Endangered Species Could Kill Ski Resort Expansion

ASHLAND, OR—In a move that could scuttle controversial plans for expanding the Mount Ashland ski resort, the US Fish and Wildlife Service is considering the addition of two rare plants to the endangered species list. A decision on the review of Hendersen’s Horkelia, found only on 189 acres of Siskiyou Crest, and Ashland Lupine, found only on 74 acres at the summit of Mount Ashland, is expected by the end of the year The review was prompted by a petition from Rogue Group Sierra Club, which has taken the lead in battling plans for a $3.7 million expansion of the community-owned resort.

The resort sits at the top of Ashland’s municipal watershed and includes 250 acres of the McDonald Peak roadless area. Rogue River National Forest officials, in response to concerns, is considering scrapping the proposed mid-mountain lodge and reducing the number of new runs proposed, among other things.