Legislature(2019 - 2020)BARNES 124
03/08/2019 01:20 PM House RESOURCES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SJR7 | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s): || Commissioner, Alaska Department of Fish and Game | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SJR 7 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
March 8, 2019
1:26 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative John Lincoln, Co-Chair
Representative Grier Hopkins, Vice Chair
Representative Sara Hannan
Representative Ivy Spohnholz
Representative Chris Tuck
Representative Dave Talerico
Representative George Rauscher
Representative Sara Rasmussen
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Geran Tarr, Co-Chair
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 7
Requesting that the United States Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management implement an oil and gas leasing
program in the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife
Refuge.
- MOVED HCS SJR 7(RES) OUT OF COMMITTEE
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
Commissioner, Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Douglas S. Vincent-Lang - Anchorage
CONFIRMATION (S) ADVANCED
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SJR 7
SHORT TITLE: ENDORSING ANWR LEASING; RELATED ISSUES
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) BIRCH
02/20/19 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/20/19 (S) RES
02/25/19 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
02/25/19 (S) Moved SJR 7 Out of Committee
02/25/19 (S) MINUTE(RES)
02/27/19 (S) RES RPT 5DP 1NR 1AM
02/27/19 (S) DP: BIRCH, GIESSEL, COGHILL, BISHOP,
REINBOLD
02/27/19 (S) NR: KIEHL
02/27/19 (S) AM: KAWASAKI
03/04/19 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
03/04/19 (S) VERSION: SJR 7
03/04/19 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
03/04/19 (H) <Bill Hearing Postponed to 3/6/19>
03/06/19 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/06/19 (H) RES
03/06/19 (H) RES AT 1:20 PM BARNES 124
03/06/19 (H) Heard & Held
03/06/19 (H) MINUTE(RES)
03/08/19 (H) RES AT 1:20 PM BARNES 124
WITNESS REGISTER
SENATOR CHRIS BIRCH
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Speaking as the sponsor, provided comments
during the hearing of SJR 7.
DOUGLAS S. VINCENT-LANG, Commissioner Designee
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as commissioner designee to the
Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
SAM ROHRER, President
Alaska Professional Hunters Association
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the
confirmation hearing of Commissioner Designee Vincent-Lang.
SYLVIA PANZARELLA
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition during the
confirmation hearing of Commissioner Designee Vincent-Lang.
MARK RICHARDS, Executive Director
Resident Hunters of Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the
confirmation hearing of Commissioner Designee Vincent-Lang.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:26:13 PM
CO-CHAIR JOHN LINCOLN called the House Resources Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:26 p.m. Representatives Tuck,
Hannan, Talerico, Spohnholz, Rauscher, Rasmussen, Hopkins, and
Lincoln were present at the call to order.
SJR 7-ENDORSING ANWR LEASING; RELATED ISSUES
1:26:42 PM
CO-CHAIR LINCOLN announced that the first order of business
would be SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 7, Requesting that the
United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Land
Management implement an oil and gas leasing program in the
coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
1:26:55 PM
SENATOR CHRIS BIRCH, Alaska State Legislature, speaking as the
sponsor of SJR 7, reminded the committee the comment period for
the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) leasing program draft
environmental impact statement (EIS) closes 3/13/19 and the
purpose of the resolution is to serve as the official comment of
the Thirty-first Alaska State Legislature. He described the
time needed for the passage of SJR 7 and cautioned if amended,
the resolution will miss the deadline by two days. He urged the
committee to pass the resolution without amendment.
CO-CHAIR LINCOLN said a forthcoming amendment was submitted
following the requirements of the co-chairs; however, the maker
of the amendment wishes to make changes to the amendment [that
was drafted by Legislative Legal Services, Legislative Affairs
Agency].
1:29:01 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 1:29 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
1:30:53 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HOPKINS explained the language in the amendment
drafted by Legislative Legal Services was divided into two
separate amendments labeled Amendment 1 and Amendment 2.
Amendment 1 read:
Page 3, following line 12:
Insert new resolution sections to read:
"WHEREAS, to protect the state's record or [sic]
successful development, the input of the Gwich'in and
Inupiat people, who currently and traditionally reside
in the North Slope Borough and the Yukon-Koyukuk
census areas, may be taken into consideration, and the
full effects of development on the Porcupine and
Central Arctic caribou herds, on which they
traditionally rely, as well as the full environmental
effects of the infrastructure needed to bring the
resources to market, may be addressed through the
environmental permitting process; and
REPRESENTATIVE HOPKINS said the only change to this portion of
the language from the drafted amendment is on line 5, a change
from "must" to "may".
1:32:21 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HOPKINS moved Amendment 1 [text provided
previously].
1:32:34 PM
CO-CHAIR LINCOLN objected for discussion purposes.
REPRESENTATIVE HOPKINS further explained the purpose of
Amendment 1 is to ensure comments are heard from residents who
utilize the land and traditional use of the Porcupine and
Central Arctic caribou herds in the area of ANWR [designated by
section 1002 of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation
Act (the section 1002 area)]. Furthermore, Amendment 1
addresses the full environmental impacts of the production
infrastructure [that is supported by SJR 7] such as feeder
lines, seismic activity, and ice roads.
REPRESENTATIVE RASMUSSEN agreed it is important to hear from
local residents; however, she stated her concern is that any
amendment would prevent timely passage of the resolution.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked for clarification on the impact to
the caribou herds.
REPRESENTATIVE HOPKINS said the amendment takes into
consideration the long-term impacts on the population of the
caribou herds and their migration pattern to the calving grounds
within the [section 1002 area].
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ turned attention to the concern about
the timeline for the resolution and suggested the legislature
could easily waive [Alaska State Legislature Uniform Rules] and
thereby improve the language of SJR 7 and meet its deadline.
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK stressed the need to improve the language in
legislation during committee hearings and thereby avoid problems
later on in the legislative process.
1:37:25 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RASMUSSEN suggested the intent of the amendment
could be more appropriately conveyed in a second resolution to
Congress; she pointed out the topic of SJR 7 is directed to the
Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Department of the Interior.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked the sponsor whether amendments
were discussed during Senate hearings.
SENATOR BIRCH said no. In further response to Representative
Rauscher, he said there was discussion related to the WHEREAS on
page 3, lines 6-9, which read:
WHEREAS the state continues to strive to ensure the
ongoing health and productivity of the Porcupine and
Central Arctic caribou herds and the protection of
land, water, and wildlife resources during the
exploration and development of the coastal plain of
the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; and
SENATOR BIRCH recalled comments on the floor of the Senate were
that this issue is adequately addressed and noted in the summer
[of 2018], the Porcupine caribou herd population was at an all-
time high of 218,000.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER questioned whether the Senate would
concur in House amendments.
1:40:04 PM
SENATOR BIRCH opined there are no serious issues with "any of
the resolutions in that context," and the Senate directed SJR 7
not to Congress, but to BLM, to urge for a lease sale. In fact,
the resolution does not choose one alternative from four that
were identified [in the draft EIS]; however, the language of
[Amendment 1] sets an unattainably high bar for state and
federal regulators.
CO-CHAIR LINCOLN surmised lease sales are one early step in
development and resulting projects need specific permits and
environmental impact statements.
SENATOR BIRCH said correct.
1:41:33 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TALERICO pointed out in the [Coastal Plain Oil
and Gas Leasing Program] draft EIS, produced by BLM, four
possible decisions were identified. He then remarked:
BLM has been in contact with the Arctic Village
Council, the Inupiat community of the Arctic slope,
the Native Village of Kaktovik, Venetie Village
Council, Native Village of Venetie Tribal Government,
Beaver Village, Birch Creek Tribal Council,
Chalkyitsik Village Council, the Gwich'in Tribal
Government - which is located in Fort Yukon -
Anaktuvuk Pass, the Native Village of [Utqiagvik], the
Inupiat Traditional Government, the Native Village of
Nuiqsut, the Native Village of Stevens. ... No doubt,
these folks have been in, BLM has been in contact and
this was for consulting purposes.... ... I'm opposed
to ... the amendment just due to the fact that I think
that the agency has, has done their due diligence in
this process ....
SENATOR BIRCH added there was extensive supporting testimony
during the Senate Resources Standing Committee hearing of SJR 7
from the North Slope Borough, Arctic Slope Regional Corporation,
and the Village of Kaktovik.
REPRESENTATIVE HOPKINS stated Amendment 1 would urge [BLM] to
continue working with the Gwich'in and Inupiat people during the
EIS process and ensure developing [the section 1002 area] will
not negatively impact the size of the caribou herds. He
stressed amending SJR 7 to include additional precautions may
prevent litigation.
1:45:57 PM
CO-CHAIR LINCOLN maintained his objection.
1:46:31 PM
The committee took a brief at-ease.
1:47:02 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Tuck, Hannan,
Hopkins, and Spohnholz voted in favor of Amendment 1.
Representatives Rasmussen, Rauscher, Talerico, and Lincoln voted
against it. Therefore, Amendment 1 failed by a vote of 4-4.
1:47:44 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HOPKINS moved Amendment 2, which read:
Page 3, following line 12:
Insert new resolution sections to read:
"WHEREAS, while most Alaskans support development
in the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife
Refuge, many do so with the understanding that the
state's workforce will be used to the maximum extent
possible if the leasing program moves forward; and
1:47:49 PM
CO-CHAIR LINCOLN objected for discussion purposes.
REPRESENTATIVE HOPKINS explained the language of Amendment 2 is
similar to that of many resolutions passed by the legislature
urging Congress to ensure the state's workforce will be used to
the maximum extent possible should the EIS process and leasing
program advance. He acknowledged state legislation cannot
mandate "Alaska hire"; however, at the municipal level and
through interstate commerce regulations, "this would not be an
unconstitutional step based on our research on putting Alaskans
to work for Alaska's resources ...."
1:49:51 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 1:49 p.m. to 1:52 p.m.
1:52:41 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER opined the aforementioned issue is
unconstitutional.
REPRESENTATIVE HOPKINS clarified at the federal level, Congress
is allowed to regulate interstate commerce, and previous
resolutions in this regard have included language urging for
Alaska employment preference.
SENATOR BIRCH pointed out SJR 7 does not go to Congress;
although no one would question a preference for Alaska hire, the
resolution will go to "the administrative side" at BLM. He
restated his concern about the limited time available to achieve
passage of the resolution.
REPRESENTATIVE TALERICO said he will not support Amendment 2,
citing the 1977 Alaska Supreme Court opinion in Hicklin v.
Orbeck which states, "The durational residence requirements are
subject to strict scrutiny under the equal protection clauses of
the federal and state constitutions because they penalize those
who have exercised their fundamental right of interstate
migration ...."
1:56:34 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK expressed his support for Amendment 2 which
is an opportunity to communicate the legislature's support for
local hire, and specifies the "workforce will be used to the
maximum extent possible."
SENATOR BIRCH said Amendment 2 is not necessary under these
circumstances.
REPRESENTATIVE HOPKINS reported his research has determined that
there is sufficient time - due to a history of legislative
support for similar resolutions - to allow for the change to
ensure Alaskans receive maximum benefit for their resources.
1:58:57 PM
CO-CHAIR LINCOLN withdrew his objection.
1:59:05 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER objected.
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Hannan, Hopkins,
Spohnholz, Tuck, and Lincoln voted in favor of Amendment 2.
Representatives Rasmussen, Rauscher, and Talerico, voted against
it. Therefore, Amendment 2 was adopted by a vote of 5-3.
2:00:22 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HOPKINS moved to report SJR 7, as amended, out of
committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying
fiscal notes. There being no objection, HCS SJR 7(RES) was
reported out of the House Resources Standing Committee.
2:00:55 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 2:00 p.m. to 2:05 p.m.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
^ Commissioner, Alaska Department of Fish and Game
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Commissioner
2:05:02 PM
DOUGLAS S. VINCENT-LANG, Commissioner Designee, Alaska
Department of Fish and Game (ADFG), provided a short history of
his childhood and education in Wisconsin. In 1978 he attended
graduate school at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and after
graduation worked in Fairbanks, on North Slope (NS) and on wide-
ranging projects for ADFG. He worked for the Division of Sport
Fish for about 20 years in various positions and subsequently
transferred to the Office of the Commissioner, working on policy
issues including Arctic policy and marine policy. Commissioner
Vincent-Lang's most recent position was as director of the
Division of Wildlife Conservation. He and his family carefully
considered before accepting the governor's appointment to this
challenging but rewarding job. One of his basic philosophies is
that ADFG manages resources that are held in public trust and he
must earn trust by communicating with residents and by
fulfilling his obligation to maintain in close contact with his
staff.
2:10:38 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG stated his goals are:
• ensure there is food on the table for Alaskans from
Alaska's fish and game resources
• ensure public trust
• preserve the state's right to manage its fish and game
resources as guided by the state constitution
• ensure there is an upcoming generation of hunters, fishers,
and wildlife and fisheries scientists working in the field
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG acknowledged areas that have garnered
criticism of his appointment: 1. absence of an extensive
commercial fisheries background, but he said he is familiar with
the important issues related to commercial fisheries and is in
contact with the commercial fishing industry; 2. opposition to
[Alaska Ballot Measure 1, Salmon Habitat Protections and Permits
Initiative (2018)] due to the complexity of [AS Title 16. Fish
and Game], although he has directed his staff to review the
department's permitting authority; 3. support of active
management of fish and game resources that is not based on
natural diversity.
2:14:03 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ asked Commissioner Vincent-Lang to
elaborate on his review of AS Title 16.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said he has directed his Division of
Habitat staff to review [Ballot Measure 1 (2108)] and look for
issues within the permitting authority of AS Title 16 that need
to be updated.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ questioned the motivation of this
review, in light of his opposition to [Ballot Measure 1 (2108)].
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG opined the average voter did not look
at the details of [Ballot Measure 1 (2108)]; however, it is
appropriate to review ADFG's permitting authority.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ asked for a specific example.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG remarked:
I think there are pieces of it where it intercedes
with other regulatory forums ... for instance, is it
necessary to have every body [of] water in the state
of Alaska identified as a potential anadromous stream
...?
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK asked Commissioner Vincent-Lang to identify
the previous commissioners he has served.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said he worked for commissioners
[Kevin Duffy, McKie Campbell, Denby Lloyd, and Cora Campbell].
2:16:44 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RASMUSSEN inquired as to programs that get kids
outside.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG pointed out recently over 1,000
Anchorage kids participated in fishing days, which was very
exciting. In addition, ADFG has a partnership with a foundation
that conducts activities such as a charity shoot, Becoming an
Outdoors-Woman (BOW), and family outdoor events. In further
response to Representative Rasmussen, he said these activities
are budgeted within the Division of Wildlife Conservation and
the Division of Sport Fish.
REPRESENTATIVE HOPKINS noted the commissioner was involved in
the [Susitna Hydroelectric Project] during the '80s and asked
whether adequate work was done on the impacts of the [Susitna-
Watana Dam] to fish and riparian habitat when the project was
renewed [from 2008-2016].
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said the information collected in the
'80s should not be discarded, but should form a foundation and
"then it should be updated with new information, if necessary."
REPRESENTATIVE HOPKINS recalled his experience on the Susitna
Dam project in the 2000s and agreed that new data is critical.
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK directed attention to the Division of
Wildlife Conservation and surmised "putting food on the table"
is linked to predator control. He asked for the best time of
year to conduct aerial wolf hunting.
2:20:47 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said springtime. He pointed out when
he was the director of the Division of Wildlife Conservation,
intensive management was moved from what was approved by the
legislature to "a more scientifically-based system," guided by a
change in policy. He explained an intensive management plan
begins with the department's review of a certain population,
after which a management plan is presented to the Board of Game
(BOG) for approval; the BOG approval dictates what action is
taken by ADFG. Thus, prior to intensive management there is an
assessment of the population and the impacts of intensive
management, the board approval, followed by an annual or semi-
annual review of the effectiveness of the operation. The number
of predators, including numbers to support the use of predators,
such as trapping, must be sustained and he assured the committee
ADFG action in no way endangers the long-term sustainability of
the predator population.
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK asked whether Commissioner Vincent-Lang
stated his preference to conduct predator control of wolves in
the fall.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said he did not remember a comment in
this regard.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN observed ADFG is in a unique position to
consider how climate change is impacting Alaska's resources.
She questioned whether the commissioner is considering how to
manage fish and game resources, taking into account impacts such
as [fish] population migration and changing ocean conditions
that affect salmon, and asked how ADFG can protect fish and game
resources in perpetuity with advancing changes in the ecosystem.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said he served on former Governor
Sarah Palin's Climate Change Sub-Cabinet, and he co-authored
ADFG's climate change strategy. In his role as commissioner, it
would be irresponsible not to include the factor of climate
change in the management of resources, for example, by adjusting
hunt seasons or animal counts. The changing climate is one of
many factors that vary by immediacy.
2:25:29 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ asked how the commissioner incorporates
science into an active management strategy.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG explained predator management is
"based on the science policies that we implemented four or five
years ago." Active management is a broad term; [wildlife
managers] can allow resources to vary within their natural
ranges, as is desired by the federal government on national
wildlife refuges, or resources can be managed for public use and
long-term sustainability. He remarked:
I'm more in favor of managing for long-term
sustainability incorporating human use as a factor,
rather than managing just within natural ranges, which
means moose can go from zero to whatever number, or
bears can go from zero to whatever number, and that
could incorporate management of harvest opportunity
... that can look at management of habitat, management
of predator. It's the management of the ecosystem,
incorporating human use as a factor.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ related her constituents are concerned
that the reduced productivity of fisheries in Southcentral
Alaska may be due to the priority of one user group negatively
affecting personal use and subsistence fishing in the region.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said he abides by management plans
issued by the Board of Fisheries (BOF), which determines the
allocation of resources in Cook Inlet. As commissioner, he can
use his emergency order authority to ensure escapement
objectives are met within the confines of a management plan.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ asked whether the commissioner presents
recommendations or possible future research strategies to the
[BOF].
2:28:30 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG expressed his hope [BOF] provides
sufficient management flexibility to accomplish the board's
stated goals. He said:
For instance, ... whether I have sufficient management
authority to be able to commercially put fish in Cook
Inlet without drawing the bank account down to zero,
and still have some personal use opportunity, because
I think the board wants to provide that balance
between commercial and personal use and sport
opportunity. ... Again, that mix is decided by the
Board of [Fisheries], not by me.
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK directed attention to ocean acidification,
and factors in the ocean that affect salmon runs, and asked for
comments.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said he could not do much about the
temperature of the ocean. He said he was searching for national
and international partners to conduct research in the North
Pacific Ocean to further understanding. In many cases the state
meets its escapement objectives, but is not getting the desired
return; because part of the problem may be bycatch, ADFG and the
[North Pacific Fishery Management Council] may explore a
rationalization program that gives us a benefit back on reduced
bycatch out in certain fisheries; however, if the problem is
related to temperature, all ADFG can do is ensure escapement.
Commissioner Vincent-Lang described an ongoing study.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked, "So, what do you see right and
what do you see wrong ... what do we need to improve on?"
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG opined the state should hold the
commissioner responsible for an optimal return on investment
from ADFG's budget of $197 million, of which $65 million are
general funds; currently, ADFG is returning $11 billion due to
overall good management of resources that provides economic
opportunity. He said the department could do better with more
money, and would do worse with less money, because less money
means a more conservative management of fish and game resources
and less economic opportunity.
REPRESENTATIVE HOPKINS questioned whether a non-consumptive user
should be appointed to the Board of Game.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG pointed out board members are
appointed by the governor [and confirmed by the legislature].
In his experience, valuable board members are those who are
active participants, are willing to serve, and who make informed
decisions, whether they are wildlife viewers or hunters.
CO-CHAIR LINCOLN opened public testimony on the confirmation
hearing of Commissioner Designee Vincent-Lang.
2:34:33 PM
SAM ROHRER, President, Alaska Professional Hunters Association
(APHA), stated his support for the confirmation of Mr. Vincent-
Lang, Commissioner Designee, ADFG. He said Commissioner
Vincent-Lang is building trust between ADFG and the public.
While serving as director of the Division of Wildlife, APHA
found Commissioner Vincent-Lang willing to meet with all
stakeholders and work through controversial issues. In the
event of disagreement, APHA's perspective was heard and the
commissioner's stance was clear. Mr. Rohrer said APHA feels the
commissioner's first priority is wildlife conservation and sound
scientific management, and that he also supports statewide
wildlife management authority, and will maintain ADFG's
preeminent position.
2:36:44 PM
SYLVIA PANZARELLA said she and her husband have lived in Alaska
for almost 20 years and they strongly oppose Mr. Vincent-Lang's
confirmation as commissioner of ADFG. Although they are not
opposed to ethical hunting for food, which can be a privilege or
a necessity, she and her husband attribute Commissioner Vincent-
Lang's wildlife management strategies to Safari Club
International. Ms. Panzarella said Safari Club International
[members] kill elephant, lion, and endangered species. Mr.
Vincent-Lang has been an officer of the Safari Club Alaska
Chapter and appointed a Safari Club registered lobbyist to a
position at ADFG. She characterized members of the Safari Club
as wealthy, extremist, unethical, and cruel. Furthermore,
predators keep a herd healthy by culling the sick and weak in
comparison to extreme sports hunters who kill the big and
strong, a management style that creates an unnatural number of
species specifically for Outside hunters. She credited the
aforementioned statement to Alaskan biologists and Native
elders.
2:39:52 PM
MARK RICHARDS, Executive Director, Resident Hunters of Alaska
(RHAK) informed the committee RHAK represents 2,000 Alaskans
across the state who support a resident hunting priority. He
stated RHAK's strong support for Mr. Vincent-Lang's confirmation
as ADFG commissioner; the commissioner designee is qualified due
to his long background with the department and his strong
support for the state's right to manage its wildlife. Finally,
Mr. Vincent-Lang is willing to engage with the public on
controversial matters.
2:41:28 PM
CO-CHAIR LINCOLN, after ascertaining no one further wished to
testify, closed public testimony.
REPRESENTATIVE RASMUSSEN asked whether the commissioner has a
conflict as a member of the Safari Club.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said he resigned from the Safari Club
International. He recalled he joined the Safari Club to seek
funds raised by the Safari Club Banquet and Fundraiser for two
conservation projects and an annual donation of $25,000 to the
Outdoor Heritage Foundation.
REPRESENTATIVE TALERICO observed there have been extreme and
ugly reactions to the fact that mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M.ovi)
has been found in some Alaska wild game. He opined more
scientific research is needed before decisions are reached.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG agreed more research is needed to
understand all aspects of the M.ovi virus; however, he cautioned
a massive outbreak could affect sheep and goat populations. He
said he seeks a balance - not overly burdensome to livestock
owners - that will prevent transmittal from domestic [sheep or
goats] into wild sheep or goat populations; therefore, along
with the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of
Environmental Conservation, ADFG is working on regulations
directing that a new domestic animal must be tested before entry
in Alaska, in a manner similar to testing dogs for rabies. He
noted [Government of Yukon, Canada] has taken steps to protect
its wild sheep and goat populations.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER inquired as to the measures taken by the
Government of Yukon.
2:46:14 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said Yukon has closed its borders to
animals without proof they are healthy. He returned to
Representative Rauscher's previous question and expressed his
desire to strengthen communication between the public and the
department.
CO-CHAIR LINCOLN questioned whether the commissioner has studied
polar bear habitat and migratory bird management on the North
Slope.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said he was on the [Alaska Migratory
Bird Co-Management Council] and was involved with polar bear
issues while serving on various organizations; the state opposed
the listing of polar bears under the [Endangered Species Act of
1973] that set a precedent resulting in the listing of ringed
seals, both of which are protected under the [Marine Mammal
Protection Act of 1972]. The department worked with the North
Slope Borough so the customary and traditional hunting of polar
bears could continue.
REPRESENTATIVE RASMUSSEN asked whether ADFG has begun issuing
electronic hunting and fishing licenses.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said the department is "getting
closer" in this regard.
2:50:02 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK encouraged ADFG to sell fishing licenses at
its office in Kodiak.
CO-CHAIR LINCOLN surmised there is a disconnect between state
and federal management of hunting and fishing, in regard to
rural preference, and asked the commissioner to comment on
possible reconciliation of state and federal law.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG expressed his support for the
subsistence priority in state law. The state subsistence
priority provides benefits; for example, nonrural participants
retain priority under certain circumstances, but under the
federal system, they do not. He opined ADFG learned from the
federal closure of the Yukon River to non-federally qualified
users. He stated his commitment to manage for the state's
subsistence priority; although the state must negotiate with its
federal partners on conservation issues, some federal policies
are misplaced and limit non-subsistence uses based on the
"quality of hunting experiences and other things ...." In
further response to Co-Chair Lincoln, he gave an example in
Southeast where hunts were limited to non-federally qualified
users, not because of conservation reasons, but because rural
residents sought a higher bag limit.
CO-CHAIR LINCOLN concluded the commissioner's belief is that
subsistence priority should be limited exclusively to harvest
limits.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG continued:
The default should be the state subsistence
regulations unless there, unless there's conservation
reasons, which under [Alaska National Interest Lands
Conservation Act (ANICLA)], the reasons that they, the
Federal Subsistence Board, should be taking action to
close non-federally qualified hunters.
CO-CHAIR LINCOLN advised an issue in the Northwest Arctic is the
population of the caribou herd, which is lower, but is still
relatively healthy. Co-Chair Lincoln remarked:
Some of the, the types of hunting and practices at
least from the local perspective [are] impacting not
just the population levels, but how local residents
are able to hunt and continue to hunt in a traditional
manner like on the rivers ... and along traditional
migratory routes.... ... In your view, as long as the
number of animals is, is healthy then you wouldn't,
[it] wouldn't be your role to impact how hunting takes
place to, to benefit subsistence users.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG referred to a BOG regulation to allow
taking of bear out of dens in the Yukon area, which was adopted
by BOG in response to a proposal by local Native residents
requesting an opportunity to teach youth about traditional
spring bear hunting; this was a limited opportunity provided by
BOG under subsistence regulations, and the Federal Subsistence
Board subsequently closed the opportunity. In that case, the
default regulation should have been the state regulation, as
long as conservation is unaffected.
CO-CHAIR LINCOLN asked for descriptions of the top three ongoing
conflicts between user groups.
2:56:00 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG explained the Cook Inlet conflict
between personal use/sport fishing and commercial salmon fishing
is clearly a conflict. Also, meeting the demand for wildlife
from a growing population is challenging; for example,
[management of the] Nelchina caribou and moose population in
Game Management Unit (GMU) 16, and the moose population in GMU
20. Finally, ADFG needs to continue returning investment to
state.
REPRESENTATIVE TUCK surmised the administration seeks to
transfer power from the commissioners of state departments; for
example, administrative directors have been centralized in the
Office of Management and Budget, and he questioned the ability
of any commissioner to properly manage his/her department. He
expressed hope for the commissioner's success.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG opined ADFG's current budget was
largely left intact.
3:00:11 PM
CO-CHAIR LINCOLN read the following statement:
The [House Resources Standing Committee] has reviewed
the qualifications for the governor's appointee to the
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Commissioner Doug
Vincent-Lang and recommends that the name be forwarded
to a joint session for consideration. This does not
reflect intent by any member present to vote for or
against this individual during any further sessions
for the purpose of confirmation.
3:00:59 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Resources Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at [3:00]
p.m.