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FEDERATION OF WESTERN OUTDOOR CLUBS










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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