By STEVE RUSSELL
Last week, the New Hampshire Executive Council asked for more information before they vote on three amendments to the ski area lease at Mount Sunapee State Park. The council scheduled an information session (www.nh.gov/council/meetings/documents/20181023.pdf) for Oct. 23, and may vote on the amendments as soon as October 31.
It is essential to now email or call council members with your Mount Sunapee comments and questions, as they seek additional information at tomorrow’s meeting. See the Executive Council website (www.nh.gov/council). View or listen to the Executive Council Oct. 17 discussion via FOMS website (www.friendsofmountsunapee.org/councilors-table-mt-sunapee-vote-and-seek-more-info).
The proposed lease changes: Commissioner Sarah Stewart, Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), is seeking governor and council approval of three amendments to the operating lease now held by Vail Resorts. Vail acquired the Mount Sunapee lease on Sept. 27, 2018, a day after the commissioner announced DNCR’s approval of the transfer. A Vail subsidiary owns The Sunapee Difference, which operates Mount Sunapee Resort at the Park. Vail also owns approximately 657 acres adjacent to Mount Sunapee State Park; this land was central to the Muellers’ controversial expansion plans (www.friendsofmountsunapee.org/2004plan/#dred) that go back to before 2004.
The West Bowl amendment: The lease revisions of 2016 that enabled resort and real estate development of the western flank of Mount Sunapee became null and void when Vail acquired The Sunapee Difference. Vail needs a lease change to develop the West Bowl, and DNCR wants to give Vail that option. The Friends of Mount Sunapee (FOMS) opposes the current West Bowl amendment and finds it premature. We support a collaborative effort to protect this land from resort and real estate development. We encourage conservation that honors the intent of the original lease and leasehold area and protects the park’s exemplary natural communities and rare, ancient forest. Why should we allow resort development that irreversibly impacts Mount Sunapee’s documented forests of statewide significance?
Other questions:
Vail says it is getting out of the real estate development business. So, why would the state approve a West Bowl amendment now?
Why would the DNCR carve out exceptions to lease payments to the state for some West Bowl activities and enterprises?
Why would the state take on unknown financial liabilities to further the build out on West Bowl private property?
And, how would the state oversee West Bowl development undertaken by third-parties? See Vail’s Real Estate Development Strategies. (www.vailresorts.com/Corp/info/strategies.aspx)
The proposed lease amendment (2018) (www.friendsofmountsunapee.org/jwl-utmce-widget/mt-sunapee-lease-to-vail-2018-documents-and-filings/) and Letter of Conditions (2016) (www.friendsofmountsunapee.org/wp-content/uploads/RMDP-Approval-Letter-Conditions-1.pdf) prompt many concerns. Before the state signs this lease change, the state should know the corporation’s plans for the existing ski area and understand the impacts of any Vail expansion plan. The public deserves no less.
FOMS seeks diligent and transparent management of the Mount Sunapee lease. DNCR recommends “change of control language” to broaden “the state’s authority to approve the assignment or transfer of the lease,” which we support. The law that enables the leasing of Sunapee calls for a commission to administer the contract, which we believe would add significant oversight. The department wants to include in the lease a reference to a Mount Sunapee Advisory Commission. An advisory panel serves a valuable but different purpose. See FOMS letter to DNCR (www.friendsofmountsunapee.org/foms-comments-on-mount-sunapee-lease-transfer-request-aug-6-2018/) .
For more information: See FOMS Latest News (www.friendsofmountsunapee.org/latest-news/) and library of documents (www.friendsofmountsunapee.org/about-mount-sunapee/mount-sunapee-state-park-management-and-policies/) . Visit the New Hampshire Parks website (www.nhstateparks.org/about-us/commissions-committees/mount-sunapee-advisory-committee)
Again, now is the time to contact Executive Council (www.nh.gov/council) members.
As we address these fast-moving changes, join us. It’s easy to share info with FOMS via our Contact Page (www.friendsofmountsunapee.org/contact-us/). We welcome your participation and appreciate your continued support.
This opinion was submitted by the Friends of Mount Sunapee. Steve Russell is the president on the local nonprofit based in Georges Mills.
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