SAM Magazine-Concord, N.H., April 1, 2009-After extended contemplation and study, 100 acres of the upper portion of the dormant Mittersill ski area has joined the system of state lands as part of Cannon Mountain Ski Area. The move is part of a land exchange that transfers the 244 acre Sentinel Mountain Forest, including approximately ¼ mile of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, to the White Mountain National Forest.

"This is something that many have sought and worked on for a number of years. I am pleased we were able to work together to make this land exchange a reality. This will allow the state to expand the ski area at Cannon Mountain, which will offer greater skiing options and help Cannon remain one of the top skiing destinations in New Hampshire," governor John Lynch said. "I want to thank everyone involved for working cooperatively to make this land exchange possible."

The State Department of Resources and Economic Development proposed the exchange in 2007. Federal and state land managers were concerned about potential effects to the summer habitat of the Bicknell's thrush above 2,500 feet at Mittersill. The New Hampshire Audubon Society, the New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game, the White Mountain National Forest, and the State of New Hampshire entered into a Memorandum of Understanding that restricts the harvest of vegetation above 2,500 feet to the footprint of trails present at the time that the old Mittersill lifts were closed. The State will fund Audubon's monitoring of both the Bicknell's habitat and its population. The four parties will work collaboratively to assure the integrity of the Bicknell's habitat in perpetuity.

"This is an historic day at Cannon, and it's been an epic journey for so many to have finally reached this point," said John DeVivo, Cannon Mountain general manager. Joining the two areas has been a goal for nearly five decades.

"Development and trail reclamation at Mittersill will occur slowly over the next several years as we look to protect its current flavor and culture," DeVivo added. "We're very excited to be able to expand upon the state's most diverse selection of skiing and snowboarding terrain." \

• Previous
  Grand Targhee Resort Joins Climate Registry
• Next
  PRINOTH Unveils New Groomer