PEAK: Permit problems uncovered

I am writing regarding the article entitled "Peak Adventures complains about permit process." The article failed to mention the most important point in this debate, that the BLM changed course 180 degrees with respect to the Peak Adventures permit over the course of eight months. This change in position on the permit will put Peak out of business and cost the owners their life savings.

Prior to purchasing Peak Adventures, the Stanleys investigated the viability of the business by asking CDA BLM Field Office Director Eric Thomson if there were any issues that would result in the Peak permit to not be renewed at the conclusion of the renewal process. We were told that we were in good hands and that we should not worry about the reissuance of the permit. We were also told $250,000 and two years had been spent by the government on the environmental assessment pertaining to the permit.

Because Eric Thomson was in the position to make the final decision on the permit, we believed him, and purchased Peak Adventures. After operating as normal for the 2010 winter season, we were informed that Eric Thomson had retired and the new Field Office Manager Kurt Pavlat would not be renewing the permit. We were also told we had no legal recourse for the huge financial loss we would suffer due to this change of decision. Now, as evidenced in the article, the BLM is feeding false and deceptive information to the press in order to cover up.

RYAN STANLEY

Cataldo