Mountain Resorts Ecology and the Law

Mountains are the home of significant ecological resources - wildlife habitat, higher elevation plant systems, steep slopes, delicate soils and water systems. These resources are subject to very visible and growing pressures, most of which are caused by the unique features of mountains. Using as case studies four mountain resorts in the US and Canada, this book analyzes the extent to which the law protects the ecological systems of mountains from the adverse impacts associated with the development, operation and expansion of resorts. In order to examine these issues, Mountain Resorts takes an interdisciplinary approach, with contributions from ecologists and lawyers who focus on ski-related activities, increasing four-season use of the mountains and expanding residential, commercial and recreational development at the mountains' base. Its analysis of an array of US and Canadian federal, state and local laws provides a multifaceted exploration of the intersection of ecology and the law at mountain resorts.

Preface; Chapter 1 The Landscape of This Book, Janet E. Milne; Part I The Mountain Ecosystem; Chapter 2 An Ecosystem Approach to Mountain Resorts, Ross A. Virginia; Chapter 3 Plant Communities and Vegetation Processes in the Mountain Landscape, G. Richard Strimbeck; Chapter 4 Water Quantity and Quality in the Mountain Environment, James B. Shanley, Beverley Wemple; Chapter 5 Effects of Mountain Resorts on Wildlife, Allan M. Strong, Christopher C. Rimmer, Kent P. McFarland, Kimberly Hagen; Part II Loon Mountain, New Hampshire, Roger Fleming; Chapter 6 An Introduction to Loon Mountain and the Loon Resort, Roger Fleming; Chapter 7 The Legal Foundation for the South Mountain Expansion Proposal, Roger Fleming; Chapter 8 The South Mountain Expansion, Roger Fleming; Chapter 9 Can Other Federal Laws Contribute to an Ecosystem-Based Approach to Resort Development?, Roger Fleming; Chapter 10 Conclusions from the Loon Resort Experience, Roger Fleming; Part III Whiteface Mountain Ski Center, New York, John S. Banta; Chapter 11 An Introduction to the Whiteface Mountain Ski Center and the Legal Framework, John S. Banta; Chapter 12 The Legal Regime Affecting Whiteface Mountain, John S. Banta; Chapter 13 The Legal Regime Affecting Private Lands Around Whiteface, John S. Banta; Chapter 14 Conclusion, John S. Banta; Part IV Killington Resort, Vermont, Julia LeMense, Jonathan Isham; Chapter 15 An Introduction to Killington Resort, its Expansion Plans, and the Issues, Julia LeMense, Jonathan Isham; Chapter 16 Vermont’s Act 250 and the Early Battles at Parker’s Gore East, Julia LeMense, Jonathan Isham; Chapter 17 Expansion in the Wake of Parker’s Gore East, Julia LeMense, Jonathan Isham; Chapter 18 Conclusion, Julia LeMense, Jonathan Isham; Part V Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Jane Matthews Glenn; Chapter 19 An Introduction to Mont Tremblant and the Issues, Jane Matthews Glenn; Chapter 20 Intrawest’s Development of the Skiable Domain, Jane Matthews Glenn; Chapter 21 Base Camps, Golf Courses and Land Protection at the Mountain’s Base, Jane Matthews Glenn; Chapter 22 Legal Diversity and Legal Ecosystems, Jane Matthews Glenn; Part VI A Vision for the Mountains; Chapter 23 The Challenges of Joining Ecology with the Law, Janet E. Milne, Ross A. Virginia;

Janet E Milne is a Professor of law at Vermont Law School, USA.