The Granite Peak switcheroo

Opponents of the ski expansion, increased at the last minute by the Natural Resources Board, are looking for a way to reverse the decision. Will they succeed?

The amendment took me a bit by surprise. I had written that the Rib Mountain Master Plan being approved, and included the details that had been talked about all along.

I didn’t realize a number of changes had been made at the Natural Resources Board meeting at the zero hour.

But now I do. And area residents, who put in the time to come to meetings, give their input, listen to presentations and make recommendations, they realize those changes were made now too. That included a fair number of people who wanted to limit the size of Granite Peak ski area expansion.

And they’re pissed.

Moreover, the amendments were made by retired Wausau Dentist Fred Prehn, who had stayed on the Natural Resources Board long past his appointed term. He recently stepped down, one month after the master plan was approved, as did another Walker appointee (that one ahead of his appointed expiration).

Now some are trying to see if they can reverse that amendment. That’s based on the gamble that with two board members replaced, there might be a majority in favor of curbing the ski expansion at least back to what was included in the plan as presented to the NRB. Here’s how that could happen.