In 2009 Congress directed Mt. Hood National Forest to exchange forest lands near Government Camp with private lands near the Cooper Spur Ski Area owned by Mt. Hood Meadows. On May 3, 2022, the Forest published the Record of Decision for the exchange. The exchange meets legislative requirements while delivering environmental and economic benefits to the public.
Key Facts
- The Government Camp – Cooper Spur Land Exchange is a congressionally legislated land exchange between the USDA Forest Service and Mt. Hood Meadows.
- The Mt. Hood National Forest acquires approximately 605 acres of land on the north side of the mountain, including the structures and personal property of Cooper Spur Ski Area. In turn, Mt. Hood Meadows acquires approximately 67 acres of land adjacent to Government Camp. After the exchange, the public will gain a net total of 538 acres as National Forest System lands.
- As part of the exchange, about 1,709 acres of existing National Forest System land will become part of the Mt. Hood Wilderness.
- Approximately 2,701 acres of land will be designated as the Crystal Springs Watershed Special Resources Management Unit. This designation maintains high water quality on the north side of Mt. Hood.
- The Forest retains easements on all existing trails for public use.
- This land exchange follows the rules and requirements of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. The Forest Service also followed the appraisal process detailed in the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions, also referred to as “the Yellow Book,” which is a set of standards for appraisals and appraisal reviews performed on properties being acquired by the federal government.
- This decision honors years of cooperative engagement and serves the public interest, including the protection of diverse natural and cultural resources.
- The Forest has published a Record of Decision detailing the exchange and land parcels. An Environmental Impact Statement analyzing the effects of the land exchange is also available.
Things to Know Moving Forward