Letter To The Honorable Tom Vilsack, U.S. Department Of Agriculture

Letter

Letter From Senator McCain To Secretary Vilsack

The Honorable Tom Vilsack

Secretary

Department of Agriculture

212A Whitten Building

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Dear Secretary Vilsack:

I'm writing to express my dissatisfaction with the Department's recent decision to move forward with improvements to Arizona Snowbowl's beginner ski area, also known as magic carpets. As you're well aware, this only addresses a fraction of the larger Snowbowl improvement project and doesn't include the installation of snowmaking equipment.

Snowmaking infrastructure is a central component of the Forest Service's decision to enhance the recreational opportunities at Arizona Snowbowl. It's been five month since the Supreme Court upheld the Forest Service's 2005 Record of Decision that artificial snowmaking didn't conflict with federal environmental or cultural protection laws, yet the Department continues to delay this project despite repeated requests to move forward from Arizona Snowbowl, myself, and fellow members of the Arizona Congressional delegation.

I find the Department's conduct in this matter to be troubling and disingenuous. It is wholly inappropriate that without any legitimate explanation the Department can claim the right to delay an approved Forest Service action upheld by the Supreme Court. Quite frankly, every public land user and Forest Service permittee should be deeply troubled by the Administration's actions.

Please be assured that I will maintain my hold on all USDA nominees over this matter.

Sincerely,

John McCain

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