U.S. Water News Online
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Operators of Arizona Snowbowl received approval recently to expand the ski area and install snowmaking equipment that will use reclaimed wastewater, despite opposition from some tribes and environmentalists.
Snowbowl, in northern Arizona outside Flagstaff, has hosted skiers for 67 years, and its operators sought authorization to add snowmaking equipment and to use reclaimed Flagstaff city wastewater to remain competitive, particularly in years when natural snow is minimal.
"It'a great day for Arizona Snowbowl and our employees, our customers and the Flagstaff business community," said general manager J.R. Murray.
Coconino National Forest Supervisor Nora Rasure said her decision will allow for a consistent ski season and provide an economic boost for Flagstaff, but her primary reason for approval was that it would benefit skiers and other recreational users.
In addition to snowmaking, the recently approved proposal allows construction of a snowplay and tubing facility, more lifts, two enlarged guest lodges and modifications in terrain to existing ski runs, Rasure and Peaks district ranger Gene Waldrip said.
The decision will provide for "a consistent and reliable operating system" for Snowbowl and give the general public an opportunity to enjoy the public lands, while still maintaining most of the San Francisco Peaks as undeveloped, she said.
Rasure could have opted for no new development or expansion without snowmaking equipment.
She said she recognized that the expansion might have some adverse impacts on natural resources and a number of tribes, which consider the San Francisco Peaks sacred. Mitigation efforts including reducing soil erosion and visual impact will be undertaken, she said during a teleconference call from Flagstaff.
Arizona has suffered through prolonged drought in recent years, despite the current wet winter in which El Nino storms off the Pacific Ocean have dumped significant snowfall. In recent years, Snowbowl has been open as few as four days in a season because of insufficient snow.
Operators want the ability to make snow to offset dry years and to lay bases in good years. The owners said they would sell the resort unless allowed to upgrade.
But several American Indian tribes and environmental organizations opposed the plans, arguing that the resort should not be allowed to use reclaimed wastewater or cut trees for new trails and development because of the affect on the environment and on tribes. A number of local tribes consider the peaks holy and continue to practice ceremonies there.
The Hopi Tribe is "deeply disappointed" with the decision, said Chairman Wayne Taylor Jr.
"Once again, the federal government has made a decision that is clearly in opposition to the passionate pleas of Native American nations who hold the peaks as sacred," he said.
Leigh J. Kuwanwisiwma, the Hopi cultural preservation director, called Rasure's announcement a breach of the Coconino National Forest's responsibility to his tribe.
"Coconino has placed a dagger in the Hopis' spirituality," Kuwanwisiwma said.
Tribal officials and environmental advocates contend that artificial snowmaking will negatively affect the environment of the mountain and watershed.
"The Forest Service has squandered an opportunity to do the right thing. This plan is culturally and environmentally destructive," said Andy Bessler of the Sierra Club.
Rasure said she anticipates the Forest Service will be sued over the decision.
Her decision can be appealed, and Kawanwisiwma said he anticipated the tribe would make every administrative appeal possible.
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