Mt Sunapee and NH Sierra Club Disagree on Expansion

Mt. Sunapee update 3-28-16

Owners of the Mount Sunapee Ski Area in Newbury are urging those who support a new master plan to contact the five Executive Councilors. Jay Gamble, vice president and general manager, reached out in an email to those who haven’t contacted councilors or Gov. Hassan to do so, now.

He put the names and emails of all five on the message. Gamble also pointed out that the commissioner of the Department of Resources and Economic Development, Jeff Rose will brief the public at 2 p.m. at the State House on March 30. If you have a question for or against explansion, you should contact one of the executive councilors because the public cannot ask questions that day.

He also said the commissioner will advise the councilors on the terms of his master plan approval and answer questions. Roger Wood spoke to Gamble about the plan, which was tabled by the Council March 23rd for two weeks, to April 6th.

In the communication, Gamble wrote, Governor and Executive Council approval is the first step in the process for the long-awaited West Bowl Expansion that would add a new 5,100-foot high-speed quad lift and four new ski trails to the ski area.

Commissioner Rose and his staff considered all public comments and worked to craft a decision that respects conservation values, increased recreational opportunities and economic benefits to both the State and the Lake Sunapee Region.

The Sierra Club NH Chapter responded: Mount Sunapee State Park is a park for all to use, not just the ski resort. NH Sierra Club does not support a “pay to play” approach to our state parks nor do we think that they are not amusement parks. This is the natural world of wonder and Mount Sunapee holds wonder like no other.

There are ancient trees there, some of the oldest in the state. There are sections of the Summit Hiking Trail that are quintessential forest groups that one could read like a text book.

There is wildlife and a place for people to be safe. To the ski resort, Mount Sunapee is the goose that laid the golden egg and they want more golden eggs. NHSC wants the public land made for the public.

Joe Kenney – District 1 Executive Councilor email: Joseph.Kenney@nh.gov
Colin Van Ostern – District 2 Executive Councilor email: cvanostern@nh.gov
Chris Sununu – District 3 Executive Councilor email: csununu@nh.gov
Chris Pappas – District 4 Executive Councilor email: cpappas@nh.gov
Dave Wheeler – District 5 Executive Councilor email: David.Wheeler@nh.gov