05/06/08

TELLURIDE, Colo. (AP) _ Federal land managers have recommended a
heliskiing operation get a five-year permit on more than 13,600
acres of public and private land in the Silverton area.

The Bureau of Land Management released its preferred alternative
Tuesday for Telluride Helitrax, which takes skiers to the
backcountry by helicopter.

The permit would allow the company to use eight jumping-off
points and up to 300 service days a year. A service day is one
person skiing one day.

At the end of the five years, the permit would be re-evaluated
for possible extension, and the company could apply for more than
300 service days.

Telluride Helitrax had asked for 10-year permit, 16 jumping-off
points on 37,000 acres and up to 600 service days a year.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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