Dear community of Haines. My name is Bruce Bauer, owner of the Funny Farm since 1997.
As I have been involved in the heliski industry since its origin in Haines, I witnessed the evolution firsthand. I would like to leave some input on the subject.
We had years of boom industry, but now it’s become a struggle to keep the Funny Farm doors open this coming season. I am asking Haines citizens to take a hard look at how adding another permit to “Stellar” will truly impact the community and industry as a whole.
Stellar is not random to Haines. Reggie Crist and his company have been coming to Haines since the beginning.
I hear concerns that adding a 4th operator would lead to overcrowding and safety concerns. However, Stellar’s permit would not increase overall use since they already bring their clients to town.
Last season Stellar accounted for 33% of the total industry use by bringing its clients to AK Heliskiing. But space can be limiting. Without Stellar, the Funny Farm would not have had any revenue for the 2020-21 season.
Enough time has passed that the industry has become an asset to the community. I think that the 3-operator rule can stand to change as further impact on the community of Haines will be minimal and the proposed clients already exist in the industry.
I think granting Stellar a permit would make a smooth operating season for all companies involved.
Please, Haines citizens, please give it some thought.
Bruce J. Bauer, owner of the Funny Farm