Ski Area Water Clause

The U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service or Agency) is amending its internal directives for ski area concessions by adding two clauses to the Special Uses Handbook, Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 2709.11, Chapter 50, addressing the sufficiency of water for operation of ski areas on National Forest System (NFS) lands. The Forest Service recognizes the importance of winter sports opportunities on NFS lands and the need to address the sufficiency of water for ski areas operating on NFS lands. By addressing this need, this final directive will promote the long-term sustainability of ski areas on NFS lands and the economies of the communities that depend on revenue from those ski areas.