Photo by Ken Lund via Wikipedia © American Fork Canyon Invaded by Snowbird? By Matthew Gary Milam



Talk of trams and trains being built and "privately owned villages" being developed up American Fork Canyon is of concern to those wishing to preserve this cherished natural area of Northern Utah. One of those groups, Save Our Canyons, has been at the forefront of the opposition to this Canyon development.



Since 2011, Snowbird's had a long-time dream of opening a tram extending from the terminus of the tram on Hidden Peak to transport skiers to American Fork's Twin Peak. This would enable them to access the slopes in Mineral Basin. Soon this might become a reality. Opponents of the Snowbird expansion claim that "the official Forest Service plan specifically rules out expanding ski-resort operations onto public land." When the Forest Service agreed to do an environmental impact study for the Snowbird expansion, these opponents (namely, Save Our Canyons) were quite shocked.



But would a Snowbird expansion be bad? Probably skiers and boarders wouldn't think so. Snowbird is one of the most popular ski areas in Utah. They have wanted to expand and use parts of American Fork Canyon for several years. They claim to be very environmentally conscious, but haven't all corporations, these days, embraced the marketing/public relations aspect of showing concern for the environment? It's almost obligatory in this day and age, and most companies have found a way to cash in on it. But Snowbird can claim that they actually do care, it would seem, by virtue of some of the awards they have received. In 2007, they received both the National Ski Areas Association Golden Eagle Award for Overall Environmental Excellence as well as the Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Achievement Award. Also in 2007, they received the State of Utah's Earth Day Award, and were nominated and received finalist status for other awards dealing with the environment.



This summer, Snowbird wants to install a mount for a "Howitzer" (built by SkiLogik) to be used in avalanche control on the resort's backside. One more section of the Path to Paradise traverse would be graded to extend across Mineral Basin. The Howitzer would be built on US Forest Service land below the Mineral Basin chairlift. The Forest Service feels the project does not require a detailed study, but wants to hear what the public thinks first.

Buck Swaney, AFC Vision Project Manager says, "I…cannot emphasize enough that nothing is being done without the public's input. That is the very point of this Vision process, to gain (the public's) input and insight before a Vision is developed."



But Karen McCoy is not buying this. McCoy and her family have been involved with the canyons of Northern Utah and have enjoyed the recreation these canyons have afforded for many years. She and her family, as well as many of her friends, love these canyons—especially American Fork Canyon, which she feels has many incredibly beautiful areas. McCoy has been attending meetings on the subject of canyon development for the past 25 years. In April of this year, she attended a meeting held by AFC Vision at which she noticed some very disturbing things. First of all, she noticed that the meeting was attended by mostly skiers. McCoy, and those like her who enjoy the canyon for many other recreational purposes other than skiing, resent what they feel is the trend that 70 percent of the skiers who use Utah's resorts are from outside of the state. McCoy says she noticed that parcel maps of Snowbird land ownership showed them possessing small bits of land all over AF Canyon that she feels would be offered to the Forest Service as a "land swap" to gain the large areas they need to push through their development plans.

McCoy also feels that skiing is a "rich man's sport" and that many rich skiers have a lot of power when it comes to helping Snowbird push through their development plans for extending operations into American Fork Canyon.

As far as the US Forest Service placing value on public input regarding Snowbird's plans, McCoy is highly skeptical. She feels that the Forest Service and those involved in the AFC Vision ask for public input, but don't really value it or will not let it affect their ultimate plans for development in AF Canyon.



McCoy says, "They are sliding things through without the locals knowing. It states right in [the AFC Canyon] Vision that it covers the three counties affected, but may also affect outlying areas. Well, if it affects us, why are we not informed? I was told the AFC Vision Team would be in AF Canyon over the Memorial Day weekend taking surveys. I am not sure how they will choose their people to get opinions from. Hopefully, not from cars with bike and ski racks on them."



McCoy concludes, "I grew up here and have spent a lot of time in AF Canyon, so it is very dear to me. Most everyone I know, especially the locals, feels the same way. We all realize that with population growth and more and more people using the canyon for recreation, there will be some give and take, but it seems to me Snowbird is trying to sneak things through."



For those interested, the public comments meeting will be held at the Pleasant Grove Ranger District on May 15. Comments can also be submitted in person or by mail at/to 390 North 100 East, Pleasant Grove, Utah, 84602. Or by email to afcvision.com or to comments-intermtn-wasatch-cache-salt-lake@fs.fed.us.





Originally published on May 6, 2015

Additional contact information is for AFCVISION.COM The community news source for Eagle Mountain Utah, Saratoga Springs Utah, Lehi Utah, American Fork Utah, Highland Utah, Alpine Utah, and The Cedar Valley, including Cedar Fort Utah and Fairfield Utah. Copyright 2020 The Crossroads Journal LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Photo by: Ken Lund via Wikipedia



