Legislature(2025 - 2026)BARNES 124
03/14/2025 01:00 PM House RESOURCES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HJR11 | |
| HB79 | |
| HB93 | |
| Presentation(s): Fire Protection Program Overview | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 79 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| *+ | HB 93 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HJR 11 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
March 14, 2025
1:05 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Robyn Niayuq Burke, Co-Chair
Representative Maxine Dibert, Co-Chair
Representative Carolyn Hall
Representative Donna Mears
Representative Zack Fields
Representative George Rauscher
Representative Julie Coulombe
Representative Bill Elam
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Dan Saddler
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 11
Recognizing and honoring the relationship between Canada and
Alaska.
- MOVED CSHJR 11(RES) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 79
"An Act naming the Vic Fischer Shoup Bay State Marine Park."
- MOVED 79 OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 93
"An Act changing the residency requirements for hunting,
trapping, and sport fishing privileges; and providing for an
effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
PRESENTATION(S): FIRE PROTECTION PROGRAM OVERVIEW
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HJR 11
SHORT TITLE: RECOGNIZING ALASKA/CANADA RELATIONSHIP
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) KOPP
02/26/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/26/25 (H) RES
03/10/25 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
03/10/25 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
03/14/25 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 93
SHORT TITLE: RESIDENCY REQ: HUNTING, TRAPPING, FISHING
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) HIMSCHOOT
02/10/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/10/25 (H) FSH, RES
02/18/25 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
02/18/25 (H) Heard & Held
02/18/25 (H) MINUTE(FSH)
02/22/25 (H) FSH AT 11:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
02/22/25 (H) Moved HB 93 Out of Committee
02/22/25 (H) MINUTE(FSH)
02/24/25 (H) FSH RPT 4DP 1NR
02/24/25 (H) DP: KOPP, EDGMON, HIMSCHOOT, STUTES
02/24/25 (H) NR: VANCE
03/12/25 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
03/12/25 (H) Scheduled but Not Heard
03/14/25 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
WITNESS REGISTER
REPRESENTATIVE CHUCK KOPP
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, introduced HJR 11.
JULIA OCONNOR, Staff
Representative Chuck Kopp
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: On behalf of Representative Kopp, prime
sponsor, described the committee substitute and answered
questions.
ORION HANSON, Assembly Member
Skagway, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 11.
HONORARY RANJ PILLAI, Premier of Yukon
Whitehorse, Yukon
Canada
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 11.
STEPHEN JOHNSON, Mayor
City of Dawson
Dawson City, Yukon
Canada
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 11.
JOHN RODDA, President
Arctic Winter Games International Committee
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 11.
MARY ANN PEASE, Alaska's Honorary Consul for Canada
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 11.
MATT MORRISON, Executive Director
Pacific Northwest Economic Region
Seattle, Washington
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 11.
DEB POTTER, Vice-Mayor
Municipality of Skagway
Skagway, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 11.
KIRK CAMERON, Mayor
City of Whitehorse
Whitehorse, Yukon
Canada
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 11.
KAREN MATTHIAS, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 11.
REPRESENTATIVE ZACK FIELDS
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, introduced HB 79.
REPRESENTATIVE REBECCA HIMSCHOOT
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, introduced HB 93.
THATCHER BROUWER, Staff
Representative Rebecca Himschoot
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: On behalf of Representative Himschoot,
prime sponsor, presented the sectional analysis of HB 93.
JILL WEITZ, Government Affairs Staff
Office of the President
Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: On behalf of the Tlingit & Haida Central
Council, testified in favor of HB 93.
KURT WHITEHEAD, Secretary
East Prince of Wales Island Advisory Committee
Treasure Hunter Lodge
Klawock, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 93.
BRENT GOODRUM, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Natural Resources
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced the Wildland Fire Protection
Program presentation.
NORM MCDONALD, Deputy Director
Division of Forestry and Fire Protection
Alaska Department of Natural Resources
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented a PowerPoint regarding Alaska's
fire protection program.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:05:53 PM
CO-CHAIR ROBYN NIAYUQ BURKE called the House Resources Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:05 p.m.
Representatives Dibert, Hall, Mears, Fields, Rauscher, Coulombe,
Elam, and Burke were present at the call to order.
HJR 11-RECOGNIZING ALASKA/CANADA RELATIONSHIP
1:06:55 PM
CO-CHAIR BURKE announced that the first order of business would
be HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 11 Recognizing and honoring the
relationship between Canada and Alaska.
1:06:58 PM
CO-CHAIR DIBERT moved to adopt the Committee Substitute for HJR
11, work order number 34-LS0532\H as a working document.
CO-CHAIR BURKE objected for the purpose of discussion.
1:07:34 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CHUCK KOPP, Alaska State Legislature, as prime
sponsor, introduced HJR 11.
1:07:54 PM
JULIA OCONNOR, Staff, Representative Chuck Kopp, Alaska State
Legislature, on behalf of Representative Kopp, prime sponsor,
described the changes from version I to version H of HJR 11.
[included in the committee file] which read as follows [original
punctuation provided]:
The House Resources Committee adopted the following
changes:
• Added emphasis to Alaska's unique relationship
with Canada as our only neighbor.
• Reinforced support for Canada's sovereignty.
• Added recognition to the historic trade and
cultural ties of Indigenous peoples across the border.
• References were updated for accuracy, and
redundant wording was removed for clarity
1:08:38 PM
CO-CHAIR BURKE removed her objection.
1:08:52 PM
REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE objected for the purpose of discussion
and asked about the original wording regarding Canadian
sovereignty and the purpose of that language.
MS. OCONNOR referenced language on page 2, lines 18 through 20.
1:09:45 PM
REPRESENTATIVE KOPP explained that the wording regarding
Canadian sovereignty was in response to U.S. leadership
referring to Canada as the fifty-first state.
REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE removed her objection.
1:10:15 PM
There being no objection, the committee substitute to HJR 11 was
adopted.
1:10:22 PM
REPRESENTATIVE KOPP stated that Alaska was experiencing a time
of global uncertainty. He referenced global trade and economic
frictions and described HJR 11 as an affirmation of the strong
bonds of friendship, shared history, mutual defense, and support
that have bound Alaska and Canada over centuries. He posited
that the friendship and trust should extend to a recognition of
Canada as a sovereign nation. He reminded the committee that
Alaska and Canada share a peaceful border of over 11 hundred
miles as well as investment opportunities, emergency support,
tourism, cultural ties, resource development, economic benefits,
and defense networks. He pointed out that transportation links
by road and sea travel through Canada, connecting Alaska to the
Lower 48. He explained that the Alaska State Legislature
opposed restrictive tariffs and honored its alliance with
Canada.
1:17:30 PM
REPRESENTATIVE KOPP responded to several questions posed by
Representative Coulombe regarding the tariffs, Canadian
leadership, and illegal drugs crossing the border. He quoted
statistics from the U.S. Border Patrol which stated that less
than one percent of all fentanyl entering the United States came
from Canada. He suggested that the tariffs were about economic
positioning. He emphasized the importance of a relationship
that goes back thousands of years, noting that mutual support
and trust are more important than monetary values. He pointed
out that the resolution was not about the leadership of the
United States and Canada but rather about the people of the two
countries standing together.
1:22:42 PM
REPRESENTATIVE KOPP addressed a question from Representative
Rauscher regarding the mining industries of Alaska and Canada,
explaining that the tariffs are a significant concern.
1:23:43 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS commented on the detrimental effects of
the tariffs, positing that they harm Alaska's economy while
giving an advantage to China and Russia.
1:24:34 PM
CO-CHAIR BURKE opened public testimony on HJR 11.
1:25:05 PM
ORION HANSON, Assembly Member, testified in support of HJR 11,
speaking both for himself and as a Skagway public official. He
described the mining industries, tourism, and economic
connections between Skagway and Canada. He described the types
of goods purchased in Whitehorse by Skagway residents, the
mining agreements, and the memorandum of understanding which
would connect Skagway to the British Columbia power grid. He
pointed out the effects the tariffs would have on Skagway's cost
of living. He encouraged the committee to support the
resolution.
1:30:43 PM
HONORARY RANJ PILLAI, Premier of Yukon, testified in support of
HJR 11, explaining that Canada is not and will never be the 51st
state. He described the strong and historic cross-border
relationship between Alaska and Canada as well as Alaska and
Yukon. He emphasized the strategic importance of the Alcan
Highway and other transportation systems shared by Canada and
Alaska and provided specific examples of cross-border trade,
agreements, and activities. He encouraged the committee to
support the resolution.
1:39:14 PM
STEPHEN JOHNSON, Mayor, City of Dawson, testified in support of
HJR 11. He explained that all members of the Dawson City
Council agree with the well-crafted and well-intended
resolution. He emphasized the valued relationship between
Alaska and Yukon, providing specific examples of tourism
activities and cross-border events.
1:42:15 PM
JOHN RODDA, President, Arctic Winter Games International
Committee, testified in support of HJR 11. He described the
Arctic Winter Games and explained Alaska's role in the founding
of the circumpolar event. He discussed the involvement of other
nations and the importance of the relationship between Alaska
and Canada. He encouraged passage of the resolution.
1:45:06 PM
MARY ANN PEASE, Alaska's Honorary Consul for Canada, testified
in support of HJR 11. She pointed out the long-standing and
vital relationship between Alaska and Canada and described the
deeply rooted history, economy, culture, and shared geography
which transcends national boundaries. She stated that the
economic relationship between Alaska and Canada is
indispensable, providing jobs, business opportunities, and clear
economic benefits. She encouraged the legislature to endorse
the resolution.
1:47:17 PM
MATT MORRISON, Executive Director, Pacific Northwest Economic
Region, testified in support of HJR 11. He stressed the
importance of the relationship between Alaska and Canada and
gave examples of economic ties. He urged the committee members
to support HJR 11.
1:49:00 PM
DEB POTTER, Vice-Mayor, Municipality of Skagway, testified in
support of HJR 11. She explained that traveling to Whitehorse
and Canada is very important for Skagway residents. She
rebutted the statements that fentanyl was being shipped to the
United States from Canada, observing that there were two
fentanyl deaths in Skagway, but the drugs came through the U.S.
Postal Service rather than from Canada.
1:52:12 PM
KIRK CAMERON, Mayor, City of Whitehorse, testified in support of
HJR 11. He reminded the committee that Juneau has been a sister
city to Whitehorse for 30 years. He discussed the Border Mayors
Alliance which includes over 40 communities along the border of
United States and Canada and described cross-border activities.
1:54:54 PM
KAREN MATTHIAS, representing self, testified in support of HJR
11. She spoke of the depth, breadth, and warmth of the Alaska-
Canada relationship, describing her personal history and
explaining the deeply woven cross-boundary lands and traditions.
1:56:42 PM
CO-CHAIR BURKE closed public testimony.
1:56:52 PM
CO-CHAIR DIBERT moved to adopt the Committee Substitute for HJR
11, work order number 34-LS0532\H with individual
recommendations and accompanying fiscal notes.
1:57:06 PM
There being no objection, CSHJR 11(Res) was reported from the
House Resources Standing Committee.
1:57:15 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 1:57 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
HB 79 - NAMING VIC FISCHER SHOUP BAY MARINE PARK
2:00:50 PM
CO-CHAIR BURKE announced that the next order of business would
be HOUSE BILL NO. 79 "An Act naming the Vic Fischer Shoup Bay
State Marine Park."
2:01:12 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ZACK FIELDS, Alaska State Legislature, as prime
sponsor, introduced HB 79.
2:01:23 PM
CO-CHAIR DIBERT moved to adopt HB 79, work order 34-LS0495\A
from committee with individual recommendations and attached zero
fiscal note.
2:01:49 PM
There being no objection, HB 79 was reported out of the House
Resources Standing Committee.
2:01:58 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 2:02 p.m. to 2:05 p.m.
2:05:25 PM
CO-CHAIR BURKE called the committee back to order.
HB 93-RESIDENCY REQ: HUNTING, TRAPPING, FISHING
2:05:28 PM
CO-CHAIR BURKE announced that the next order of business would
be HOUSE BILL NO. 93 "An Act changing the residency requirements
for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing privileges; and
providing for an effective date."
2:05:40 PM
REPRESENTATIVE REBECCA HIMSCHOOT, Alaska State Legislature, as
prime sponsor, introduced HB 93.
2:06:03 PM
THATCHER BROUWER, Staff, Representative Himschoot, Alaska State
Legislature, on behalf of Representative Himschoot, prime
sponsor, presented the sectional analysis of HB 93, which read
as follows [original punctuation provided]:
Section 1 amends AS 16.05.400 by adding a new
subsection that requires a permanent identification
card holder to meet the updated residency requirements
in the bill.
Section 2 amends AS 16.05.415(a) bringing up to date
the requirements for an individual to qualify for a
resident sport fishing, hunting, or trapping license.
A new subsection, AS 16.05.415(a)(3), is added which
stipulates an individual must be physically present at
all times in Alaska during the 12 months preceding the
application for a resident license, or if absent, only
absent as allowed for someone who is eligible for a
permanent fund dividend (AS 43.23.0008).
Section 3 amends AS 16.05.415(e) specifying an alien
must meet the same residency requirements in section 2
of the bill to qualify for a resident sport fishing,
hunting or trapping license.
Section 4 adds a new subsection to AS 16.05.415
directing the commissioner to adopt regulations under
AS 44.62 for determining eligibility of a person to
receive a resident sport fishing, hunting or trapping
license.
Section 5 establishes a delayed effective date of
January 1, 2027, for the bill.
2:08:18 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT presented a PowerPoint highlighting HB
93 and the issues addressed by the bill [hard copy included in
the committee file]. She showed slide 1, which reiterated the
title of the bill and moved to slide 2, which stated that HB 93
"closely aligns the requirements to get a resident sport
fishing, hunting, or trapping license with the requirements to
get a permanent fund dividend." She proceeded to slide 3 which
read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
THE CURRENT RESIDENT REQUIREMENTS ARE DIFFICULT TO
ENFORCE
• This allows individuals who are only here a few
months of the year to take advantage of our generous
resident bag limits and reduced license fees.
• This impacts Alaskans who live here year-round and
depend the most on our fish and game resources.
2:09:50 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT moved to slide 4, titled "Current
Requirements to Qualify for A Resident License," which read as
follows [original punctuation provided]:
1. Physical presence in the state with the intent to
remain in the state indefinitely and to make a home in
the state.
2. Maintenance of a domicile in the state for the 12
consecutive months immediately preceding the
application for a license.
3. No claim of residency in another state, territory,
or country.
AS 16.05.940 (11) "domicile" means the true and
permanent home of a person from which the person has
no present intention of moving and to which the person
intends to return whenever the person is away.
2:10:33 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT advanced to slide 6, titled "Summary of
Allowable Absences," followed by slide 7, titled "Permanent Fund
Dividend Requirements You Will Not Need to Meet to Get a
Resident License with Hb 93," which read as follows [original
punctuation provided]:
• General: Absences up to 180 days (subject to certain
limits based on other allowable absences claimed)
consistent with the individual's intent to remain an
Alaska resident.
• Education-Related: Full-time secondary or post-
secondary education or other full-time education
program not available in Alaska.
• Military Service: Serving on active duty in the U.S.
armed forces or accompanying a family member who is
serving and is eligible for a dividend.
• Merchant Marine Service: Serving under foreign or
coastal articles of employment aboard a U.S.
oceangoing vessel.
• Medical Treatment: Receiving continuous medical
treatment recommended by a licensed physician or
convalescing as recommended by the physician.
• Caregiving: Providing care for a critically ill
family member, or for a terminally ill family member.
• Settling an Estate: Managing the estate of a
deceased family member, as long as the absence doesn't
exceed 220 cumulative days.
• Congressional Service: Serving as a member of the
U.S. Congress or on the staff of an Alaskan member of
Congress.
• State Employment: Working as a state employee in a
field office or another location outside Alaska.
• Accompanying a Minor or Eligible Resident:
Accompanying a minor or another eligible resident who
is absent for certain allowable reasons.
• Peace Corps and Olympic Training: Serving in the
federal Peace Corps or training or competing as a
member of the U.S. Olympic Team.
• Student Fellowships with U.S. Department of
Education or Department of State: Participating for
educational purposes.
PERMANENT FUND DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS YOU WILL NOT NEED
TO MEET TO GET A RESIDENT LICENSE WITH HB 93
1. Physically present in the state at all times during
the entire qualifying year or, if absent, the absence
was an allowable absence (AS 43.23.008).
2. Physically present in the state for at least 72
consecutive hours at some time during the prior two
years before the current dividend year.
3. Compliance with military selective service
registration requirements.
4. Not sentenced as a result of a state felony
conviction during the qualifying year.
5. Not incarcerated as a result of the conviction in
this state of:
(A) felony; or
(B) misdemeanor if the individual has been
convicted of
(i) a prior felony as defined in AS 11.81.900; or
(ii) two or more prior misdemeanors as defined in
AS 11.81.900.
2:12:02 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT explained the differences between
requirements for a permanent fund dividend (PFD) and the
requirements for a resident license with HB 93. She discussed
the charts on slide 8 and slide 9 which gave examples of
differences between sport fishing and hunting regulations for
residents and non-residents. She showed slide 10 which compared
differences in fees for residents and non-residents. She
pointed out that people who live outside Alaska for more than
six months have access to a lower cost of living. She
emphasized the importance of prioritizing the fish and game
resources of the state for those who are in Alaska, raising
their families and need access to a full freezer.
2:14:19 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT discussed the similarities between HB
201 from the 33rd legislature and the current bill (HB 93),
noting the on-going support from Alaska communities,
organizations, and fish and game advisory committees.
2:15:01 PM
THATCHER BROUWER summarized letters of support for HB 93.
2:15:38 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT moved to slide 12, titled "HB 93 Will
Ensure Our Fish and Game Resources Go to Those Who Need Them the
Most," which read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
• Residency requirements will be clear and
enforceable.
• Generous bag limits will be preserved for year-round
residents who depend on our fish and game resources to
put food on the table.
• Residents will continue to enjoy reduced cost
licenses and tags.
• Bag limits and hunting and fishing opportunities for
non-residents will not be impacted.
2:16:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT responded to a question from
Representative Rauscher by explaining that the charts on slides
8, 9, and 10 were used as examples and did not represent changes
in fees and bag limits.
2:17:21 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT, in response to a question from
Representative Coulombe, described how HB 93 simplifies the
process of verifying residency, so it is easier to determine
whether a person who spends a month in a community harvesting
resources is an Alaskan resident.
2:18:39 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT and Representative Rauscher engaged in
a discussion regarding permanent identification cards and the
definition of "permanent." She explained that she was open to
discussing amendments.
2:20:15 PM
THATCHER BROUWER discussed the qualifications for permanent
identification cards for hunting, sports fishing, and trapping.
2:21:27 PM
CO-CHAIR BURKE opened invited testimony on HB 93.
2:21:41 PM
JILL WEITZ, Government Affairs Staff, Office of the President,
Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska,
on behalf of the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian
Tribes of Alaska, testified in favor of HB 93. She explained
that the management of resources in Alaska must be improved,
especially when it comes to ensuring a rural subsistence
priority for Alaska residents. She stated that the legislation
would be instrumental in protecting local resources for those
who lived in the state year-round and contributed to
conservation efforts through taxes and other means. It would
also help reduce the number of out-of-state individuals who
disproportionately benefited from local resources without
necessarily contributing to their preservation. She emphasized
the importance of harvesting fish and game to offset the
exorbitant costs and limited availability of groceries in rural
areas. She also described the deep cultural ties of rural
communities to hunting and fishing. She explained that HB 93 is
a necessary step in ensuring that state residency requirements
for fish and game licensing are enforced properly. It would
play a vital role in protecting resources, supporting
subsistence priorities, and ensuring the sustainable management
of wildlife populations and ecosystems.
2:25:31 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 2:25 p.m. to 2:27 p.m.
2:27:23 PM
KURT WHITEHEAD, Secretary, East Prince of Wales Island Advisory
Committee, Treasure Hunter Lodge, testified in support of HB 93.
He explained that he was the secretary of the East Prince of
Wales Island Advisory Committee, the Klawock Advisory Committee,
and the Craig Advisory Committee. He gave examples of
individuals from the Lower 48 who used illegal means to avoid
paying fees for fishing and hunting licenses. He described how
people would "whack and stack" fish, taking valuable local
resources, and shipping them south. He said that some seasonal
residents had obtained permanent identification licenses. He
asked the committee to support HB 93.
2:32:42 PM
CO-CHAIR BURKE announced that HB 93 would be held over.
2:32:51 PM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 2:32 p.m.
2:33:50 PM
CO-CHAIR BURKE called the meeting back to order.
^PRESENTATION(S): Fire Protection Program Overview
PRESENTATION(S): Fire Protection Program Overview
2:33:54 PM
CO-CHAIR BURKE announced that the final order of business would
be a presentation by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) on the topic of Alaska's fire protection program.
2:34:09 PM
BRENT GOODRUM, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Natural
Resources, introduced a presentation titled "Wildland Fire
Protection Program Overview" [hard copy included in the
committee file].
2:35:16 PM
NORM MCDONALD, Deputy Director, Division of Forestry and Fire
Protection, Alaska Department of Natural Resources, showed slide
2 of the overview of Alaska's wildland fire protection program,
which read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
Mission and Vision
Alaska's Fire Protection Program Mission:
• Safely manage wildland fires that pose a threat to
life, property, and critical infrastructure on 150
million acres of land throughout the State of Alaska
Alaska's Fire Protection Program Essential Functions:
• Investments in the program's employees, equipment,
facilities, and partnerships are the top priorities
• Preparedness: Well trained, well-equipped, and
available workforce
• Prevention: Public education, enforcement, and
community outreach
• Mitigation: Resilient landscapes and fire-
adapted communities
• Suppression: Safe and effective wildfire
response
2:38:36 PM
MR. MCDONALD advanced to slide 3, and described the chart
titled, "Fire Program: Organizational Structure." He moved to
slide 4, titled "Interagency Cooperation," which showed maps of
protection agencies and jurisdictional agencies in Alaska. He
explained that the maps illustrated the complexity and
uniqueness of protecting Alaska's wildlife resources and pointed
to the slide's caption which stated that the "Division of
Forestry and Fire Protection (DOF) protects 154 million acres
includes almost all the roadside areas of the state (where most
Alaskans live)."
2:41:47 PM
MR. MCDONALD proceeded to slide 5, titled "Alaska Interagency
Fire Management Plan," which showed a map and read as follows
[original punctuation provided]:
• Critical: The highest priority for suppression
actions; includes Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas
and other locations where there is an immediate threat
to human life, primary residences, and critical
infrastructure
• Full: High priority, but below critical; encompasses
cultural sites, administrative sites, cabins, and
high-value natural resources
• Modified: Designed to balance acres burned with
suppression costs and to accomplish land and resource
management objectives when conditions are favorable
• Limited: The lowest priority for fire-related
resource assignments; intended for broad, landscape-
scale areas where fire best performs its ecological
role
He explained the color coding of the map, pointing out several
critical areas.
2:43:06 PM
MR. MCDONALD moved to slide 6, titled "Alaska's Changing
Wildfire Environment," which showed charts comparing wildfire
acreage over time, increasing summer temperatures, and the
lengthening fire season. He continued with slide 7, titled
"Alaska's Growing Wildland Urban Interface," which graphed
growth in population, areas, and housing over time. The slide
read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
• 73.5% of Alaska's total housing units located in WUI
zones
• 85% of newly constructed housing units are being
built in WUI zones
• 16.4%: Alaska's population increase from 2000
(627,963) to 2020 (731,158)
• 5th:Alaska ranks fifth nationally for state with
highest percentage of housing units in WUI zones
2:45:19 PM
MR. MCDONALD showed slide 8, titled "Agreements and Compacts,"
which read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
When importing firefighting resources, the State can
utilize three different agreements/compacts that
outlines billing methods and procedures.
• State to State Agreements: When utilizing "state to
state" agreements, Alaska and the other states bill
each other for firefighting effort expenses
• Northwest Compact (NWC): When utilizing the NWC
agreement, parties bill each other for fire
suppression efforts
• Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest
Territories, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territories, Alaska,
Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii
• Alaska Master Cooperative Wildland Fire Management
and Stafford Act Response Agreement: When utilizing
the master agreement, the national ordering system is
used
• Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Alaska
Fire Service, U.S. Forest Service, National Park
Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of
Indian Affairs
2:47:17 PM
MR. MCDONALD described the information on slide 9, titled "Cost
of Using Lower-48 Resources," which outlined the expenses of
firefighter staffing. He proceeded to slide 10, titled "State
vs. Federal Fiscal Responsibility" and explained how the two
charts depicted costs over time. He summarized the information
on slides 11 through 13, which detailed four aspects of
preparedness: planning, grants, training, and workforce
development.
2:53:24 PM
MR. MCDONALD moved to slide 15, titled "Prevention: Reducing
Human Caused Fires," which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
Enforcement
• In 2024, 98 percent of the 122 fires in "critical
protection" were human caused and preventable
• 55 enforcement actions
• 127 documented warnings
Community Outreach and Education
• Staffed over 80 events in 2024; engagement with
196,390 people
• Developed Alaska-specific wildland prevention comic
book to educate young Alaskans
• Produced two public service announcements featuring
Spruce the Moose, focusing on Firewise practices and
campfire safety
2:54:19 PM
MR. MCDONALD touched briefly on information presented on slide
16, titled "Mitigation: Resilient Landscapes" and moved on to
slide 17 titled, "Mitigation: Fire Adapted Communities," which
showed photos of fuel breaks. These breaks resulted in reduced
fire costs and damage to communities. He skipped slide 18,
titled "2024 Wildfires Across Alaska" and continued with slide
19, titled "2024 Montana Creek Fire," describing the values at
risk, the public safety concerns, and the resources deployed.
He discussed the coordination involved and noted the importance
of investing in fire preparedness.
2:57:12 PM
MR. MCDONALD showed slide 20, "2025 Seasonal Projections," which
read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
• Above average wildland fire potential predicted for
Coastal Region in April and May
• Engaging with boroughs, municipalities, and local
fire departments on preparedness and planning; focus
on recruitment, hiring, and training of wildland fire
staff in the winter and early spring
• Early fire season declaration public order issued,
effective March 17, 2025
He described the map which showed significant wildland fire
potential and discussed the photos of Homer and Pilot Point.
2:59:33 PM
MR. MCDONALD responded to a question from Representative Mears
regarding outreach, describing public messaging, social media,
meetings with fire departments, and the Anchorage wildfire town
hall.
3:00:36 PM
MR. MCDONALD, in response to a question from Representative
Coulombe regarding slide 13, explained that the three days of
virtual training were entry level. The online work was followed
by hands-on training.
3:01:53 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Resources Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 3:01 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| DNR Wildland Fire Presentation HRES 03.14.2025.pdf |
HRES 3/14/2025 1:00:00 PM |
|
| DRAFT CSHJR 11 (RES) 3.14.25.pdf |
HRES 3/14/2025 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 11 |
| HJR 11 Summary of Changes I to H.pdf |
HRES 3/14/2025 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 11 |
| HJR 11 Supporting Document_Haines Junction to Haines Letter 2.26.25.pdf |
HRES 3/14/2025 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 11 |
| HJR 11 Supporting Document_Haines Resolution 25-03-1166.pdf |
HRES 3/14/2025 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 11 |
| HJR 11 Supporting Document_Alaska Beacon Article 3.6.25.pdf |
HRES 3/14/2025 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 11 |
| HJR 11 Supporting Document_Skagway Letter to AK Delegation 2.27.25.pdf |
HRES 3/14/2025 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 11 |
| HJR 11 Supporting Document_Whitehorse to Haines Letter 2.14.25.pdf |
HRES 3/14/2025 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 11 |
| DNR Response to HRES re wildland fire at 3.14.25 meeting.pdf |
HRES 3/14/2025 1:00:00 PM |