Granted a special use permit from the US Forest Service, Mt. Ashland isn’t going anywhere… not with a permit valid through the year 2051.
“It really secures our commitment to the project and the long term operations of the mountain.”
But Mt. Ashland General Manager Kim Clark says the move doesn’t clear a path for expansion.
“All expansion related activities… as well as operation activities according to the previous lease were to be dealt with strictly between us and the Forest Service.”
What the special use permit will do however… is set potential donors minds at ease.
“They’ll just be dealing strictly with Mt. Ashland not multiple parties.”
That triangular relationship between the mountain, city, and forest service will now be simpler… City Councilor Dennis Slattery will serve as council liaison to both the mountain and the forest service… and citizens will have a say.
“The city and the citizens of Ashland will still have full opportunity to make public comment on anything that goes on.”
For now though, Clark is pleased that the permit is in the mountain’s name… which he says was the original intention 20 years ago.
“Work together cooperatively between the three of us and that’s what we look forward towards in the future.”
And with 39 years left in their lease, there’s plenty of future ahead.
The city of Ashland previously held the special use permit, the City Council agreed to relinquish it last October.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.