JACKSON - Like helicopter skiing in Jackson Hole? You're in luck.

Bridger-Teton National Forest officials agreed to allow High Mountain Heli-Skiing 832 skier days per season, plus an additional 368 days "as needed."

The decision from Forest Supervisor Kniffy Hamilton was long in the making and pitted heli-skiing enthusiasts against conservationists who said the operation harmed wildlife already stressed in winter months with loud helicopters and people in solitary places.

Heli skiers, however, said their only impact is tracks in the snow that eventually melt away. Skiing is a quiet activity and has no more impact than people hiking in the area, they said.

"This was one of those difficult decisions where land managers must balance the competing interests of different user groups, while meeting resource objectives on the ground," she said in a statement. "In this decision, I am confident that we have achieved that balance, meeting the needs and desires of various user groups while preserving wilderness, wildlife and recreational values."

High Mountain Heli-Skiing began receiving a permit on the forest since 1977, and the forest issued special-use permits every five years. The last permit expired in December 2001, and one-year, temporary permits were issued in 2001, 2002 and 2003 to allow the company to continue while the environmental analysis was completed.

The company's highest use has been 903 skier days (individual skiers over the course of the season). The Forest Service's choice allows for some growth.

Other choices considered would have bumped the number of days to 1,500, lowered the number to 468 and eliminated the activity altogether.

But one of the major sticking points of Monday's final decision is the continued permitting of helicopter skiing in the Palisades Wilderness Study Area.

The agency said in its decision that allowing heli-skiing in the area does not preclude the its future inclusion in the national wilderness preservation system. Over-the-snow activity will not alter the wilderness character, the agency said.

In general, the agency said, only one helicopter per day will be allowed in the area.

But Fred Smith, with the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, said the presence of helicopters in the pristine area is a "flagrant violation" of the Wyoming Wilderness Act.

"I personally believe this could affect the ability of the Palisades to be listed as wilderness," he said, adding helicopters affect wilderness qualities and wildlife.

Smith also said a majority of the company's excursions happen in wilderness study areas.

Supervisor Hamilton is also allowing the company to continue using areas north of Jensen Canyon in the southern Teton Range. This area is close to the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and some said the presence of helicopters would compete with back-country experiences originating from the resort.

Hamilton said High Mountain will be required to work with the resort and post information at the tram dock to inform back-country skiers that it will be operating in the area.

In its record of decision, the Forest Service said the presence of heli-skiing will not affect lynx, grizzly bears or wolves, and bald eagles will not likely be affected.

The decision is open to appeal. For a copy of the EIS, visit (www.fs.fed.us/r4/btnf) or call (307) 739-5400.

Environmental reporter Whitney Royster can be reached at (307) 734-0260 or at royster@trib.com.