Congressman Charles Bass

July 20, 2011

WASHINGTON – Congressman Charles F. Bass (NH-02) cosponsored bipartisan legislation in the House of Representatives recently that will expand the year-round uses available on ski resorts located on National Forest System lands, including several in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest.

Bass said:

"New Hampshire's White Mountains offer a number of activities for residents, tourists, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. It only makes sense that we open up our national forest lands to more opportunities for individuals to be able to enjoy year-round. Not only will this common-sense legislation expand access to these lands, it will increase tourism and encourage job growth in New Hampshire's North Country – a win-win situation for everyone."

"The New Hampshire ski industry truly appreciates Congressman Bass' co-sponsorship of this bill. Our ski areas are committed to developing natural resource-based recreation that complements our mountain environment, allowing us to provide summer guests with active outdoor fun like zip lines and ropes courses, disc golf and mountain biking," said Alice Pearce, president of Ski NH, the nonprofit trade association representing New Hampshire's alpine and cross country ski areas.

Specifically, the Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act (H.R. 765) will clarify the U.S. Forest Service's ability under the 1986 Ski Area Permit Act to allow for year-round activities at ski resorts on Forest Service lands beyond winter months. Currently, the law limits only ski-related activities in Forest Service ski areas.

The legislation passed the House Natural Resources Committee in June, but is awaiting consideration by the House Agriculture Committee before it can be brought to the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote (unless the Agriculture Committee waives jurisdiction).

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