Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development Act: Fees Paid by Ski Areas to be Reinvested Locally

The "Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development Act" changes how ski areas on National Forest land are managed, and it could mean big improvements for both skiers and nearby towns. Instead of ski area permit fees disappearing into the federal government's general fund, this bill creates a dedicated account, ensuring that the money collected stays local. It goes into effect 60 days after it's enacted.

Keeping the Cash Where It Counts

This bill is all about reinvesting the fees that ski areas pay to operate on National Forest land. Here's the breakdown: 80% of the fees collected at a specific ski area (the "Covered Unit," in official terms) will be spent at that same area. Think of it like this: if a ski resort pays $100,000 in permit fees, $80,000 is guaranteed to come right back for improvements there.

Of that 80%, here's how the money must be used:

• 75% goes to the nuts and bolts of running the ski area program: processing permits, training staff, providing visitor information, and, importantly, planning for and reducing wildfire risks near the slopes. This could mean anything from better signage to proactive measures to prevent wildfires from threatening ski areas and nearby communities.
• 25% is earmarked for things like fixing up facilities, habitat restoration, law enforcement related to recreation, building more parking, processing recreation permits, avalanche safety information, and search and rescue operations. So, if that same ski area needs to repair a visitor center or improve parking, this fund can help.

The remaining 20% of the fees collected can be used at any National Forest System unit, not just the one where the fees originated. This allows the Forest Service some flexibility to address needs across the system, using that same 75%/25% split for ski area administration and visitor-related improvements. Section 2 of the bill lays out all of this.

Real-World Impacts and Potential Challenges

Imagine a family visiting a ski resort on National Forest land. Under this new law, the fees that the resort pays could directly translate into a better experience for that family: improved trails, clearer signage, maybe even a new warming hut. For a local business owner in a nearby town, it could mean more customers, as better facilities and services attract more visitors.

The Secretary of Agriculture can reduce that 80% allocation to a specific ski area, but only down to 60% if the area's needs are demonstrably less. That leftover money still goes to other National Forest units, following the 75%/25% split. This provides a safety valve to prevent hoarding of funds, while still prioritizing local investment.

One crucial thing to note: the bill specifically prohibits using this money for wildfire suppression (fighting active fires) or buying more land. It's about improving what's already there, not expanding or funding emergency firefighting operations. It's a supplement to existing funding, not a replacement, and cost recovery for processing permits is still allowed. The bill also clarifies that it doesn't change any other existing laws about ski areas on National Forest land.

This bill represents a significant shift in how ski area fees are handled, with the potential for tangible improvements on the ground. While the details are complex, the core idea is simple: keep the money where it's generated, and use it to make these areas better and safer for everyone.