Judge rules against Forest Service in ski resort suit

The U.S. Forest Service violated federal procedural rules when it revamped 2011 and 2012 permit regulations involving water rights, a U.S. district court judge ruled.

The agency neglected to investigate economic impact and infringed on ski-area rights, Judge William Martinez said.

The decision overturned a controversial law that required ski-area permit holders on public land to cede water rights to the Forest Service. In the case, the National Ski Areas Association sued the Forest Service over the new rules.

The judge sent the issue back to the Forest Service.

NSAA's public policy director, Geraldine Link, said that if the agency chooses to revive the issue, the process will be more public.