September 8, 1999

Mr. Richard Brown
York Snow, Inc.
1433 Pittsford Victor Road
Victor, New York  14564


Dear Mr. Brown:

The Salt Lake City Council passed the 1999 Watershed Management Plan, on
September 7, 1999.  As you are aware, the use of snowmaking additives in the
canyons was contested, and language was added to the plan to address the community
concerns.  The management plan as approved by the City Council reads:

    Recommendation: Eliminate the use of snowmaking additives if they are
    found to adversely impact the watershed and water quality.

    Implementation:   Recommend manufacturer funded research on limited sites
    in the canyons.  The independent study scope must be agreed to by Salt Lake
    City.  The study should be commenced during the 1999/2000 ski season and
    run for a maximum of three consecutive years unless contraindicated during
    any period of that time.  If the study can not be initiated during the 1999/2000
    season, no use of snow making additives will be allowed for that season. The
    manufacturer of the snow making additive, shall indemnify and hold Salt Lake
    City harmless from and against any and all judgements, claims, expenses,
    causes of action, damages and liabilities (including attorneys' fees) arising out
    of the study. 

    Explanation: Snowmaking additives are used by the ski industry to improve
    the effectiveness of the snowmaking process. The additives contain enzymes
    that provide a higher quality of artificially made snow. The impact of the
    additives on the watershed is unknown. Studies should continue to be
    conducted, for a maximum of 3 years unless contraindicated during that time,
    at limited local ski resorts to determine if there are any adverse impacts to the
    watershed or water quality. If the studies show that the additives contribute
    negative effects on the watershed, then they may be prohibited from use at the
    four ski resorts in the plan area.
       
As recommended in the plan, the use of snowmaking additives will not be allowed
without a study being conducted.  In order to provide the maximum opportunity to
accommodate this project, we are notifying you of this decision as soon as possible.  
  
Please contact the local resorts if you are interested in pursuing this any further.
  
  
Sincerely,
  
  
_______________________________________
  
Leroy W. Hooton
Director 
  
  
Cc:  Jim Baker, Snowbird Ski Resort; Mike Gore, Solitude Ski Resort
     Dan Jiron, Forest Service