No more public hearings planned for Heavenly master plan

Those wishing to comment on Heavenly Mountain Resort's Master Plan - which includes a controversial provision to cut down 230 old growth trees to make way for a high-speed lift - may have to be satisfied with written comments.

The public comment period for the plan will close July 17, despite a nearly eight-hour wait to speak on the subject at Wednesday's meeting of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency's Governing Board. Many people who were going to speak has left, according to leaders on both sides of the debate.

John Friedrich with the League to Save Lake Tahoe vowed to demand another hearing at the next meeting.

TRPA will not hold another public hearing, according to TRPA spokesman Jeff Cowen.

"We value everyone's time and tried to plan the agenda so that everyone would have a chance to give their input," said Cowen. "Thankfully, nearly a dozen people did get a chance to speak and the Governing Board heard a wide range of opinions. We don't want anyone's voice to be left out, so we will be accepting comments in writing, or by e-mail, until July 17th. We will put all of the public comments we receive into a report for the Governing Board as they work toward a decision."

Terri Marceron, Forest Service supervisor in Lake Tahoe, said her agency is not required to hold a formal public hearing. The Forest Service is the lead agency on the project, but must obtain TRPA approval for it.

"There are no other hearings for the 60-day comment period," she said. The Forest Service will hold an informational meeting Thursday where written comments will be accepted.

TRPA's board must approve a policy change if it wants to approve the proposed changes at Heavenly.

Current policy prohibits any development or cutting of trees in the Edgewood Creek watershed, which includes Heavenly's North Bowl area. The resort is proposing to cut down 230 old growth trees to put a high-speed lift in the area.