FEDERATION OF WESTERN OUTDOOR CLUBS

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OPPOSITION TO DEVELOPMENT AT COOPER SPUR ON MT. HOOD 

The Cooper Spur area located on the northeast side of Mt. Hood includes the sensitive watershed of Crystal Springs and continues up the mountain to the Spur itself, high up beyond the wilderness boundary. The area consists of national forest lands and approximately 700 acres of privately owned land acquired by Meadows North, LLC (an affiliate of Mt. Hood Meadows Development Corporation) through a land exchange with Hood River County.

In addition to including some pristine wilderness, the overall area has minimum development (except for the existing Cooper Spur Ski Area, and such historic areas as Cloud Cap Inn and the Tilly Jane Trail). Use of the Cooper Spur area is light and primarily nonmechanized. Old-growth trees are abundant, and the area is at the heart of wildlife corridors for elk.

The Cooper Spur area is threatened by massive commercial development, including a four-season destination resort complete with 450 housing units, an 18-hole golf course, shopping malls, and an indoor Olympic-size swimming pool. In addition, development plans for the existing Cooper Spur Ski Area, which currently has no chairlifts, include seven chairlifts and numerous new ski runs, expanding into the Cloud Cap/Tilly Jane Historic District.

These development plans would essentially destroy most of the touring and backcountry ski trails enjoyed by many outdoor recreationists. If the developer's vision for the northeast side of Mt. Hood comes to fruition, then condominia, retail shops, ski lifts, and a golf course will forever taint the pristine hikes and views that can now be enjoyed on Cooper Spur. A family-run ski area and favorite backcountry area enjoyed by many Nordic skiers, snowshoers, hikers, and climbers will be transformed into a Disneyland-style resort.

The Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs opposes the expansion of the Cooper Spur Ski Area and development of the surrounding land at issue, including any new development in the Crystal Springs watershed and in the Cloud Cap and Tilly Jane Historic Districts, expansion of the Cooper Spur ski permit area, and encroachment on the Wilderness Area directly adjacent to the Cooper Spur area. Furthermore, the Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs supports reversal of the land exchange and action to legally determine the value of the land being exchanged with Meadows North, LLC.

Contact: Dave Riley at Mt. Hood Meadows and Kim Titus of the Mt. Hood National Forest.