Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2010

Bill: 111-s-607
Sponsor: Sen. Udall, Mark [D-CO]
Introduced: 2009-03-17 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Forests, forestry, trees
Land use and conservation
Licensing and registrations
Outdoor recreation
Sports and recreation facilities

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-17
text: 
Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 to require the term and acreage of permits for the operation of ski areas and associated facilities (under current law, for the operation of nordic and alpine ski areas and facilities) on National Forest System lands to be governed by provisions under the Act relating to such permits and other applicable law. 
 
Provides for the issuance of permits for the use and occupancy of suitable lands within the National Forest System for skiing and other snow-sports and such other seasonal or year-round recreational activities associated with mountain resorts as the Secretary of Agriculture may authorize pursuant to this Act. 
 
Allows the Secretary to authorize the holder of a permit issued pursuant to the Act to also provide on National Forest System land subject to such permit such other seasonal or year-round natural-resource based, outdoor-developed recreational activities and associated facilities, in addition to skiing and other snow-sports, as determined appropriate.
 
Prohibits the Secretary from authorizing any activity or facility under this Act if its authorization would result in the primary recreational purpose of a National Forest System land with a ski area permit being a purpose other than skiing or any other snow-sport. 

action_date: 2010-09-27
text: 
Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2010 - Amends the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 to require the term and acreage of permits for the operation of ski areas and associated facilities (under current law, for the operation of nordic and alpine ski areas and facilities) on National Forest System lands to be governed by provisions under the Act relating to such permits and other applicable law. 
 
Provides for the issuance of permits for the use and occupancy of suitable lands within the National Forest System for skiing and other snow-sports and recreational uses authorized pursuant to this Act. 
 
Requires each authorized activity and facility other than skiing and other snow-sports to: (1) encourage outdoor recreation and enjoyment of nature; (2) harmonize with the natural environment of the National Forest System land on which it is located; (3) be located within the developed portions of the ski area; and (4) be authorized in accordance with the applicable land and resource management plan and applicable laws. 
 
Specifies the activities and facilities that may be allowed or that are not allowed under a ski area permit issued pursuant to this Act. 
 
Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) from authorizing any activity or facility under this Act if its authorization would result in the primary recreational purpose of the National Forest System land with a ski area permit being a purpose other than skiing and other snow-sports. 
 
Bars the Secretary from considering the acreage necessary for authorized activities and facilities in determining the acreage encompassed by a ski area permit. 
 
Requires the Secretary to promulgate new regulations for the implementation of this Act. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2010-09-27
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 590.
action_date: 2010-09-27
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Bingaman with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. With written report No. 111-304.
action_date: 2010-09-27
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Bingaman with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. With written report No. 111-304.
action_date: 2010-07-21
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
action_date: 2009-10-29
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 111-223.
action_date: 2009-03-17
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2009-03-17
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3164-3165)
action_date: 2009-03-17
text: Introduced in Senate