Over the objections of Chilkat Indian Village, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, professional hunting guides, Chilkoot Bear Foundation, Lynn Canal Conservation, and numerous individuals, the Haines Borough Assembly is allowing the Freeride World Tour to operate their helicopters in two areas not on the approved heliski map. By so doing, they have taken an event that would have been supported, or at least tolerated, by most of the community, and made it controversial. Thus everyone loses: the event and the industry by losing community support; the assembly by losing public confidence; the public; and wildlife impacted by intense and concentrated helicopter activity at a time of year when they are most vulnerable to disturbance.
A tip of the hat to Tresham Gregg who cast the lone vote against this bad decision.
Eric Holle