An area recreational group has given notice that they will oppose a plan to expand the ski area to the north and west.

Jeff Lambert of Spokane Mountaineers, Inc., said the current view of the mountain to Deer Park area residents will be altered by clear-cut ski runs and evening lights.

The Washington State Department of Parks is expected to conduct an environmental impact statement on the proposed ski area expansion in the near future.

 

According to the 92-year-old organization, it believes the uniqueness of the native old-growth forest and the area’s biological diversity outweighs the need for more downhill ski runs.

Proponents of the expansion note the increased use of the present facilities.

The expansion will add at least one more ski lift and several runs. The proposal calls for ski and glade skiing.

Spokane Mountaineers President Kelsey Loughlin, in a letter to Parks Commission Chair Chris Regan claim that the ski runs will be clear cut and about half the remaining trees removed for glade skiing. The tree removal, they claim, will permanently alter the wildlife habitat and plant diversity.

The new-look mountain will also impact cross-country skiers and snowshoers who use the area.

Summer use of the mountain will also be deterred, Loughlin wrote.

“Construction always has the promise of providing a short-term boost to the local economy and adding to opportunities in the community,” the letter said. “In this case, instead of additional opportunity, there is a hope of a slightly longer season and perhaps better snow conditions. But not a new opportunity.”

The parks commission will look at the cost of further studies at a meeting this spring.