WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Michael Bennet, John Barrasso, and nine other of their Senate colleagues reintroduced the bipartisan Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development (SHRED) Act to strengthen our outdoor recreation economy by allowing local National Forests, like the White River National Forest, to keep a portion of the “ski area fees” that ski areas pay to operate within National Forest boundaries.
“Outdoor rec in Colorado is unparalleled, and that’s a fact,” said Hickenlooper. “Our ski industry boosts our mountain communities. Reinvesting ski area fees back into our public lands keeps forests healthy and our economy strong.”
In order to operate on U.S. Forest Service (USFS) lands, 124 ski areas across the country pay fees to the USFS that average over $40 million annually. The SHRED Act would establish a framework for local National Forests to retain a portion of “ski area fees” to offset increased recreational use and support local ski permit and program administration. The SHRED Act also gives the Forest Service the flexibility to direct resources where they are needed most.
The U.S. Forest Service estimates that the SHRED Act could invest approximately $27 million in National Forests in Colorado to improve the ski area program and permitting, as well as overall National Forest recreation management and community needs.
Specifically, the SHRED Act would retain 80% of funds from ski fees for the local National Forests and open up the remaining 20% to assist any National Forests for their recreation needs.
“Colorado’s outdoor recreation economy depends on the strong partnership between ski areas, the U.S. Forest Service, and our mountain towns,” said Bennet. “The SHRED Act will support Colorado’s iconic mountain communities and National Forests in maintaining their landscapes for millions of visitors each year. This bill has strong bipartisan support on the ground and in the House and the Senate. Congress should pass this legislation swiftly to support our ski areas and public land recreation management.”
“Skiing plays an important role in Wyoming’s economy. Wyoming communities and ski areas deserve to reap the benefits of the money earned through ski fees,” said Barrasso. “This money can be used for critical projects like facility and trailhead improvements. It can also be used to limit the impact of wildfires across Wyoming. This bill is a win for skiers, local economies, and the health of our national forests. Keeping ski area fees local will ensure we keep Washington out of the West.”
The legislation is supported by the National Ski Area Association and its 124-member ski areas operating on public lands, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, Colorado Association of Ski Towns, Northwest Colorado Council of Governments, America Outdoors Association, Vail Resorts, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
The bill text is available HERE.
###