In December, the Freeride World Tour’s request to access two sites outside of the borough-approved heli-ski map generated controversy, including opposition from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Chilkat Indian Village and numerous residents.

The assembly on a 5-1 vote decided to open those areas, but it turns out the borough’s action made no difference. The Alaska Department of Natural Resources denied the tour access to those two sites, for both this year’s competition and the 2017 tour.

DNR’s Division of Land, Mining and Water denied the request to allow Freeride World Tour access to the “Chunny” site – a spot on the Takhin Ridge near Chilkat Lake – and the Caesar’s site – near Haska Creek across the Chilkat River from Jones Point.

Haines heli-ski outfit Southeast Alaska Backcountry Adventures, Freeride’s local contract guide, applied for the permit, requesting use of state land at five locations in March 2016 and 2017 for the international ski and snowboard competition. SEABA did receive approval to use one of three locations for up to seven days in 2016 and 2017, including “Old Faithful,” “Light Meter” and “Venue.”

Based on documents released by DNR at the beginning of March, it appears the agency’s decision to keep the Chunny and Caeser’s sites closed hinged on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s recommendation, which the assembly did not heed.

Fish and Game area biologist Carl Koch had submitted a letter opposing use of the closed areas for the competition. “Helicopter and skiing activities during the proposed period can disturb and negatively affect mountain goats, denning brown bears and wolverines,” he wrote.

“We defer to the expertise of ADFG,” a DNR employee wrote in the adjudication summary.

DNR didn’t seem to care that the borough assembly voted to open the two areas. “The administration of Haines Borough’s requirements is out of scope of a decision to issue an authorization for use of state land,” wrote DNR employee Megs Harris.

The borough’s vote to open the area also caused tension with the Upper Lynn Canal Fish and Game Advisory Committee, which submitted a letter requesting the assembly solicit the council’s input on similar matters in the future.

“ Opening wildlife habitat to heli-skiing is an issue of concern to our members, and this would have been an excellent opportunity to engage the advisory council and to increase community participation and representation in borough decision-making,” the board wrote the assembly on Jan. 15.

Assembly member Margaret Friedenauer said she was “surprised” to learn DNR had denied access to the two areas. She said she only heard of the state’s decision from a Freeride organizer during the tour’s welcoming reception at the Haines Sheldon Museum two weeks ago.

Maybe next year we can encourage them to get all the other permits first before as a community we have to take on the discussion,” she said.

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