appendix A. Project-Specific Design Criteria
PURPOSE AND NEED FIGURES
FOR ACTION ......................... 1 DN Figure 1:
Selected Alternative
DECISION AND REASONS FOR
THE DECISION ...................... 1 DN Figure 2:
Selected Alternative – Snowmaking
Rationale for My Decision ......................... 2
DN Figure 3:
Wetlands .......................................................2
Canada Lynx ..................................................2 Selected Alternative – Construction Plan
Soils and Watershed .......................................3
Traffic and Parking .........................................3
Recreation ......................................................3
Selected Alternative Description ................. 4
Bergman Bowl Lift ..........................................4
Bergman Bowl and Erickson Bowl Terrain
Enhancements ................................................5
Snowmaking ..................................................5
Construction and Maintenance Access Road....6
Ski Patrol Facility ............................................6
Outpost Restaurant Expansion ........................6
General Construction Plans.............................6
Design Criteria and Lynx Conservation
Measures .......................................................7
OTHER ALTERNATIVES
CONSIDERED ........................ 8
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT ........... 8
FINDING OF
NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ...... 9
FINDINGS REQUIREMENT
BY OTHER LAWS AND
REGULATIONS ....................... 9
RESULTS OF THE PRE-
DECISIONAL OBJECTION
PROCESS .............................. 9
IMPLEMENTATION DATE ......... 9
CONTACT ........................... 10
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT DN-i
Decision Notice
Acronyms and Abbreviations
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DN Decision Notice
EA Environmental Assessment
GDC General Design Criteria
ID Team Interdisciplinary Team
LAU Lynx Analysis Unit
MDP Master Development Plan
NEPA National Environmental
Policy Act
NFS National Forest System
NOPA Notice of Proposed Action
PDC Project Design Criteria
SRLA Southern Rockies Lynx
Amendment
SUP Special Use Permit
USFWS United States Fish and
Wildlife Service
WRNF White River National Forest
DN-ii KEYSTONE RESORT | BERGMAN BOWL ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS
Decision Notice
Increase terrain variety for a range of
INTRODUCTION/ ability levels, while providing an above
BACKGROUND tree line skiing experience that does not
This Decision Notice (DN) documents my currently exist for lower ability level
decision and rationale for approving the guests.
proposed projects on the Dillon Ranger
District, White River National Forest (WRNF). DECISION AND REASONS FOR
My decision is based on and supported by the THE DECISION
November 2020 Keystone Bergman Bowl
Enhancement Projects Environmental After thoroughly considering the purpose and
Assessment (EA). The project area is located need for action, issues, range of alternatives,
within the Keystone Resort (Keystone) special and analyses presented in the EA, as well as
use permit (SUP) and existing operational public comments received, I am approving
boundary in Summit County, Colorado. alternative 3, which includes the project
specific design criteria (PDC) and lynx
The WRNF Land and Resource Management conservation measures identified in
Plan (Forest Plan) provides general standards
Table 2-1 of the EA and Appendix A in this
and guidelines for the operation of Keystone DN, and the WRNF Mountain Sports Program
regarding its activities and operations on
– Ski Area General Design Criteria (GDC)
National Forest System (NFS) lands. The SUP posted on the project webpage. The selected
and associated summer and winter operating
alternative will include the installation of one
plans, as well as other resource management chairlift in Bergman Bowl combined with trail
documents, provide more specific guidance
development, timber removal, and terrain
for annual winter and summer ski area modifications that will provide enhanced
operations and projects. access to Bergman Bowl and Erickson Bowl.
PURPOSE AND NEED Subsequent to the combined scoping and
opportunity to comment period, the proposed
FOR ACTION
action was modified and alternative 3 was
The purpose of the proposed action is to created to respond to resource concerns
better meet the demands of destination raised internally by an Interdisciplinary Team
visitors while appealing to the needs and (ID Team) comprised of Forest Service
desires of Keystone's day-use clientele. resource specialists and externally by the
public. In a collaborative effort between the
The proposed action is needed to:
WRNF and Keystone, the planning and
Better utilize the existing terrain within design of the action alternatives reduced the
Keystone's operational boundary and disturbance footprint of the project compared
SUP area; to that proposed in the notice of proposed
Reduce overcrowding by redistributing action (NOPA). Ultimately, the analysis
skiers from the front side of the showed that these efforts reduced
mountain; environmental impacts to wetland, wildlife,
and soil and watershed resources while still
Improve circulation between key terrain addressing the purpose and need. Refer to
pods; and Section 1.4 of the EA for a discussion of
relevant changes to the proposed action that
occurred since the publication of the NOPA.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT DN-1Decision Notice
Rationale for My Decision possible. This includes revisions to the project
proposed in the NOPA reconfiguring the
In reaching my decision I relied heavily upon
proposed lift towers and bottom terminal,
ID Team resource specialists who analyzed
skier bridge, and construction and
the effects of the selected alternative as
maintenance access road outside of wetlands
documented in the EA. I considered the
identified in the project area. Through a two-
following issues and concerns: effects to
year planning process and in coordination
wildlife/fish, vegetation, wetland, soils,
with Keystone, the project avoids all direct
watershed, scenery, recreation, and traffic
impacts to wetlands, including impacts to
and parking resources. I recognize that
wetland fens or wetlands directly adjacent to
certain resources were not carried forward in
fens. This precludes the need for an
detailed analysis for the EA; however, those
individual wetland permit from the United
resources were considered by the ID Team
States Army Corps of Engineers or any in-
and eliminated from detailed analysis with
kind wetland mitigation or replacement. In
supporting rationale. These resources and
addition, the selected alternative reduces
their rationale for elimination is included in
indirect impacts to wetlands by eliminating
the Issues and Resources Considered but Not
tree removal over wetlands in several
Carried Forward document available on the
locations. With implementation of the various
project webpage. I also reviewed the PDC
PDC and GDC, I anticipate indirect impacts
included in the EA as well as public
to wetlands due to tree removal to be
comments received during the 30-day
minimal.
scoping/comment period and considered
how the selected alternative will respond to Canada Lynx
the stated purpose and need.
Commenters expressed concern over impacts
In the context of the existing developed to wildlife in the project area, particularly
conditions at Keystone and the potential Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis). In response
benefits to visitors of the WRNF and to local to these concerns, numerous revisions were
communities, I believe the long-term benefits incorporated into the selected alternative to
of the project outweigh the potential costs. reduce the amount of tree removal and
Overall, I feel my decision will improve the glading in Canada lynx habitat. As compared
experience of guests to the National Forest to the project proposed in the NOPA, the
within the Keystone SUP area. selected alternative will reduce glading by
approximately 19 acres and tree clearing by
The following paragraphs describe some of approximately 10 acres. The selected
the most important resource issues that were alternative will maintain habitat connectivity
considered in reaching my decision. within the South Summit Lynx Analysis Unit
(LAU) and between this and other LAUs and
Wetlands
is consistent with the ALL S1 Standard as
Commenters expressed concern over impacts described in the Southern Rockies Lynx
to wetlands in proximity to permanent Amendment (SRLA). The selected alternative
infrastructure (e.g., Bergman Bowl lift, skier is also consistent with all other relevant
bridge, permanent construction and guidelines of the SRLA. Further,
maintenance access road). In response to implementation of an Independence Bowl
these concerns and in accordance with Operations and Ski Patrol Management Plan
Executive Order 11990, the selected and lynx monitoring, detailed in Table 2-1 of
alternative was developed to avoid and the EA and Appendix A, will ensure that
minimize impacts to wetlands wherever additional skier traffic does not occur into
DN-2 KEYSTONE RESORT | BERGMAN BOWL ENHANCEMENT PROJECTSDecision Notice
Jones Gulch and the Management Area 5.5 drainage management plan and a
– Forested Landscape Linkages adjacent to revegetation plan, which will further reduce
the operational boundary. Collectively, the impacts to watershed and soil resources and
selected alternative will have minimal effects ensure that the project area is restored to a
on lynx and will not compromise the ability suitable condition following project
of the South Summit LAU to support traveling implementation.
lynx. As a result, it has been determined that
the proposed project may affect, but is not Traffic and Parking
likely to adversely affect Canada lynx. The Internal and external comments identified
United States Fish and Wildlife Service potential impacts to traffic as an issue to be
(USFWS) was engaged in informal analyzed in the EA. The traffic analysis assumed
consultation and provided a letter of the number of additional guests per day would
concurrence for this determination prior to equal the increased lift capacity from this project
the authorization of this Final Decision. (1,070 guests per day) and result in up to 362
additional vehicles per day at Keystone. This
Any future proposals for summer use in the assumption, based on available data and
project area will consider and analyze applied to both action alternatives, represents the
habitat connectivity and cumulative effects high end of potential additional guests and is
associated with Canada lynx. likely an overestimate. The analysis concluded
Soils and Watershed that for U.S. Highway 6 road segments accessing
Keystone, the potential increase in traffic volumes
I recognize that internal and external on days with heavy ski traffic is likely
comments have expressed concern over considerably lower than the estimate based on
impacts to soil and watershed resources in the assumed increase in guests per day. With
the project area. In response to these respect to Interstate-70, the increase in vehicle
concerns, numerous revisions were trips associated with this project would be
incorporated into the selected alternative to negligible in the context of typical winter
reduce the amount of grading and tree weekends and other times with heavy ski traffic.
clearing. As compared to the project
proposed in the NOPA, the selected Recreation
alternative will reduce grading by The selected alternative will benefit winter
approximately 6.6 acres and tree clearing by recreation resources at Keystone and on the
approximately 10 acres. Revisions include WRNF. It will improve access to the
changes to the proposed lift terminals, eastern extent of Keystone's SUP area by
realignment of proposed ski trails, relocation providing additional lift-served ski
of the proposed skier bridge, and terrain, snowmaking, and guest
realignment of the proposed construction support facilities in Bergman and
and maintenance access road. Ground Erickson bowls. Dercum Mountain
disturbing activities associated with the currently offers most of the
selected alternative would result in impacts to intermediate terrain and all the beginner
soil and watershed resources related to terrain at Keystone, as well as serves as a
sedimentation and erosion; however, I transition area for all guests moving to and
believe that implementation of GDC and from North Peak and the Outback. As
PDC described in Table 2-1 of the EA and the current configuration results in
Appendix A would reduce and minimize any congestion issues, a lift serving the high
potential impacts. PDC include the alpine terrain in Bergman Bowl will distribute
development and implementation of a skiers across an increased amount of
beginner and
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT DN-3Decision Notice
intermediate terrain. The Bergman Bowl lift accessed by hiking or snowcat. The approved
will supplement the existing lift network by lift will be a detachable chairlift with a
providing guests more options for circulating capacity of approximately 2,400 people per
among Dercum Mountain, North Peak, and hour. It will be located in the center of
the Outback. Guests of lower ability levels Bergman Bowl, with the top terminal situated
will have the opportunity to ski in new settings above tree line, at an elevation of
with "big mountain" views and experiences approximately 12,300 feet. The bottom
when compared to Dercum Mountain. The terminal will be located below tree line, at an
selected alternative is consistent with the elevation of approximately 11,300 feet. In
goals and objectives of the Keystone’s addition to the top and bottom terminals,
accepted 2009 Master Development Plan there will be approximately 20 to 25 lift
(MDP), which largely focused on addressing towers required for this project.
constraints associated with skier circulation
and the underutilization of high alpine The Bergman Bowl lift will serve
terrain. Furthermore, the theme identified for approximately 555 acres of terrain including
Management Area 8.25 in the Forest Plan the existing undeveloped natural features
states, “ski areas are developed and that are currently accessible, and the
operated by the private sector to provide traditional developed ski trails and gladed
opportunities for intensively managed ski trails that will be incorporated into the
outdoor recreation activities during all enhanced Bergman Bowl terrain network
seasons of the year.” Development of under the selected alternative. From the top
Keystone for these recreational opportunities of the approved Bergman Bowl lift, guests
is in line with this theme and, therefore, the will be able to reach the Outpost Restaurant
selected alternative is in accordance with the and existing terrain on North Peak. Guests of
Forest Plan. lower ability levels will be encouraged to
return to Dercum Mountain primarily via the
Selected Alternative Description Outpost gondola; however, the Ruby Express
could be used for those guests capable of
A detailed description of the individual
skiing intermediate terrain to the bottom of
project components follows. All components
the North Peak terrain network. Guests with
of the selected alternative will occur within
expert skiing ability will also have the option
Keystone’s existing operating boundary and
to access Erickson Bowl and ski down to the
SUP area and are depicted on the attached
Outback Express or Wayback lift.
DN Figure 1: Selected Alternative, DN Figure
2: Selected Alternative – Snowmaking, and Power and telecommunication lines for the
DN Figure 3: Selected Alternative – bottom terminal of Bergman Bowl lift will be
Construction Plan. The selected alternative sourced from existing infrastructure at
would require approximately 16.6 acres of Labonte’s Restaurant and installed within the
grading, approximately 60 acres of tree approved construction and maintenance
clearing, and approximately 21 acres of access road. In order to provide adequate
glading. The selected alternative does not power, the existing powerline, which extends
authorize new summer uses in Bergman from Labonte’s Restaurant, up Starfire trail to
Bowl. the Outpost Restaurant, will be replaced in
the same alignment. There will be no
Bergman Bowl Lift permanent road or trenched in utilities
The Bergman Bowl lift is approved to access implemented for the top terminal of Bergman
terrain in Bergman and Erickson bowls, Bowl lift.
which are currently skied regularly and
DN-4 KEYSTONE RESORT | BERGMAN BOWL ENHANCEMENT PROJECTSDecision Notice
Bergman Bowl and Erickson Bowl Terrain Snowmaking
Enhancements The selected alternative includes the
The approved Bergman Bowl terrain network implementation of approximately 20 acres of
will include 13 ski trails in Bergman Bowl and snowmaking coverage, which will increase
3 ski trails in Erickson Bowl. The approved Keystone’s average annual water
terrain will consist of undeveloped terrain withdrawals by approximately 33 acre feet of
above tree line, gladed terrain, and water. The approved snowmaking coverage
traditional developed runs. In addition to the will occur on approved beginner and
13 developed trails in Bergman Bowl, intermediate ski trails in Bergman Bowl. The
approximately 4 acres of glading will occur approved snowmaking coverage will be
within two 100- to 150-foot corridors along located on approved trails 16-08 and 16-09,
the northern extent of the approved terrain which include the beginner ski trail
network to add to the variety of terrain types connecting the Outpost Restaurant with the
in the area. A skier bridge or large culvert approved bottom terminal of Bergman Bowl
will be installed to allow skiers utilizing the lift and the intermediate trail extending from
northern extent of the approved network to the approved bottom terminal to Prospector
cross a drainage and return to the bottom trail. Additional coverage will be applied to
terminal of the approved Bergman Bowl lift. approved trail 16-10, which follows the
ridgeline between the approved top terminal
Within Erickson Bowl, trees will be removed of Bergman Bowl lift and the Outpost
to create 3 expert ski trails below tree line, Restaurant. This portion of approved
enabling direct egress and circulation back coverage will begin just above tree line and
to the Outback Express or Wayback lift. Five end at the Outpost Restaurant.
100- to 150-foot gladed corridors are
approved to be implemented adjacent to the Approximately 8,100 feet of snowmaking
developed trails totaling approximately 10 pipe will be trenched into approved ski trails
acres. An additional 7-acre gladed area is with snowmaking coverage, resulting in
also approved to be implemented adjacent to approximately 8.5 acres of temporary
approved trail 16-15U for a total of ground disturbance. To accommodate the
approximately 17 acres of gladed terrain in additional approved snowmaking in
Erickson Bowl. Existing vegetation in these Bergman Bowl, Keystone will need to replace
areas will be reduced by no more than 15 an existing snowmaking line located within
percent. the Anticipation ski trail to increase its
capacity. Additional upgrades to existing
The existing snowcat guided skiing and snowmaking infrastructure may be required
shuttle programs will continue to operate in to accommodate the proposed snowmaking
Bergman, Erickson, and Independence bowls increase including pump and valve
until project completion and this program will replacements and a pump booster station
continue in Independence Bowl after project located within the disturbance footprint of the
completion. Aside from eventually being Outpost Restaurant expansion. Disturbed
phased out of Bergman and Erickson bowls, areas will be restored and revegetated
there are no approved modifications to immediately following implementation.
existing snowcat operations associated with
this project.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT DN-5Decision Notice
Construction and Maintenance seating and restrooms. The area around the
Access Road building will be regraded to accommodate
Included in the selected alternative is an skier egress out of Bergman Bowl and the
approximately 2,140-foot permanent existing Fox Trot road will be relocated to the
construction and maintenance access road to north side of the restaurant. In total, the
provide access to the bottom terminal of the project will require just over an acre of
approved Bergman Bowl lift. The approved grading. Construction access will be
construction and maintenance access road facilitated by the existing Fox Trot road.
will start on the north side of the Outpost Architectural styles of the restaurant
Restaurant and follow approved trail 16-08 expansion will be designed to match the
to the bottom terminal of the Bergman Bowl existing facade of the current structure and
lift. Construction of the road will require will be reviewed by the Forest Service to
approximately 2 acres of grading and tree ensure consistency with Forest Plan
clearing. The road will be designed with guidelines.
rolling grades and waterbars for drainage. General Construction Plans
Ski Patrol Facility General construction plans including
Included in the selected alternative is a small construction access and staging, and timber
ski patrol facility located adjacent to the top removal are depicted in DN Figure 3. While
terminal of the approved Bergman Bowl lift. timber removal and construction
The approved facility will be approximately methodologies are subject to change based
1,000 square feet in size. Construction of the on field conditions discovered during project
facility and the top terminal of the approved implementation, the locations of disturbance
Bergman Bowl lift will require approximately for staging and construction access routes, as
1 acre of grading. The facility will be well as the types of routes, are specifically
designed to be constructed and operated off approved in this document. Low impact
the grid, without an access road or trenched timber removal and construction
in utilities. The architectural style of the methodologies would be utilized as much as
facility will be designed to blend with the possible.
surrounding landscape and will be reviewed Access
and approved by the Forest Service to ensure
consistency with Forest Plan guidelines. The approved construction and maintenance
access road will provide construction access
Outpost Restaurant Expansion to the bottom terminal of the approved
Bergman Bowl lift. Temporary construction
In order to accommodate a greater
routes will facilitate the construction of
percentage of guests circulating through the
project components uphill of the bottom
project area, the selected alternative includes
terminal (e.g., lift towers, skier bridge, and
the expansion of the Outpost Restaurant and
timber removal for ski terrain). The
deck. The approved expansion will increase
temporary construction routes will be located
the seating capacity of the facility by 300
within the disturbance footprint of approved
interior seats and 75 exterior seats,
ski trails and will not require earthwork, with
consistent with the 2009 MDP.
the exception of one approximately 1,830-
The approved expansion project will occur on foot route segment which will cross Bergman
the south side of the Outpost Restaurant and Bowl uphill of the approved bottom lift
provide approximately 6,000 square feet of terminal. This segment will require spot
space for guest services including restaurant grading and incidental tree removal,
DN-6 KEYSTONE RESORT | BERGMAN BOWL ENHANCEMENT PROJECTSDecision Notice
resulting in approximately 0.5 acre of pre-established locations in and adjacent to
temporary ground disturbance. A minimal the project area. Low impact machinery, such
construction route will facilitate construction as spider hoes, will be utilized as much as
of the top lift terminal and ski patrol facility possible. Piling and burning may be used as
using low impact machinery such as spider a secondary approach to vegetation removal.
hoes, and utility task vehicles. The minimal Protocols for piling and burning would follow
construction route will not require grading. established Forest Service and State
During construction, materials and requirements.
machinery will be staged in designated
construction staging areas located within the Timber will be transported to log decks
disturbance footprint of the top lift terminal, established along the construction access
the permanent construction and maintenance road and the approved ski trails and will be
access road, the temporary construction transported out of the project area using
access routes, and approved ski trails. The logging trucks. Road improvements will be
temporary construction access routes, required on the existing Fox Trot road for
minimal construction route, and construction logging trucks to access the project area.
staging areas will be restored and
In addition to timber removed specifically for
revegetated immediately following
this project, hazard trees would likely be
implementation of the selected alternative.
removed following project implementation to
Construction of the lift, skier bridge, and ski
facilitate safe operation of the proposed
patrol facility will be facilitated by low impact
terrain, particularly in Erickson Bowl which
equipment such as a helicopter and spider
has a high number of dead trees. Typical ski
hoe to the greatest extent possible.
area practices for operating lift-served
Tree Removal terrain, including the removal of hazard trees
Tree removal methods are subject to change for the safety of the skiing public, would be
based on conditions discovered in the field authorized through the resort operating plan
during project implementation. Tree removal or summer construction plan. As this terrain
methods will include over-snow skidding, is already with Keystone’s operating
traditional over-ground skidding, and boundary, hazard tree removal is currently
helicopter removal/piling and burning. DN permissible, but would likely be increased to
Figure 3 identifies areas in which different accommodate developed ski trails and a
tree removal methods would be appropriate greater number of users in the area.
based on access limitations such as slope
Design Criteria and Lynx Conservation
steepness or wetlands. Over-snow skidding
Measures
will be utilized in areas that are
inappropriate for skidding due to the GDC and PDC have been applied to avoid
presence wetlands. Traditional over-ground and minimize potential resource impacts
skidding will be utilized in areas that are flat from construction and operation of the
and dry. Helicopter removal/piling and selected alternative. PDC and lynx
burning will be utilized for the approved ski conservation measures are identified in
trails and glades in Erickson Bowl, the Table 2-1 of the EA and Appendix A of this
approved glades in Bergman Bowl and for document; GDC apply to all ski area projects
any area that is too steep for traditional over- on the WRNF and are available on the project
ground/snow skidding. Helicopter landing webpage.
zones will be located at the Outpost
Restaurant, Labonte’s Restaurant, and other
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT DN-7Decision Notice
OTHER ALTERNATIVES opportunity to comment period closed on
May 30, 2020.
CONSIDERED
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 Prior to the combined scoping and
(NEPA) requires that a range of reasonable opportunity to comment period, the Forest
alternatives to the proposed action be Service assembled and engaged with focus
developed and analyzed. Alternatives must groups on key issues (traffic and parking,
meet the purpose and need of the project wildlife, soils and watershed) that were
while responding to issues identified during comprised of external stakeholders. The goal
scoping. In response to internal and external of the focus group meetings was to establish
comments received during the combined a baseline understanding of resource
scoping and opportunity to comment period, concerns within the project area and refine
numerous alternatives were considered by project components to address these
the WRNF early in the NEPA process. resource concerns. The analysis and the
Ultimately only one alternative to the design of the project itself were in part
proposed action, alternative 3, was analyzed tailored to some of the specific concerns that
alongside the proposed action in the EA. came out of these meetings. Many of the
Alternatives considered but dismissed from focus group attendees participated in the
detailed analysis in the EA are discussed in comment period and remained engaged
Section 2.2 of the EA and in the Response to throughout the process.
Comments document available on the project
Twenty-six comment letters were received
webpage. In accordance with Forest Service
during the combined scoping and
Handbook 1909.15, Chapter 40, Section
opportunity to comment period, and were
41.22, and 36 CFR § 220.7(b)(2)(ii), the EA
then utilized by the ID Team to identify
did not include an analysis of the no action
substantive issues and consider potential
alternative.
alternatives to the selected alternative. I
considered these comments and the ID Team
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT provided a response to them and in the
Formal public scoping began in May 2020. A Response to Comments document available
NOPA was shared with 91 community on the project webpage. After reviewing
residents, interested individuals, public public comments, as well as internal
agencies, tribal governments, and other concerns raised by Forest Service specialists,
organizations, and was also made available a final list of issues assembled to help guide
on the project webpage. The NOPA was the subsequent analysis in the EA. Issues are
specifically designed to summarize the identified in Chapter 1 of the EA.
proposed action, and elicit comments,
concerns, and issues pertaining to the
proposed action. A legal notice was
published on May 1, 2020 in the Glenwood
Springs Post Independent, the newspaper of
record for the WRNF, announcing the
opportunity to comment on the proposed
action and initiating a combined scoping and
opportunity to comment period for the
project. The combined scoping and
DN-8 KEYSTONE RESORT | BERGMAN BOWL ENHANCEMENT PROJECTSDecision Notice
FINDING OF RESULTS OF THE
NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT PRE-DECISIONAL OBJECTION
After considering the environmental effects PROCESS
described in the EA, I determined that these This decision was subject to the objection
actions will not have a significant effect on processes pursuant to 36 CFR § 218.8
the quality of the human environment (project-level components objection),
considering the context and intensity of subparts A and B. The objection period
impacts (according to 40 CFR § 1508.27). closed on December 21, 2020. Two
Thus, an environmental impact statement will objections were received during the objection
not be prepared. Refer to Appendix B of the period. The first objection was dismissed
EA for the explanation of the Finding of No because the objector had not previously
Significant Impact. submitted specific written or substantive
formal comments regarding the approved
FINDINGS REQUIREMENT project during a comment period and,
BY OTHER LAWS AND therefore, was not eligible to object in
accordance with 36 CFR § 218.5(a). The
REGULATIONS second objection was submitted by Keystone
This decision is consistent with the Forest Plan and was resolved following a meeting
as required by the National Forest between the Forest Service and the objector
Management Act of 1976 and all other laws, on January 28th, 2021. The objection
regulations, and policies that govern Forest resolution resulted in language being
Service actions. Site-specific PDC and Forest incorporated into this DN; however, the EA
Plan standards and guidelines will be and supporting documents have not been
applied, as appropriate, to meet Forest Plan altered.
goals and desired conditions. While the
Forest Service assumes no responsibility or It was determined that the EA and
enforcing laws, regulations, or ordinances supporting project documents present an
under the jurisdiction of other governmental adequate analysis and disclosure of the
agencies, Forest Service regulations require direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts to
permittees to abide by applicable laws and relevant aspects of the natural and
conditions imposed by other jurisdictions. human environment, sufficient to
The project was designed to conform to the inform both the public and the decision
Forest Plan and all other laws, regulations, maker regarding any consequences of
and policies, including: implementing the proposed action. The
reviewing officer concluded that the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s Endangered
responsible official did not violate applicable
Species Act Informal Section 7
laws, regulations, or policies and that all
Consultation;
necessary due diligence was given by the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Clean responsible official to each issue and all
Water Act 404 Permit; concerns have been adequately address in
State of Colorado’s Burn Permit; the EA and associated reports.
Executive Order 11990, Protection of
Wetlands; and
IMPLEMENTATION DATE
Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Implementation of this decision may occur
Management. on, but not before, five (5) business
days from the close of the objection filing
period.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT DN-9Decision Notice
APPENDIX A. PROJECT-SPECIFIC DESIGN CRITERIA
Project-Specific Design Criteria and Lynx Conservation Measures
PROJECT
PROJECT-SPECIFIC DESIGN CRITERIA
PHASE
Based on resource analysis, and building off of GDC, it has been determined that
the following plans will be prepared prior to project implementation and reviewed
by the Forest Service. These plans may encompass additional design measures;
however, the findings presented in the EA are not hinged on any measure not
currently presented in this table or the selected alternative itself.
1) Construction Implementation Plan: All proposed construction methodologies
and practices would be reviewed for compliance with the decision and
resource management direction. This plan shall include project timelines,
project contracts, disturbance boundaries and any required survey
information. Detailed grading and site plans have been prepared and staging
and parking areas and construction access are identified on Figure 5.
2) Timber Management: Any refinement of planned logging deck areas, access,
and skid paths, and protocol for timber removal as preliminarily identified on
Figure 5 would occur in this plan. This plan would also define pile burning
areas and any contracting needed to remove timber and other forest products
from NFS lands.
P r e - Co n s t r u c t i o n P l a n s
3) Drainage Management Plan (DMP): Keystone, the Forest Service, and the
consultant team have prepared a plan that specifies the design, construction,
and maintenance of features such as ski trail terrain enhancements,
waterbars, drainage ditches, and erosion and sediment control BMPs. The
DMP also includes a monitoring plan to ensure stream health is maintained
and that the implemented drainage features and associated BMPs are
performing as designed.
4) Revegetation and Restoration Plan: Keystone, the Forest Service, and the
consultant team have prepared a post-construction revegetation, restoration,
and monitoring plan that will be in effect until the project area is restored to
applicable Forest Service standards. The plan addresses turf salvage, storage,
preservation, and replacement for all proposed grading areas in the alpine
containing turf. The plan includes methodology, locations, vegetative mixes,
and soil amendments. Weed control methodologies including equipment
cleaning, pretreatment, and post-construction monitoring and treatment are
disclosed in this plan as well.
In order to prevent the proposed snowmaking and drainage pipelines from
dewatering wetlands, an impermeable construction technique (e.g., PVC liner, clay
D u r i n g Co n s t r u c t i o n
cutoff wall) would be installed if the excavated pipeline trench encounters high
groundwater adjacent to wetland(s).
Implement a three-year wetland monitoring plan for those wetlands indirectly
impacted by forest overstory removal. Monitoring should include a concise
qualitative assessment of wetland health and plant species composition as well as
P o s t Co n s t r u c t i o n
year-to-year photographic record. If adverse impacts to wetlands are observed,
then the Forest Service shall be notified and remedial measures to correct the
adverse impact would be implemented.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT DN-11Draft Decision Notice
Project-Specific Design Criteria and Wildlife Conservation Measures (cont.)
PROJECT
DESIGN CRITERIA
PHASE
L y n x Co n s e r v a t i o n M e a s u r e s
Take a phased approach to vegetation removal in areas identified for glading,
removing the minimum amount of trees necessary to create the desired skiing
D u r i n g Co n s t r u c t i o n
condition. Conduct tree removal in iterations until adequate tree density is
reached.
1) Keystone would develop an Independence Bowl Operations and Ski Patrol
Management Plan to ensure that additional skier traffic does not occur into
Jones Gulch adjacent the operational boundary. This plan should describe
both physical closures and operational measures to be taken. Prior to
implementation of any activities authorized by this decision, this plan would be
reviewed by the Forest Service. A copy of this draft plan is included in
Appendix C of the Wildlife BA. This plan will be finalized and incorporated
into the operating plan prior to operation of lift served terrain in Bergman
Bowl.
P o s t Co n s t r u c t i o n 2) To ensure continued consistency with Southern Rockies Lynx Amendment
(SRLA) ALL S1 monitoring within the Jones Gulch corridor will occur following
implementation of the Bergman Bowl lift. Should problematic levels of skier
use in Jones Gulch be documented, then the Forest Service will contact USFWS
and assess the need for reinitiating consultation. Details of Jones Gulch
monitoring are included in the Independence Bowl Operations and Ski Patrol
Management Plan referenced in the measure above.
3) Operation of the Bergman Bowl lift would conclude by May 1st annually. This
condition does not prohibit chairlift or other maintenance activities as
described in Keystone’s operating plan.
DN-12 KEYSTONE RESORT | BERGMAN BOWL ENHANCEMENT PROJECTSSelected Alternative Figures
DN Figure 1: Selected Alternative
DN Figure 2: Selected Alternative – Snowmaking
DN Figure 3: Selected Alternative – Construction PlanNort
No
No
rt
h
rt
Bo
h Bo
hB
wl
3
ow
wl 1
t
Tro
l2
Fox
L
16-24
Bergman Bowl
Enhancement Projects
Proposed
DN Figure Action
1: Selected
Figure
Alternative
s
es
Legend
pr
Ex
Existing Special Use
SUP Boundary Approved Glading
ck
Permit (SUP) Boundary
ba
Operating Boundary Approved Trail NDARY
Existing Operating
SUP BOU
ay
Clearing
4U
Boundary
W
16-2
5L
6
Existing Lift Approved Grading
-1
16-1
16
Approved Lift Approved
Grading and Trail Fo Cat South
Approved Ski Trail x
Clearing Tr
ot
Acc DECK EXPANSION
ess
Prepared by: White River R oad
Cat Dance
National Forest BUILDING EXPANSION r
The Outpost
r
ke
EXISTING STRUCTURE
oc
North Peak
Kn
Keystone Peak o rse
11,660’
y
yH
m
12,408’ ra Geronimo
m
St
10
To
16-
16
Erickson ne
-08
o
thb San
Bowl Ra 5U tia
ia
-1 go
op
16 Exp Glades
uc
res
s
rn
16
Co
-0
16-10 7 EXISTING POWER CORRIDOR
C
(LINE TO BE REPLACED) Blac
16-10B k Ha
16-10 wk
16
-0
Corridor
APPROVED
6
Po
continues
16-10A 16- ACCESS ROAD
wd
13 16-0 down Star
Am
5 Fire to
RY
er
Las
bu
DA
Labonte’s
APPROVED SKI
Ca
Approved Bergm
t Al
UN Restaurant
sh
an Bowl Lift Sta
p
BO
PATROL FACILITY r Fire
am
IT 16-1
4
RM
o
PE
16
US
E Bergman 16-04
16-
01
-16
1 6 - 09
I AL Y Bowl Bu
lle
C 16-1
SPE D AR 5 16-0
t
N 4
Out
Bu
U
BO
lle
APPROVED SKIER BRIDGE
pos
tG
G
N
TI
la
t
RA
de
Independence 16-12
Gon
PE
Liberty
s
O 16
G Bowl
dola
N -0 03
S TI 2 16-
EXI
Patri
tte
Lib
Midnight Ride
Revolution
ule
ert
k
ea
ot
Ro
Sn
yT
k
a
ac
ree
m
kJ
h
ra
ac
s
B a
Bl
a hm
Br
EX e
IST m
IN Ga e
GO ap ut
PE
RA Cr a rd e Ch
TIN C n
Zo
0 350 700 1,050 1,400 GB ild last
N OU W B Ridge
SCALE: 1” = 700’ Contour Interval: 10’ ND Card
AR Wild
YNort
No
No
rt
h
rt
Bo
h Bo
hB
wl
3
ow
wl 1
t
Tro
l2
Fox
L
16-24
Bergman Bowl
Enhancement Projects
DN Figure 2: EXISTING SNOWMAKING CORRIDOR
s
Selected Alternative – Snowmaking
es
(LINE TO BE REPLACED)
pr
Ex
Legend
ck
Existing Special Use
ba
Approved Ski Trail
NDARY
Permit (SUP) Boundary SUP BOU
ay
4U
W
Existing Operating Snowmaking Line
16-2
5L
6
Boundary
-1
16-1
Approved
16
Existing Lift
Cat South
Snowmaking
Fo
Approved Lift x
Tr
ot
Acc
ess
Prepared by: White River R oad
Cat Dance
National Forest PUMP BOOSTER STATION TO BE r
LOCATED WITHIN FOOTPRINT OF The Outpost
r
ke
OUTPOST EXPANSION
oc
North Peak
Kn
Keystone Peak o rse
11,660’
y
yH
m
12,408’ ra Geronimo
m
St
10
To
16-
16
Erickson ne
-08
o
thb San
Bowl Ra 5U tia
ia
-1 go
op
16 Exp Glades
uc
res
s
rn
16
Co
-0
16-10 7 EXISTING POWER CORRIDOR
C
(LINE TO BE REPLACED) Blac
16-10B k Ha
16-10 wk
16
-0
Corridor
APPROVED
6
Po
continues
16-10A 16- ACCESS ROAD
wd
13 16-0 down Star
Am
5 Fire to
RY
er
Las
bu
DA APPROVED SKI Labonte’s
Ca
Approved Bergm
t Al
UN Restaurant
sh
PATROL FACILITY an Bowl Lift Sta
p
BO r Fire
am
IT 16-1
4
RM
o
PE
16
US
E Bergman 16-04
16-
01
-16
1 6 - 09
IAL Y Bowl Bu
lle
C 16-1
SPE D AR 5 16-0
t
N 4
Out
Bu
U
BO
lle
pos
tG
G
IN
la
AT
t
de
R 16-12
Independence
Gon
PE
Liberty
s
O 16
G Bowl
dola
N -0 03
S TI 2 16-
EXI
Patri
tte
Lib
Midnight Ride
Revolution
ule
ert
k
ea
ot
Ro
Sn
yT
k
a
ac
ree
m
kJ
h
ra
ac
s
B a
Bl
a hm
Br
EX e
IST m
IN Ga e
GO ap ut
PE
RA Cr a rd e Ch
TIN C n
Zo
0 350 700 1,050 1,400 GB ild last
N OU W B Ridge
SCALE: 1” = 700’ Contour Interval: 10’ ND Card
AR Wild
YNort
No
No
rt
h
rt
Bo
h Bo
hB
wl
3
ow
wl 1
t
Tro
l2
Fox
Bergman Bowl
Enhancement Projects
DN Figure Action
Proposed 3: Selected
Figure
Alternative
s
Construction Plan
es
pr
Ex
Legend
ck
ba
Existing Special Tree Removal
SUP Boundary
NDARY
SUP BOU
ay
Use Permit (SUP) Skid Path
W
Operating
Boundary Boundary
Tree Removal - Over-
Existing Operating ground Skidding
Boundary
Tree Removal Fo Cat South
Existing Lift Over Snow x
Tr
ot
Tree Removal - Hand Acc
Approved Lift ess
Felling & Burning or R oad
Cat Dance
Road Helicopter Removal r
Improvements
Glading Area - Hand The Outpost
r
ke
Permanent Access Felling & Burning or
oc
Road Helicopter Removal North Peak
Kn
Keystone Peak o rse
11,660’
y
yH
Temporary Tree Removal
m
12,408’ ra Geronimo
m
Construction Route Log Deck
St
To
Minimal Construction
Erickson one
Construction Route Staging Area
thb San
Bowl Ra tia
ia
go
op
Note: Timber removal and construction methodolo- Exp Glades
uc
gies are subject to change based on field conditions res
s
rn
discovered during project implementation.
Co
Prepared by: White River Blac
National Forest k Ha
wk
Po
wd
Am
RY
er
Las
bu
DA
Ca
Approved Bergm
t Al
UN
sh
an Bowl Lift Sta
p
BO r Fire
am
IT
RM
o
PE
US
E Bergman
L Bu
CI
A
RY
Bowl lle
t
E
SP DA
N
Out
Bu
U
BO
lle
pos
tG
G
IN
la
AT
t
de
R
Independence
Gon
PE
Liberty
s
O
G Bowl
dola
IN
IST
EX
Patri
tte
Lib
Midnight Ride
Revolution
ule
ert
k
ea
ot
Ro
Sn
yT
k
a
ac
ree
m
kJ
h
ra
ac
s
B a
Bl
a hm
Br
EX e
IST m
IN Ga e
GO ap ut
PE
RA Cr a rd e Ch
TIN C n
Zo
0 350 700 1,050 1,400 GB ild last
N OU W B Ridge
SCALE: 1” = 700’ Contour Interval: 10’ ND Card
AR Wild
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