HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-118 Letter - USFS - MAA Summer Activities
CITY OF
ASHLAND
May 20, 2015
Ms. Donna Mickley
U.S. Forest Service
Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District
6941 Upper Applegate Rd.
Jacksonville, OR 97530
Dear Ms. Mickley:
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to comment on proposed plans for summer activities
within the Mt. Ashland Special Use Permit Area. The City of Ashland has no opinion for or
against the specific uses proposed. In general we believe year-round use of the area would be a
positive development and consistent with the City Council goal of "Support Mt. Ashland in
diversifying eco-friendly recreational opportunities."
However, the permit area is within the City of Ashland's watershed and we believe we must be
mindful that increased summertime use may also increase the risk of wildfire that could
negatively impact the watershed. To that end, we request that Forest Service approval of the
proposed action be accompanied by the following conditions:
1. Increased and improved signage to warn visitors of wildfire danger and urging caution in
order to prevent wildfire risks.
2. Increased or improved education for Ski Area staff on spotting and responding to wildfire
risks.
3. Prohibit smoking.
Again, we believe year-round use of the ski area would provide community benefits in terms of
economic development and recreational opportunities. We hope the above concerns can be
addressed in any Forest Service approval.
Sincerely,
l
J1
)ohn Stromberg, mayor
On behalf of-
Council President Pam Marsh
Councilor Greg Lemhouse
Councilor Mike Morris
Councilor Rich Rosenthal
Councilor Stef Seffinger
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR Tel: 541-488-6002
20 East Main Street Fax: 541-488-5311
Ashland, Oregon 97520 TTY: 800-735-2900
www.ashland.orms