For Immediate Release

CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch and the Executive Council today approved a land exchange between the State of New Hampshire and federal government, which is aimed at expanding the Cannon Mountain Ski Area.

The Governor and Council agreed to exchange a portion of Sentinel Mountain State Forest in Piermont for a 100-acre portion of the White Mountain National Forest known as "Old Mittersill Ski Area," which is adjacent to the Cannon Mountain Ski Area.

"I am pleased this land exchange is moving forward. It will allow the state to expand the ski area at Cannon Mountain, which will offer greater skiing options and help Cannon remain one of the top skiing destinations in New Hampshire," Gov. Lynch said. "I want to thank the everyone involved for working cooperatively to make this land exchange possible."

The state and federal government have agreed to exchange parcels of land of equal value. No state or federal funds will be involved in the swap. The deal will allow Cannon Mountain Ski Area to expand to the Mittersill side of the mountain. It will also allow the federal government to control one of the last remaining portions of the Appalachian Trail that it does not currently administer in New Hampshire.

This effort between the state and the U.S. Forest Service was first attempted in 1989, and has been tried several times since then.

Wednesday's action by the Governor and Council is significant step forward in completing the land exchange. The U.S. Forest Service is continuing its environmental analysis of the proposal. The state and U.S. Forest Service could reach a final agreement as early as this winter.

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