Emails reveal business leaders pushed for extended ski expansion area

Emails obtained by The Wausonian show Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce and other business leaders pushed for an amendment the public knew nothing about

The expansion of Granite Peak beyond what was in the original proposal seemed to take everyone by surprise.

Well, not everyone.

Emails obtained by The Wausonian sent to Natural Resources Board members ahead of the Dec. 15 vote show an effort by area business leaders to influence the board to grant an amendment.

Of the emails reviewed, several sent by members of the Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership and other business leaders mention support for the additional expansion area of 25 acres on the western portion. It also adds a ski lift in a Talus Forest State Natural Area, though without any pylons or infrastructure in that area (it would simply pass over the area).

Granite Peak has a member on the GWPP’s board of directors.

None of the emails opposing the expansion mentioned the 25 acres. Because no one knew anything about it.

That was not presented at any public meeting, despite a development process that spanned years. It didn’t come up in any of the public listening sessions and it was not included in the DNR’s proposed plan for the new Rib Mountain Master Plan.

The plans presented to the Natural Resources Board were carefully developed taking into account all the input heard from community members. That included from those in favor of added ski area and those opposed to it. The plan sought a compromise between the two interests, and DNR planners considered all of that when the put the plans together.

That’s not what ended up being approved by the Natural Resources Board.