The Forest Service is conducting an analysis in response to a request to conduct the 2006 U.S. Paragliding National Championships from atop 9,151-foot Bald Mountain.
The championships are scheduled to take place Aug. 27 through Sept. 2. Up to 100 competitors are expected to participate. The proposal allows the competitors to launch from the top of Bald Mountain and fly to goals at the River Run Parking lot, located in Ketchum; the gravel pit at the base of Durance along Highway 75; the airstrips at Smiley Creek, Stanley and Salmon, and landing strips in the Lost River Range. The daily launch site, flight courses and pre-chosen goals are selected and based on specific weather conditions and wind direction. The same applies to the suitability for landing sites—their safety, user friendly characteristics and proximity to roads for ease of recovery.
Fly Sun Valley, of Ketchum, is requesting the special use permit.
According to Joe Miczulski, recreation forester for the Ketchum Ranger District, prior to issuing a special use permit for this event the district will complete an analysis of the proposal. "We are very interested in learning if there are any issues of public concern that we need to address in our analysis," stated Miczulski. "These would be concerns limited to Sawtooth National Forest land on Bald Mountain and at the proposed landing sites on the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Even though there will be an increase in activities on Bald Mountain during these seven days, we feel this increase will be negligible on the general public."
To be the most helpful, Miczulski would like to receive written comments by March 15. Comments need to be sent to: Ketchum Ranger District, PO Box 2356, Ketchum, ID 83340 Attn: Joe Miczulski. Comments may also be e-mailed to comments-intermtn-sawtooth-ketchum@fs.fed.us.
