I find it unfortunate that in the last issue of the CVN other key stakeholder groups concerned about the heliski map are referred to as “opponents of the industry” and their concerns characterized as “obstacles.” In some ways the process that the borough pursued in updating the heli-ski map lent itself to prolonging community divisiveness surrounding the map issue rather than encouraging greater consensus.
Longstanding stakeholder groups were not given a seat at the table as a part of the map committee. While the industry was represented, the committee had no representation from conservationists, backcountry (non-motorized, non-commercial skiers) local impacted residents, wildlife biologists, goat hunters, and Klukwan residents. These other user and interest groups, with historic involvement in the matter, only become opponents when they are marginalized and not given a voice in the decision-making process (think local subsistence crabbers who would like a say-so in the management of commercial crabbing in our nearby waters).
Public processes that are inclusive are one of the cornerstones of our democracy. Our public lands and resources belong to all of us. I would encourage the assembly, when formulating such committees in the future, to consider groups like conservationists and non-commercial recreationists as an essential part of our community’s great diversity of people and interests, with important ideas to contribute.
As a conservationist I can tell you that it’s a lot more pleasant to be part of the decision-making process than to be cast in the role of “opponent” when you are excluded.
George Figdor