The head of the Vermont Ski Areas Association says the system of ski area leases on state land has been a driving force behind the state's economy for years.
Ski Areas President Parker Riehle was responding to a new report by state auditor Doug Hoffer that says Vermont isn't reaping the full benefit of public land that's being leased to some ski resorts.
The report says the growth and diversification of the resorts since the leases were first signed more than 70 years ago have not kept pace and the old lease terms may not be suitable for the present day.
Riehle says the leases continue to serve the state well.
Seven Vermont ski areas are located in part on about 8,500 acres of leased state land.
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