Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2010

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a cosponsor of H.R. 2476.

Mr. Speaker, I hope that you have had the chance to visit some of the terrific winter recreation and summer recreation areas in Colorado's Second Congressional District, in places that are known across the United States and across the world, like Vail, Beaver Creek, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, Breckenridge, Winter Park.

People know us for our skiing. Our alpine and Nordic skiing is among the best in the world. And yet there are many more opportunities to be both good stewards of our mountain resources and provide additional recreational opportunities for you, Mr. Speaker, our colleagues and friends from across the country, and across the world.

With those recreational opportunities that we give for people to enjoy our mountains with summer activities like mountain biking, activities on the mountain, activities in our rivers, with those opportunities, Mr. Speaker, we create jobs, jobs for people who reside in Eagle and Summit Counties, and Grand County in my district, and other areas across the country.

We have the opportunity with National Forest System land that we use for skiing to provide additional opportunities for seasonal and year- round recreational opportunities, providing enjoyment and fun for families across the United States, and promoting jobs in my district and others like it, and the communities that serve these areas.

By increasing the extent to which the National Forest Service land is managed to allow for outdoor recreational activities, we can provide more opportunities for people to interact with nature, to gain an appreciation of our ecosystem and natural heritage.

With this bill, we clarify the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to permit appropriate seasonal or year-round recreational activities. This all continues to be subject to permits that are granted through a process that takes into account impact on the lands themselves.

Mr. Speaker, with the passage of this bill we can do an even better job in Vail, Beaver Creek, and in our mountain communities in showing you a good time, Mr. Speaker. And in showing you a good time, Mr. Speaker, we're going to create jobs for the good residents of Colorado's Second Congressional District.

I urge support of H.R. 2476.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2476) to amend the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 to clarify the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture regarding additional recreational uses of National Forest System land that are subject to ski area permits, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the bill, H.R. 2476.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

H.R. 2476 amends the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 to update the use of ski permits to include other snow sports in addition to Nordic and alpine skiing, and to provide guidelines and clarification to the Secretary regarding other year-round recreational activities on Forest Service lands. This bill is sponsored by Representative DeGette, and has 16 cosponsors, and the Forest Service supports this legislation.

The original statute was enacted in 1986, before new sports like snowboarding grew into popularity. Additionally, many ski areas operate year-round activities like summertime mountain biking on the slopes. This bill will not alter any forest management plan or the need for strict environmental compliance on Federal lands.

I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Polis).

I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

I would just like to give an amen to the distinguished gentleman from Colorado for which he speaks. As one who has traveled out to Colorado myself and visited around Vail and around Golden, Colorado, what he speaks is so truthful. And the enjoyment, the recreation, and the significant amount of jobs that are created as a result of what's embodied in this legislation. I commend you for your very strong remarks on it.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2476, the Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act. This bipartisan bill provides the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to allow additional activities on National Forest land governed by a ski permit. A vendor who holds a ski area permit will be able to offer snow sports other than alpine and Nordic skiing in these permitted areas.

The legislation also clarifies the Secretary's authority to expand the number of activities allowed in these skiing areas during summer months when they are not being utilized for their primary purpose.

Mr. Speaker, these are great ways to encourage Americans to explore our National Forest systems and to appreciate the beauty of our National Forests, all while being physically active. The bill ensures that these activities are regulated in such a manner that does not alter the character of the forest.

Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this bill.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to Calendar No. 636, H.R. 2476; that the Udall of Colorado substitute amendment which is at the desk be agreed to; the bill, as amended, be read a third time and passed; the Udall of Colorado title amendment which is at the desk be agreed to; the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate; and any statements relating to the matter be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, if I might, I know Senator Durbin has a pressing unanimous consent request. I ask unanimous consent that when he has concluded his request, Senator Barrasso and I could engage in a colloquy on the very bill that has been objected to.

Mr. President, on behalf of Senator Kyl and Senator McCain, I respectfully object.