Comment period extended on Breckenridge expansion

BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. (AP) – The public will get more time to weigh in on a plan to expand Breckenridge Ski Resort.

The comment period had been set to close on Monday. But the U.S. Forest Service announced Thursday that it will now accept comments through Aug. 26.

The Forest Service is recommending that the Breckenridge Ski Resort be allowed to develop about 550 acres of skiing on Peak 6 within the existing permit. Environmentalists oppose the plan because they think cutting down trees for ski runs could hurt the habitat of lynx and other animals.

The supervisor of the White River National Forest, Scott Fitzwilliams, said he extended the comment period because the proposal is complex and he wants to make sure people have enough time to review it and provide informed comments.