The USDA Forest Service’s Superior National Forest has issued a final Record of Decision on the proposed 495-acre Lutsen Ski Hill Proposed Expansion Area. Based on findings through the National Environmental Policy Act process and tribal consultation, the Superior National Forest has selected the No Action Alternative and will not be approving the permit application.

“Through input from the public and partners, consultation with our local tribes, along with the environmental analysis, the Forest made this decision of ‘No Action’ for the Lutsen Ski Hill Proposed Expansion Area,” said Tom Hall, Forest Supervisor for the Superior National Forest, “The NEPA process is designed to include public engagement to ensure federal actions consider all relevant information and potential impacts of a proposed project prior to approving a project. This information and the analysis informed our decision.”

The final Record of Decision and FEIS are available for review at: Lutsen Mountains expansion EIS and supporting documents on the Forest’s website.

The Forest had robust public engagement on this analysis. A Notice of Availability (NOA) for the Draft EIS was published in the Federal Register on September 10, 2021. A 45-day extension of the normal 45-day comment period was granted, resulting in a 90-day comment period that remained open until December 9, 2021. Notification of the Draft EIS availability was distributed to approximately 447 interested individuals, government officials (including tribal contacts), public agencies, and other organizations. Virtual public meetings were held on October 5 and November 16, 2021. The Forest received 1,005 comment submittals. On August 26, 2023, a notice of a draft Record of Decision and the FEIS was published in the Federal Register, with the objection period through October 10, 2023. Four responses were received, but only one met the requirements as an objection. An objection response letter was issued on November 28, and the final ROD was published on December 15, 2023.

Based on the analysis, substantive comments, and tribal consultation, several significant factors led to the no-action decision, including impacts on tribal resources and access, potential effects on numerous natural and cultural resources specific to this unique area, negative impacts on the Superior Hiking Trail users and backcountry skiers, impacts to the adjacent Lutsen Scientific and Natural Area, and a variety of natural resource impacts, including hydrology, water quality and quantity.

SNF Project Page URL: https://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/superior/landmanagement/projects