November 21, 2003
TWISP (AP) -- An investigation into the allegedly unauthorized harvest of several hundred trees at Loup Loup Ski Bowl could hinge on a misunderstanding, a U.S. Forest Service investigator said.
Bill McConnell, a special enforcement agent from Colville, said he expects to complete interviews in January with Loup Loup officials and Forest Service employees over the tree cutting last summer.
"It's going to come down to, was there a miscommunication, or did they operate outside the scope of their permit?" he said. "We may not have followed policy: that's the other side of the coin."
The Methow Valley ski area has operated since 1958 on Forest Service land under a special-use permit through the nonprofit Loup Loup Ski Education Foundation. The permit allows maintenance of ski runs in the summer, including removal of brush and clearing obstacles, he said.
"By no means does it give them permission to cut several thousand dollars worth of timber," McConnell said.
He said it is unlikely the foundation would lose its permit.
McConnell said he will forward his theft investigation report to the U.S. attorney, who will determine whether criminal charges should be filed.
