By their very nature, most ski resort facilities are located in areas that affect riparian terrain and wetlands. Prior to impacting any area, I believe there should be consultations with the jurisdiction having authority (i.e. as set forth in the Federal Interagency Committee for Wetlands Delineation and as administered by the Corps of Engineers).
Avoidance of wetlands should be the first consideration when planning ski facilities. Jurisdictional wetlands and waters should be delineated and field-verified by the Corps for each individual project before they are included in a Master Plan or Environmental Assessment for each project. Stay out of trouble by looking ahead!
Prior to design of the facilities that impact wetlands, agreements should be reached with the jurisdiction having authority over the area. These criteria should be evaluated: Will the project by its very nature be sited in an area that impacts wetlands? Is there no feasible alternative which would reduce the extend of encroachment in the wetlands. Make certain you have an agreement in writing with the jurisdiction having authority stating the identified impacts are fully mitigated and that they are in full agreement with the mitigation plan.
Through consultation and elimination of surprises to the jurisdiction you can usually proceed with the project without compromising its goals. Stay ahead of the curve with good, long-range planning.
