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DNR seeks proposals to operate ski hill
State park officials today announced that the Department of Natural Resources is seeking a private partner to operate the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness ski hill.
The DNR’s Parks and Recreation Bureau formally issued a request for proposals from vendors to operate, maintain and expand the popular “Porkies” ski hill and the cross-country ski trails. Innovative proposals that minimize environmental impact while expanding services for skiers will be given priority in the bid process.
“Our goal is to keep the ski hill operating and viable while allowing the Parks and Recreation Bureau to focus its resources on the DNR’s core mission,” said Lowen Schuett, Parks and Recreation Bureau’s acting chief. “This is an excellent opportunity for a growing, innovative recreation management company to expand.”
The Porcupine Mountains’ 641-foot vertical drop is one of the highest ski hills in the Midwest and the highest ski-able mountain in Michigan. Its primarily north-facing exposures are characterized by slopes of 30 percent to 45 percent on the upper mountain and gentle slopes between 10 percent and 20 percent on the lower mountain, with spectacular views of Lake Superior and the surrounding countryside from the top of the mountain. The trail vegetation is full and well-manicured with very few areas of erosion. Areas between trails are heavily wooded.
Bid packages are being sent out to all current ski operations in the upper Midwest including northern Lower and Upper Peninsulas of Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Bid packages will be available by mail, e-mail or will soon be added to the DNR’s web site at http://www.michigan.gov/dnr.
Bidders must attend a mandatory site inspection at 10 a.m. EDT on Thursday, June 26, 2003, at the Porcupine Mountains Ski Hill site. Proposals from bidders not present at this meeting will not be accepted.
All questions regarding bid package must be submitted in writing or via e-mail before noon on Wednesday, July 2, 2003, to Harold Herta, DNR-Parks and Recreation Bureau, P.O. Box 30257, Lansing, MI 48909-7757. E-mail address is hertah@michigan.gov. No questions placed by telephone will be accepted or given responses. All questions and answers will be made available to all bidders once answered.
All bids must be received by 4 p.m., EDT, on July 11 to be considered. Late bids will not be accepted.
Source: MDNR |