The U.S. Forest Service has granted permission for construction to begin on a new learning center and base lodge at Loon Mountain's South Peak.Susan Mathison, team leader of the U.S. Forest Service Eastern Region Winter Sports Team, said the cutting of trees for the new area could begin as early as this month on a project which is on both federal and private land.It includes approval of construction of a new, 6,000 square foot base lodge, two fixed grip quad chairs, two surface lifts and more than 26 acres of new terrain near the existing overflow parking area at South Peak.The new development area is located closer to downtown Lincoln and just over the South Peak bridge, spanning the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River.Greg Kwasnik, spokesman for the ski resort, said it is "a bit premature for us to really go out there and promote the South Peak expansion," and there is no set timeline for construction, but he confirmed the Forest Service approval."Several pieces need to fall into place before we can start making plans and set a timetable for the project," he said.But he noted that the approval gives Loon a new, enhanced portal to the resort, additional parking, skier services, 26 acres of lower-intermediate and beginner terrain and a new tubing facility.A decision of notice finding no significant impact on the forest was approved, in part to reduce crowding at the existing learning center, located near the Governor Adams Lodge.The forest service agreed it would improve safety of visitors and reduce crowding on busy days.The two fix-grip quad chairs would begin on private land and terminate on Forest Service land, and each would have about 550 vertical foot drop.In addition, two carpet lifts would be constructed on private land and a 6,000 square foot base lodge with parking would be allowed, entirely on private land.Snowmaking is also part of the approved plan.19003418