MEMORANDUM

DATE:  September 11, 2003
TO:  Mayor and Council
FROM:  Kate Jackson
RE: Mount Ashland/Public Input

I am eager, as I know you are, to solicit public comment on the US Forest Service DEIS in as many ways as possible. The following copy could be used in a variety of ways to solicit public input. I am interested to hear your thoughts and comments and look forward to discussing this under Other Business from Council at our meeting on Tuesday evening.

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The Mayor and City Council have directed staff to review the US Forest Service draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) on the proposed Mount Ashland Ski Area expansion. The Council directed city staff to focus on four key issues: water quality, water quantity, fire and financial risk.

The purpose of the DEIS is to disclose information and to allow for public comment. The Forest Supervisors of the Rogue River National Forest, acting as the lead agency, and Klamath National Forest will make the final decision on an expansion option. The City Council will make formal comments on the DEIS to the Forest Service no later than October 23.

The City Council is eager to hear all viewpoints on the DEIS and encourages Ashland residents, particularly those that have not previously voiced an opinion on the DEIS to the Council, to submit comments in writing or by e-mail. Comments addressing the four key issues listed above as they relate to the DEIS will be most helpful.

The City Council will hold a Study Session on Monday, September 22 at noon at Council Chambers to discuss the DEIS. While the meeting is open to the public Council will primarily be receiving a report on the issues from city staff and discussing the report and their questions and views with staff. No decisions or deliberations are made during study sessions. The Council will hold a Public Input Session on Tuesday, September 30 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at 1175 East Main Street. Council will begin to formulate comments at their regularly scheduled meeting on October 7.

Please send comments no later than October 1 to be included in the October 7 Council packet. Mail comments to:
Ann Seltzer
City Hall
20 East Main Street
Ashland, OR. 97520
RE: Mount Ashland
Send e-mail comments to:
berteauf@ashland.or.us. Please include Mount Ashland in the subject line

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