| Alternative 1 provides for … Acres Protected: • 2,860 acres Protected Areas: • Ridgeline of Saddleback Mountain and The Horn • The western “saddle bowl” • The southeastern slopes of Saddleback Mountain • A large area surrounding Eddy Pond Reserved Rights (ski area) within the Protective Corridor: • None Potential Capacity of Saddleback Ski Area: • 8 ski lifts • 50 ski trails • Capacity of 5,000 skiers at one time Anticipated Environmental Consequences: • Would protect the existing undeveloped viewshed and natural character of the Appalachian Trail across Saddleback Mountain. • Would protect alpine natural communities on Saddleback Mountain. • Would protect subalpine spruce-fir forest and breeding habitat for Bicknell’s thrush. • Would maintain the remote recreational opportunities along the Appalachian Trail. • Disturbance of high-elevation soils and vegetation would be minimized. Anticipated Economic Consequences: • Ski area could expand capacity to 5,000 skiers at one time (four times current capacity). • Would result in additional visitor expenditures of approximately $6.85 million during a ten-year phase-in period. • Would increase employment at the ski area by 168 FTEs (full-time equivalents) and create another 49 FTEs in other employment sectors of Franklin County. |
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