Expert study: new ski hill Hraničník would have negative ecological impact

An EIA study has suggested that a planned ski resort at Hraničník in Šumava National Park would have a negative impact on the local environment. The study was commissioned by the region of South Bohemia which has gotten behind the project for the new hill. Four alternatives describing a planned chairlift, parking space, routes and ski runs have been tabled. But because the new ski hill and lift would require an extensive introduction of new infrastructure in what is a biosphere preservation area recognised by UNESCO, the EIA study suggests such a plan would be unsuitable unless it were proven to be markedly in the public interest. Among those who supported plans for a new ski hill at Hraničník was Czech President Václav Klaus, news site aktualne.cz said.