The Denver Post reports that the 121-resort National Ski Areas Association plans the lawsuit because it objects to a new permit clause that assigns water rights at a resort on federal land to the federal government.
The industry argues that the change takes away tens of millions of dollars in private water rights.
Colorado Sens. Mark Udall and Michael Bennet and Republican Rep. Scott Tipton of western Colorado have urged the Forest Service to suspend the controversial new clause. The agency this week declined to issue a moratorium, prompting the industry to plan a lawsuit.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)