A proposal in Congress would allow a national forest to keep as much as 80 percent of the ski area permit fees collected at that forest, including areas like the White River National Forest that gets money from Aspen Skiing Co. and other ski resort operators.
The money would be used to maintain and expand outdoor recreation on public lands.
The Aspen Times reports the money could be used for improving ski areas, providing avalanche education and offering interpretive presentations.
Forest officials say federal money has shifted more to national firefighting efforts and put a crimp on basic functions like trail maintenance and backcountry patrols.
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