A ski resort that is at the center of a sacred site case is seeking approval to expand even though the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has yet to issue a ruling.

The Arizona Snowbowl is located in the Coconino National Forest. It plans to make snow using reclaimed sewage, a move that tribes say would violate the sanctity of the San Francisco Peaks.

A federal judge and a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit backed the tribes. But the ski resort and the U.S. Forest Service petitioned for an en banc rehearing, which was held last December.

In the meantime, the Snowbowl wants approval to build a conveyor belt. The Save The Peaks Coalition says tribes aren't being given enough time to talk about the proposal.

Get the Story:
Arizona Snowbowl seeks approval to add conveyor belt for new skiers5 (AP 6/5)
pwday

Listen to Oral Arguments:
Navajo Nation v. USFS (December 11, 2007)

Relevant Documents:
Court Order on Rehearing | Petitions on Rehearing

Earlier Decisions:
9th Circuit Panel (March 12, 2007) | District Court (January 11, 2006)

Approval Documents:
Final Environmental Impact Statement for Arizona Snowbowl Facilities Improvement | Forest Service Approves Snowmaking at Arizona Snowbowl

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