Aspen, CO – In the never-ending battle against the decimation caused by the mountain pine beetle, the U.S. Forest Service on Friday approved the clearing of trees on up to 4,200 acres on Aspen’s four ski mountains.

In rendering his decision, White River National Forest Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams said that he saw no adverse environmental impact from the plan to remove trees dead and diseased from not only the pine beetle but also the spruce beetle, mistletoe disease and damage from past droughts.

The plan involves 2,625 acres at Snowmass, 845 acres at Aspen Highlands, 352 acres at Buttermilk and 143 acres at Aspen Mountain, all within the ski areas’ special use permit area but some of which lies beyond existing ski area boundaries. Established roadless areas adjacent to the ski areas are excluded.

The project is expected to be completed over the next 10 years.