Lutsen Mountains issues statement to USFS No Action Decision on expansion project proposal
Aug 26, 2023 08:44AM ● By Content Editor
Photo: Lutsen Mountains
From Midwest Family Ski Resorts, Owners of Lutsen Mountains - August 26, 2023
The US Forest Service decided today to choose the No Action Alternative on the proposed expansion of Lutsen Mountains. The No Action decision means that the Forest Service will not implement the resort’s current expansion proposal but does not impact the resort’s existing operations or ongoing improvements on the resort’s private land.
The decision comes after a historic Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the US Forest Service and three Chippewa Tribes that ushered in a new government-to-government relationship between the parties. The MOU recognizes the three northern Minnesota Tribes as original stewards of lands now encompassing the Superior National Forest and outlines procedures to ensure Tribal rights are protected.
“Lutsen Mountains respects the Forest Service decision process,” stated Charlotte Skinner, Chief of Staff for Midwest Family Ski Resorts, the owner of Lutsen Mountains. “We are committed to being an active and constructive member of our community and will work collaboratively with the sovereign Tribal nations, local elected leaders, and others to improve our area. Our desire is to listen to Tribal concerns, and potential opportunities, and anticipate that it will take considerable time to gain a full understanding of Tribal interests. “
“Sometimes the right path is not always the easiest or the shortest,” added Charles Skinner, President of Midwest Family Ski Resorts.
“While our small family business has a special role in our community’s economy, we believe we have much to gain in terms of understanding, learning, and appreciating the culture and history of the tribes in our area. Ultimately, we believe that any potential uses of treaty lands go beyond merely avoiding “net losses” and instead improve Tribal interests while also protecting the ecology of our beautiful region.”
“We will continue to work with Supervisor Thomas Hall, the Superior National Forest, our local community as well as the sovereign nations to collaborate on ways to achieve mutually beneficial goals, high ecological standards, and the best experience possible for Midwest families in their visits to Lutsen Mountains and the North Shore.”
About Lutsen Mountains and Midwest Family Ski Resorts
Founded in 1948, Lutsen Mountains was the first and remains the largest and highest ski area in Minnesota with 95 trails spread across four peaks of the ancient Sawtooth Mountain range. The ski area offers 180-degree Bluewater views of the world’s largest lake, Lake Superior. Midwest Family Ski Resorts also owns Granite Peak Ski Resort in Wisconsin and Snowriver Mountain Resort in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
