NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DENIES OPPONENTS’ APPEAL OF CMI WETLANDS PERMIT

Re-affirms Tamworth Motorsports Country Club “Will Not Significantly Impair” Wetlands

TAMWORTH, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) has denied an appeal of a Wetlands and Non-Site Specific Permit that was issued to Club Motorsports, Inc. (CMI) on July 29, 2004.  CMI is developing the Valley Motorsports Park country club in Tamworth, NH.   The appeal was filed in August by a group of project opponents called FOCUS: Tamworth.  In its statement of findings, contained in a September 14, 2004 letter delivered to FOCUS: Tamworth’s legal counsel, NHDES stated, “Final review of the information submitted by Focus: Tamworth for reconsideration failed to provide significant new information that would warrant a Department reversal of the approved wetlands permit.”  

“We are pleased that NHDES has upheld their initial ruling to grant the wetlands permit,” said CMI President and CEO Stephan Condodemetraky.   “DES conducted a rigorous and thorough review of our application, and we are proud that our project has met all of the standards required to receive the wetlands permit.  We look forward to continuing to work proactively with NHDES and the Army Corp of Engineers on remaining permits.”

Through wetland delineations agreed upon by NHDES, the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Tamworth Conservation Commission, Valley Motorsports Park will impact less than three-quarters of an acre of wetlands.

In its July 29 ruling to grant CMI the wetlands permit, NHDES issued findings of fact that included:
•  “…the applicant has modified the design to maximize upland buffer areas adjacent to the existing vernal pool to the greatest extent possible.”
•  “DES communications with NH Fish & Game Department biologists confirm that there are no threatened or endangered species known to occur within the projected area.”
•  “…significant impacts to wildlife movement patterns will not occur as a result of this project.”
•  “…the applicant provided a detailed rare plant survey that concluded no exemplary natural communities occur in the project area, and that no rare or endangered species were observed.”
•  “Overall, the application and supporting materials demonstrate that the project will not significantly impair the existing recreation based tourism.”
•  “The application and supporting materials demonstrate that the project will not significantly impact the aesthetic interest of the public.”
•  “The proposal incorporates emergency spill response plans and rescue services to ensure that public safety are not threatened by the project.”
•  “The noise study submitted by the applicant concluded that ‘the project would have a relatively benign effect on the existing acoustic environment’.”

A first-of-its-kind concept for New England, the Valley Motorsports Park development is located in wooded land on the north face of Mount Whittier off Route 25 in Tamworth, approximately two miles west of the intersection of Routes 25 and 16.  Described as a “ribbon through the woods,” the road course would be available for use by its members, much like a golf course country club.  The $28 million development includes a more than three-mile, 18-turn, European-style road course for drivers and motorcyclists to develop and practice their driving skills and attend performance and safety driving schools.  In addition, Valley Motorsports Park will feature a vehicle dynamics area for driver development, short and long-term garage buildings, locker room and shower facilities, vehicle maintenance facilities, and a professional driving school.  The Clubhouse will feature spectacular views of the White Mountains, function rooms, a pool, tennis courts, an automobile museum, additional locker rooms, a closed circuit media center, and an elegant restaurant.

For more information on Valley Motorsports Park or Club Motorsports, Inc., visit www.clubmotorsports.com.  For all press inquires, please contact Scott Tranchemontagne at (603) 625-5713 x 222 and for membership information, please contact a Club Motorsports membership representative at 603-437-3278.