35°

The plan would also restrict all off-road-vehicle use to existing trails and roads on BLM land.

Increasing helicopter tourism in Haines on land owned by the BLM is controversial because no one knows yet how it is affecting the local mountain goat population.

A federal mountain goat study that began 10 years ago isn't finished yet, said Bob Lloyd, a planner for the BLM's Anchorage office.

"Every time, they say little is known, but they keep putting out permits," said Nancy Berland, a Haines environmental activist with Lynn Canal Conservation.

"We want to get a handle on the recreation use," Lloyd said. "The driver isn't the goats. It's the helicopters that cause the goats to be an issue," he added.

The growth of the heli-tourism industry - which is currently limited to a handful of operators - has also divided the community over the noise it creates.

One Haines resident said he is happy with the industry as long as it doesn't become a year-round nuisance that mars Haines' unique natural experience.

"It seems to be a wonderful thing - as long as they aren't setting a precedent for the rest of the year," said Tresham Gregg, a Haines artist.

Lloyd said the BLM's intent behind developing a special recreation management area is to protect existing commercial tourism but make sure everyone has a good experience.

If the proposal is accepted, it would take about five years to devise a plan to manage the recreation area, Lloyd said.

The land has already been selected by the state of Alaska but hasn't been conveyed yet. In fact, most of the land owned by the BLM in Southeast Alaska has been selected by the state or native corporations.

"Some of these lands we won't own in a year," Lloyd said.

The draft Ring of Fire Resource Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement is available for public comment until Dec. 29. It is on file at the Alaska State Library in Juneau.

It includes a review of mineral resources in the region. While some major mines are operating or are in development, "mining activity on BLM lands has been declining for more than 20 years, with most activity associated with exploration," according to the document.

The draft plan covers most of Southeast Alaska, with some exceptions, such as lands east of Yakutat Bay. Those lands are covered in another draft BLM planning document, called the East Alaska Resource Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement.

The document isn't limited to BLM land in Southeast Alaska though. It also covers the Aleutian Island chain and parts of Southcentral Alaska.

• Elizabeth Bluemink can be reached at elizabeth.bluemink@juneauempire.com.