La Coalición de Taos

SAVE the RIO HONDO WATER, WILDLIFE, & WILDERNESS

Comment NOW (by May 6) on Taos Ski Valley Inc’s MASSIVE EXPANSION

Submit comments to: https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?Project=61390

Dear James Duran, Carson National Forest Supervisor,

Please accept these Public Comments as part of your Scoping Process considering Taos Ski Valley Inc.’s Proposed Gondola & Other Improvements.

I support:

• A full Environmental Impact Study of impacts on the Rio Hondo water quality & quantity, and impacts to forest health and wildlife.
• Full disclosure of TSV water rights and proof that there is enough water currently available to support the expansion without further tapping of springs, groundwater, and streams.
• Full disclosure of any TSV inc. water right permit violations including any exceedances of water rights used for snow-making, etc.
• A functioning Water Treatment Plant that can handle peak tourism.

I oppose:

• 5,000,000 gallon water tank near Lift #2.
• High-Speed Gondola along the Lake Fork of the Rio Hondo that will cause unnecessary destruction & disturbance to the stream and corridor. Ski lifts & Twining Road already connect the base area to the Kachina basin.
• Nordic/snow-shoe trail system on forested mountainside above Rio Hondo. This would require forest-thinning and grading that would cause erosion and disturb wildlife. This trail system should be relocated where development has already occurred and forest disturbance is not required.
• More commercial construction such as hotels that increase water demand on the Rio Hondo and its springs, groundwater, and tributaries

Show a River Some Love!

For more info, an expanded comment letter, and photos of the 1980s Funeral for the Rio Hondo, visit:

www.FriendsOfTheRioHondo.com