Activity Report Explorer

Northern San Juan • Entered by Robyn Cascade on October 2, 2021

Response to San Juan Huts/RSA request

August 25, 2021 – September 12, 2021

Key Issue: Wildlife Protection
Activity Type: Other Administration (reporting, emails, calls, planning)
Landscape/area: Uncompahgre National Forest (951767 acres)

Short Description of Activity

NSJBB responded to a request for a letter of support from San Juan Huts (SJH) on behalf of outfitter Rock Ski Alpine (RSA) regarding winter ski commercial guiding along the north edge of the Sneffels Range while using SJHs for lodging. RSA appears to be trying to expand their geographic range for their USFS outfitter permit.

Reflection/Evaluation

This was a very educational process for our Leadership Team. We have collaborated since our BB inception with SJH on public lands initiative. They have repeatedly donated to the Wild for Wilderness Auction and signed on to public lands advocacy like the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act/CORE Act. We certainly didn’t want to offend SJH nor did we want to cause any disruption in our relationship with the USFS Ouray District. In the end after some research and significant consideration and communication with national, NSJBB decided not to offer a letter. Here’s what we wrote in response to the request:

Members of our Northern San Juan leadership team in consultation with a couple of Great Old Broads for Wilderness staff put our heads together, had several conversations and realized, as we processed your request, that as a non-profit organization, we comment (when capacity allows) on projects or permits, related to our organizational mission, during the NEPA process . We are not in a position nor is it within our mission to provide recommendations or letters of support for individual commercial businesses outside the NEPA process. I hope you understand our position and decision and that you know how much we appreciate the ongoing collaboration between Broads and SJH (and hopefully RSA in the future.) If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We wish Dan and RSA a path forward as he navigates the federal agency permitting system. Thank you for trusting us with your situation and for your commitment to strengthening alliances. We appreciate you!!