1991 RESOLUTIONS
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| |
RESOLUTION
ON WASHINGTON'S EARLY WINTER RESORT |
| The Methow Valley rests at the base of the North Cascades in north central Washington. Fewer than 100 residents live in the Valley year round. It is known for its clean water and air, abundant wildlife and scenic beauty. It is a center for wilderness adventure and outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, climbing, river rafting, horsepacking, hunting, bicycling and world-class cross country skiing. | |
| For years developers have
eyed the upper Methow Valley as a site for a downhill ski resort.
The latest proposal, by Early Winters Resort, Inc. of Bellevue,
Washington, is for a year round destination resort. If completed,
Early Winters would contain approximately 4,100 living units, including
hotel rooms, condominiums, townhouses and single family
residences. The developer's plans include a golf course, tennis
courts, a conference center, retail shops and restaurants. |
|
| The heart of the proposal
is a large downhill ski area on U.S. Forest Service land at Sandy
Butte. The environmental impact statement (EIS) for the ski area
has been successfully challenged in court, and the Forest Service is
now preparing its third EIS for the project, at taxpayer expense. |
|
| The harmful effects on
water quantity and quality, fisheries, wildlife, air quality and the
rural nature of the Valley are numerous and significant. The
Valley is home to bald eagles, cougar, lynx, bobcat, black bear and the
State's largest migratory mule deer herd. The development will
damage habitat for threatened and endangered species, including grizzly
bear, gray wolf and spotted owl. |
|
| The Federation of
Western
Outdoor Clubs opposes the Early Winters Resort Development in the
Methow Valley and any other resort development in the Valley with
significant adverse environmental impacts. The Federation urges
its members and government officials to oppose development that will
degrade the unique environmental qualities and low-impact recreational
opportunities of the Methow Valley. |
|
| c: Senators Brock Adams
and Slade Gorton, Senate Bldg., Washington, DC 20510 |
|
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