Kaitlin Lembo is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the Hunter Planning Board approved Hunter Mountain's expansion plans February 7. The Hunter North expansion will include the construction of five new trails, the addition of a 268-spot parking lot, a pedestrian bridge and a new access road off Deming Road. The project is almost entire situated within the town of Hunter; however, the trails will cross Jewett's boundary, including a portion of the access road and five to 10 parking spots. The board approved the expansion plan, despite environmental concerns expressed by resident Roy Silver at a meeting held in January. Silver addressed the planning board, asking why the mountain’s expansion had to occur on undeveloped land. The loss of trees could be dangerous for climate change, Silver said, warning that studies have shown that winter ski resorts could be in trouble in the coming years as a result of rising temperatures. Silver is arguing the company should build on the side of the mountain already developed. Neither Peak Resorts, which owns Hunter Mountain, or planning board chair Sarah Killourhy, have responded to Silver's comments. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.