An innovative solution to Sugarbush's long range power needs has been achieved through a unique partnership agreement negotiated with the National Forest Service. As has been noted by Win Smith in this forum, Vermont is a highly regulated utility jurisdiction which only allows the Bush to buy its power from Green Mountain Power. Further the state is "under powered" which mandates occasional rationing that interferes with snowmaking needs.
The first in the nation partnership between Summit Ventures and the National Forest Service allows Sugarbush to install large arrays of solar panels on the western (sunnyside) slopes of both Mt Abraham and Mt Ellen. Further, power generating windmills will be placed throughout the Long Trail ridgeline between Lincoln Gap and Appalachian Gap.
The incoming Ranger in Charge of the Rochester NFS division which oversees Sugarbush use permits observed of the historic agreement, "It really is no different from allowing clear cut forestry or mining on NFS lands which, as everyone knows, is prevalent throughout the rest of the USA. After all, the NFS motto is Land of Many Uses."
The entire operation will be supervised by the Barkbiter who will come out of retirement to again use his vast experience in high voltage electricity together with his knowledge of the western slopes. By special dispensation from John Hammond, and to the relief of his present landlords, Barkbiter will live full time in the Castlerock patrol hut where he will dispense mountain hospitality, arcane wisdom, and herbal remedies to any wanderers who seek him out. Barkbiter stated that, "Every year at passover I have prayed-Next year Jerusalem-now its about to happen, or is the hut in Downingville?." He also noted that "After a career of playing along the third rail, it will be a relief to be the power generator instead of a recipient."
The Green Mountain Club had no immediate comment. In a separate announcement Summmit Ventures indicated that it would be funding the erection of a new headquarters for the self appointed watchdog group.

geeze. I have been keeping quiet about this because I thought it was not yet public knowledge. I feel 'scooped'....

Posted: Tue* Apr 01 *, 2008 1:36 pm

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From the environmental section of the Fall Steep Journal April 1 Edition

Newswire:
Sugarbush Vermont considers alternative fuel source for electric power producing co-generation plant satisfying the needs of the resort.

The master plan as defined by a previous post in the SkiMRV Sugarbush Forum has been augmented with another innovative concept. Per Ihawlf Gasalot, a renowned Scottish engineer who fancies his stout, he and the resort's lower level management have also conceived the notion that the sugar maple processing tubes from Downingsville could be used in the off season and connected from the beer tap drip cups at Castlerock Pub, Timbers, and Wunderbar then piped directly to the maintenance shed. Combine this practical use of wasted malt liquor, with a conveyor or trough of leftover Gerry's Chili directly to the mouth of Barkbiter, and wah-la, the "outcome" is a clean burning alternative fuel source, powering a 100 jigawatt generator!

The power generated from Barkbiter's efficient processing of this harmless material could be used for the entire resort. Additionally, the new energy supply will be used to power the lights on the planned Castlerock Area Night Skiing, slated for early season 2010.

The excess electricity generated from the Barkbiter Plant would then be offered back to the power grid throughout the valley at no cost. The filtering system of the noxious gases would be captured in balloons and floated to Washington DC Metro Area and released, where the smell would integrate well with other hot air and fumes, becoming diluted and undetectable with the other manure like scents.

Cow Power!