NEWS

DATE: November 7, 2007
RELEASE: Immediate

 

RAGGED MOUNTAIN APPLIES FOR AUDUBON CERTIFICATION
Sanctuary Designation for Golf Course Would Be First in New Hampshire

 

DANBURY, NH – Ragged Mountain Resort announced today that it has begun the process to become designated a Certified Audubon Signature Sanctuary.  The designation is bestowed by Audubon International to “communities that integrate an ecosystem approach to construction and management; and provide environmental education for those that live, work and recreate in the community,” according to the governing body’s written materials.

 

Gerry Jackson, one of the partners in RMR-Pacific which is Ragged Mountain’s new ownership group, provided insight into the significance of Audubon’s involvement in the project, “The first time we saw this property it was quite clear to us that the greatest asset here was the land itself.  We take our stewardship of this beautiful place very seriously which is why we have asked for Audubon International’s involvement in the process.”

 

Ragged Mountain has applied for the Silver Signature level of certification which Audubon only grants when it can be involved before the construction of infrastructure has begun in order to provide critical input in the design phase, and guidance as the design takes the form of construction.  Douglas Anderson, another RMR partner, noted the ongoing nature of this designation, “Audubon Environmental will also be preparing our Natural Resources Management Plan which will ensure continuity from the inception of the land plan all the way through to the maturing of the community.”

 

Jackson explained that Audubon would be involved in the ecological aspects of the golf course as well as the homesites, “One of the reasons we chose Faxon & Booth for the renovation of our golf course is Brad Booth’s involvement on Audubon’s Advisory Committee.  We knew he understood what we were trying to accomplish, and we are very proud that they will be overseeing the development of the first Signature Sanctuary in New Hampshire which, by the way, is only the third in all of New England.”

 

Ragged Mountain Resort was purchased by RMR-Pacific in May of this year.  Previous owners had hoped to develop the 1600 acre community surrounding the golf course and ski resort, but had been financially unable to do so.  The new ownership group has substantial experience developing real estate in and around a number of ski resorts in the western part of the country as well as golf and country club communities in the East.

 

Over the course of the summer, the new owners brought in highly regarded ski resort president Bob Fries and invested approximately $2 million in maintenance and improvements at Ragged Mountain Resort.  The resort installed over 14,000 feet of new snowmaking pipe and purchased 25 new energy efficient snowmaking guns.  With cold enough temperatures, the ski area hopes to open in late November or early December.