02/19/2011 10:00 AM Senate RESOURCES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB24 | |
| SB44 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 24 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 44 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
February 19, 2011
10:09 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Joe Paskvan, Co-Chair - via teleconference
Senator Thomas Wagoner, Co-Chair
Senator Lesil McGuire - via teleconference
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Bill Wielechowski, Vice Chair
Senator Bert Stedman
Senator Hollis French
Senator Gary Stevens
OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT
Senator Cathy Giessel
Senator Dennis Egan
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 24
"An Act establishing the Sport Fishing Guide Services Board and
licensing requirements for sport fishing guide-outfitters, sport
fishing outfitters, sport fishing assistant guides, and sport
fishing transporters; making conforming amendments; allowing the
Department of Fish and Game to collect information on guiding
services; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD AND HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 44
"An Act relating to the Southeast State Forest; and providing
for an effective date."
- HEARD AND HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 24
SHORT TITLE: SPORT FISHING GUIDING SERVICES
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) MCGUIRE
01/19/11 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/7/11
01/19/11 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/19/11 (S) RES, FIN
02/07/11 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
02/07/11 (S) Heard & Held
02/07/11 (S) MINUTE(RES)
02/19/11 (S) RES AT 10:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SB 44
SHORT TITLE: SOUTHEAST STATE FOREST
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
01/19/11 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/19/11 (S) RES, FIN
02/07/11 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
02/07/11 (S) Heard & Held
02/07/11 (S) MINUTE(RES)
02/19/11 (S) RES AT 10:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
SONNY PETERSEN, Member
Katmai Service Providers
Kodiak, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition of SB 24 in its
current form.
ANDREW COUCH, representing himself
Matanuska Susitna Valley, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Opposed the establishment of a Sport Fishing
Guide Services Board addressed in SB 24.
MELVIN GROVE, President
Prince William Sound Charter Boat Association
Prince William Sound, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition of SB 24.
STEVE RUNYAN, representing himself
Wasilla, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed strong concern about SB 24.
MELISSA BORTON, Travel Administrator
Native Village of Afognak
Kodiak, AK,
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition of SB 24.
REUBEN HANKE, sport fishing and big game hunting guide
Kenai, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified that it is important to take a
step back and look into the issues addressed in SB 24 some more.
ANDREW CESSNE, upper Kenai River guide
Kenai, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 24.
RICKY GEASE, Executive Director
Kenai River Sports Fishing Association (KRSA)
Soldotna, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 24.
KEVIN DELANEY, Fisheries Consultant
Kenai River Sports Fishing Association (KRSA)
Soldotna, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Commented on SB 24 and noted that further
assessments of the sports fishing industry are needed.
DENISE MAY, owner and operator
Whale Pass Lodge
Port Lions, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed concerns about SB 24.
JACK CADIGAN, Owner and Captain
Adventures in Alaska
Juneau, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed strong concerns about SB 24 in its
current form.
BOB MAY, Owner and Operator
Whale Pass Lodge
Port Lions, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed concern about SB 24.
NANCI MORRIS-LYON, Managing Partner
Alaska Sportsmen Bear Trail Lodge
King Salmon, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 24.
ALAN LEMASTER, representing himself
Gakona, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed concerns about SB 24.
MIKE SCOTT, representing himself
Cordova, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition of SB 24.
SCOTT EGGEMEYER, Owner,
Alaska Bear Paw Drifters
Soldotna, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 24.
DENNIS RANDA, Owner
Randa's Guide Service
Kasilof, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed concern about SB 24.
DAVID GOGGIA, President
Kenai River Guide Association
Soldotna, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 24.
JERRY STRIEBY, Vice President
Kenai River Professional Guide Association
Soldotna, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 24.
CHACO PEARMAN, Owner
Pristine Charters
Kodiak, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the concept of the
Sport Fishing Guide Services Board in SB 24.
REED MORISKY, representing himself
Fairbanks, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 24.
DENNIS PETRE, charter operator
Fairbanks, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition of SB 24.
MIKE MCCRURY, representing himself
Anchorage, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Commented on SB 24.
WADE WILLIS, former owner of a fish guiding business
Anchorage, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Stated concern on the Sport Fishing Guide
Services board addressed in SB 24.
CHRIS BRANHAM, representing himself
Anchorage, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition of SB 24.
CHRIS ZWOLINSKI, hunting guide
Fairbanks, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 24.
STAN MALCOM, President
Petersburg Charter Boat Association
Petersburg, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 24.
JOEL HANSON, Captain
The Boat Company
Sitka, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed concern that some types of
businesses are not being fairly represented within SB 24.
WADE ZAMMIT, President and CEO
Sealaska Timber Corporation
Ketchikan, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 44 on behalf of
Ron Wolfe.
JEREMY MAXAND, representing himself
Wrangell, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Commented on SB 44.
CARL PORTMAN, Deputy Director
Resource Development Council (RDC)
Anchorage, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 44.
OWEN GRAHAM, Secretary
Alaska Forest Association
Ketchikan, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 44.
ELAINE PRICE, Project Manager
City Council
Coffman Cove, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 44.
MIKE SALLEE, owner and operator of a small saw mill
Ketchikan, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition of SB 44.
PAUL MCINTOSH, representing himself
Anchorage, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 44.
ERIC LEE, representing himself
Petersburg, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed strong concern about SB 44.
JOSEPH SEBASTIAN, commercial fisherman
Petersburg, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed strong concern about SB 44.
SHELLY WRIGHT, Executive Director
Southeast Conference
Juneau, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 44.
LINDSAY KETCHAL, Executive Director
Southeast Alaska Conservation Council (SEACC)
Juneau, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed concern about SB 44.
FRED MORINO, representing himself
Juneau, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 44.
ACTION NARRATIVE
10:09:20 AM
CO-CHAIR THOMAS WAGONER called the Senate Resources Standing
Committee meeting to order at 10:09 a.m. Present at the call to
order was Co-Chair Wagoner.
10:10:13 AM
At ease from 10:10 a.m. to 10:23 a.m.
10:23:29 AM
CO-CHAIR WAGONER called the meeting back to order.
10:24:16 AM
At ease from 10:24 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
10:30:48 AM
CO-CHAIR WAGONER called the meeting back to order.
SB 24-SPORT FISHING GUIDING SERVICES
CO-CHAIR WAGONER announced the consideration of SB 24.
10:32:10 AM
SENATOR MCGUIRE, sponsor of SB 24, said this bill was introduced
with an eye towards the resources of the state. Fisheries is one
of the most important resources in Alaska and is divided between
commercial and sport fisheries. She noted that sports fisheries
are complex because they are accessed by Alaskans independently,
through guides, and through tourism. As tourism in Alaska has
grown there has been a groundswell of fishing guide use. This
has led to increased river pressure, particularly in the Kenai-
Soldotna area and in Southeast. SB 24 has been brought forward
as a way of extending the guide license program currently in
place. She explained that the bill was originally meant to be an
extension of the bill passed last year [SB 294, passed during
the 26th Alaska State Legislature]. SB 294 had a one-year
sunset, which means that without a bill, there will no longer be
a sport fish guide licensing program in Alaska. She explained
that this would have a negative effect on the state for two main
reasons. First, is the management of the resources. She said
that the logbook program that has been put into place gives the
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) the necessary data to
track and manage the fisheries stocks. Second, it is a matter of
safety. She explained that it is important that guides are
trained to safely care for their guests.
SB 24 originally incorporated a lot of task force
recommendations, primarily from 2006, which was met with a lot
of negativity from Alaskans. She noted that a majority of those
recommendations were withdrawn and a stripped-down version of
the bill was reintroduced on the Senate floor that strictly
addresses the sunset. She requested that SB 24 go into a task
force over the interim in order to work with the public and
figure out what to do with these controversial recommendations.
She asked testifiers to take her statement into consideration
when making their testimony.
10:40:10 AM
CO-CHAIR WAGONER opened public testimony.
10:40:58 AM
SONNY PETERSEN, Member, Katmai Service Providers, testified in
opposition of SB 24 in its current form. He asked the committee
when he could expect to see a new bill and when the task force
would meet. He explained that SB 24, in its current form, is
entirely unworkable for sport fishing operations and would not
allow any of the outfits to operate. The lodges in western
Alaska have a good reputation and there is no need to have these
types of licensing requirements. He suggested that if these
requirements are necessary in other parts of the state as
Senator McGuire indicated, then these individuals should come up
with something for their specific area.
CO-CHAIR WAGONER noted that he is looking at the month of
October, when guides are not as busy, for the task force
meetings and hearings. He said that the composition of the task
force has not been formulated yet.
10:45:53 AM
ANDREW COUCH, representing himself, opposed the establishment of
a Sport Fishing Guide Services Board. He explained that the
current guide licensing program makes it difficult to hire
guides who meet the requirements and limit the number of local
Alaskans that he can hire. He explained that the changes in the
program have only produced more required paperwork and cost him
more money. In regards to safety, these requirements are already
required for Coast Guard licensing. He stressed that SB 24 would
add cost to the industry and the state. He noted that
individuals who can't afford the higher charter costs may not
participate and will reduce the charter business. He asked
whether there has been any support from individuals in the
industry.
10:50:14 AM
MELVIN GROVE, President, Prince William Sound Charter Boat
Association, strongly opposed SB 24. He said that the
association's primary concern is that a real problem has not
been identified. For example, it has been claimed that there is
a "groundswell of guides" in the sports fishing industry.
However, the current data from ADF&G shows that the number of
guides has been steadily dropping over the last few years. He
stressed that some benefits need to be included within the bill
for the industry, such as increased fishing allocations and
state sponsored marketing incentives.
10:54:52 AM
STEVE RUNYAN, representing himself, expressed strong concern
about SB 24. He said state governments everywhere are scrambling
for ways to trim costs and keep within the budget and this bill
creates another level of bureaucracy. The costs of SB 24 are
numerous and the benefits, financially, are low. He stressed
that the problem statement and the benefit statement to this
bill are highly overblown. He explained that having government
oversight beyond what is already contained in the sports guide
licensing book is not necessary or cost effective. He suggested
that the issue of the sunset for sport fishing licenses could
easily be addressed by holding an up-down vote in the Senate on
the current guidebook system. The Senate's energy would be
better used by looking at the statewide Chinook salmon shortage,
particularly in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.
10:58:40 AM
MELISSA BORTON, Travel Administrator, Native Village of Afognak,
testified in opposition of SB 24. She said that she had the
opportunity to sit in on the task force meetings that took place
in preparation for this bill. She said that during these
meetings she felt that the rural communities were not being
represented. Further, the discussions were centered on the
conflicts occurring in the Kenai area and were not necessarily
applicable to Kodiak. She recognized how quickly the sports
fishing industry has grown and that there is abuse that takes
place throughout the industry. However, enacting legislation
such as SB 24, which affects the regions differently, should
require a more extensive public process. She said that this was
missing in the process leading up to this bill. She noted that
the one community meeting held in Kodiak had overwhelming
opposition to SB 24.
11:00:31 AM
REUBEN HANKE, sport fishing and big game hunting guide, agreed
with Senator McGuire that it is a good idea to take a step back
and look into the issues addressed in SB 24 some more. He noted
that he was a member of the original task force. He said that
this bill identifies the people who provide sport fishing
activities, which the current licensing system does not do.
There are many individuals in the state that provide services to
the sport fishing industry and this bill would help in
understanding the size and scope of the sport fishing industry.
11:02:42 AM
ANDREW CESSNE, upper Kenai River guide, testified in support of
SB 24. He explained that, for him, making a living on this
resource is a privilege, not a right.
11:03:34 AM
RICKY GEASE, Executive Director, Kenai River Sports Fishing
Association (KRSA), testified in support of SB 24. He said that
KRSA agrees with the problem statement regarding the sports
fishing industry. He explained that there is no common voice for
the industry in the Alaskan governmental process, nor are there
ethical standards for conduct of business, safety, or service.
He noted that many people do meet the requirements, but not
everybody does and this tarnishes the state's sport fishing
reputation. He added that KRSA also supports SB 24 going into a
subcommittee process and extending the logbook sunset during
this time.
11:05:38 AM
KEVIN DELANEY, Fisheries Consultant, Kenai River Sports Fishing
Association (KRSA), commented on SB 24 and noted that further
assessment of the sports fishing industry is needed. He said
that the guide registry program was implemented during the time
that he was the director of Sports Fishing at ADF&G. He
explained that it was never ADF&G's intent that the guide
registry program would be the end-all in this process. During
this time the division recognized the tremendous economic value
of the industry and wanted to assure that it would continue to
compete on a world-wide basis. He explained that the
registration process has evolved into the licensing program that
is in place now and he has been supportive of this. However, the
framework in place today doesn't adequately allow for assessment
of who is involved in the field today, he said. He stressed the
importance of continuing to pursue these principals.
11:09:19 AM
DENISE MAY, owner and operator, Whale Pass Lodge, expressed
concerns about SB 24. She said her greatest concern is that
rural communities and villages around the state need to be
included by giving adequate notice on the issue and having the
opportunity for input and comment. She noted her appreciation
for Senator McGuire in taking a step back on the bill to allow
individuals time to gather information and understand what the
legislature is trying to accomplish.
11:12:20 AM
JACK CADIGAN, Owner and Captain, Adventures in Alaska, expressed
strong concerns about SB 24 in its current form. He said he does
not want a duplicate a set of regulations where licensing
requirements already exist, along with the associated costs. Mr.
Cadigan listed a number of the requirements already in place for
sports fishing guides. He said that most charter operations far
exceed the basic level of competency needed. He urged the
committee to amend SB 24 so that it solely addresses the areas
in the state where problems might exist.
11:17:19 AM
BOB MAY, Owner and Operator, Whale Pass Lodge, expressed concern
about SB 24. He said that at the public meeting in Kodiak
regarding this bill, not one was in favor it. He noted that the
bill states that an individual must be 18 years old before they
"can take a fish off the hook." However, his kids learned long
before this age to do more than that. He said that there is a
lot that has been excluded from this bill. He acknowledged that
there have been issues on the Kenai Peninsula; but these
problems don't exist in Kodiak. He added that more
representation is needed in Alaska's villages. He asked when a
new bill will be brought forward in replace of SB 24 and how the
public notice will be administered to businesses.
CO-CHAIR WAGONER said that when hearings on SB 24 begin again
during the interim, he will be informed.
11:21:14 AM
NANCI MORRIS-LYON, Managing Partner, Alaska Sportsmen Bear Trail
Lodge, testified in support of SB 24. She said she was a member
of the original task force involved in this bill. She explained
that the sport fishing industry has grown beyond belief and
future growth needs to be controlled in order to protect and
preserve the state' fisheries and maintain an industry that is
competitive and healthy. She acknowledged the unique challenges
found in various areas of the state and it is important not to
impose unnecessary restrictions in areas where they are not
needed. A bill in this form would give credibility to the sports
fishing industry and would stabilize the industry for the
future. She said that this bill will assist ADF&G through the
documentation of the commercial aspects of the industry and its
effects on fisheries throughout the state.
11:25:13 AM
ALAN LEMASTER, representing himself, expressed concerns about SB
24. He noted that he was not aware of the task force while it
was going forward. He explained that he can see a great
advantage in having a [Sport Fishing Guide Services] board
because it will give them solidarity between the industry and
the Board of Fisheries meetings. He noted that in the Copper
River Valley the growth patterns in the industry have decreased,
not increased. He said that his concerns with the current bill
include the following: the assistant guide age limit of 18;
confusion between what a guide, guide outfitter, and transporter
is; and the organization of ADF&G in regards to the log books.
He said "I don't think the guide system is broken in the state
and I don't think we [should] fix it until it is."
11:29:24 AM
MIKE SCOTT, representing himself, testified in opposition of SB
24. He said that the entire state does not have to be wrapped up
in this licensing issue and there are already numerous hoops to
jump through. He said that if this bill goes through the sports
fishing industry will have a limited entry similar to halibut
and commercial fishing.
11:30:57 AM
SCOTT EGGEMEYER, Owner, Alaska Bear Paw Drifters, testified in
support of SB 24. He said he guides in Prince William Sound, the
Kenai and Kasilof Rivers, Steep Creek, and Anchor Point.
11:31:27 AM
DENNIS RANDA, Owner, Randa's Guide Service, expressed concern
about SB 24. He said that orderly development is important and
legislation that disrupts this is unwise. He added that he is
also concerned with the age restriction on assistant guides. He
noted that legislation is needed due to the growth of the sports
fishing industry.
11:33:43 AM
DAVID GOGGIA, President, Kenai River Guide Association,
testified in support of SB 24. He noted that the association was
present throughout the task force's and ADF&G's meetings. He
acknowledged that there are some things that need to be worked
out in regards to the bill and a special task force will be
positive. He said that the bill will increase the accountability
for all people in the sports fishing industry.
11:35:16 AM
JERRY STRIEBY, Vice President, Kenai River Professional Guide
Association, testified in support of SB 24. He stressed the
importance of having representation and a voice for the sports
fishing industry, such as a guide board. Currently, the voice of
the industry is through individuals and this does not go very
far.
11:37:06 AM
CHACO PEARMAN, Owner, Pristine Charters, testified in support of
the concept of the Sport Fishing Guide Services Board in SB 24.
He noted that with the federal program restrictions and the
halibut charter people are going to change their business
models. For instance, clients that stay at bed and breakfasts
are going to be able go out fishing and the fish caught will not
be reported. He said that there have been issues in Kodiak in
the past with businesses that are not accounted for and are
unenforceable. His concern is for the resource. He noted that it
is important that this bill capture everyone involved in the
industry so that the resource can be managed properly.
11:40:19 AM
REED MORISKY, representing himself, testified in support of SB
24. He said he was a member of the original task force, which
codified a sport fishing board. The board would categorize and
professionalize sport fishing guides, outfitters, and
transporters. He agreed that there were several groups who
should have been included earlier; however, this could be taken
up with the resource committee task force during the interim. He
acknowledged that the bill is long and there are some
misunderstandings that can be overcome with more information. SB
24 will ensure the continued viability of the sport fishing
industry and provide a mechanism for sustainable growth.
11:42:54 AM
DENNIS PETRE, charter operator, testified in opposition of SB
24. He suggested going to the NOAA [National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration] website that lists operators that
received limited entry permits and contact these individuals to
get more input.
11:43:54 AM
MIKE MCCRURY, representing himself, commented on SB 24. He said
the source of debate comes from ADF&G's policy in selling an
unlimited amount of fishing licenses to non-residents. He noted
that the value of non-commercial users goes well beyond the
economic interests of guides. Preserving Alaskan's opportunities
will only be achieved when ADF&G limits, where necessary, the
sale of fishing licenses to non-residents.
11:45:47 AM
WADE WILLIS, former owner of a fish guiding business, stated
concern for the Sport Fishing Guide Services Board addressed in
SB 24. He said that that the board is nothing more than a carbon
copy of the mistakes that have been made with the Big Game
Commercial Services Board. Self-serving boards do not accomplish
anything, but rather decrease the stability of the industry, he
said. Important industries throughout Alaska rely on
occupational licensing to provide stability and career
opportunities and it does not have to be a burden. Alaska has a
responsibility to ensure that tourism, as the state's most
important renewable resource, is the best it can be. He stressed
the importance of looking beyond two years, in order to make
sure that for the next 50 years Alaska has a guiding industry
that respects the resource, the industry, and provides
stability.
CO-CHAIR WAGONER said that he respects Mr. Willis' perspective.
11:49:08 AM
CHRIS BRANHAM, representing himself, testified in opposition of
SB 24. He said he has been addressing these issues for the past
30 years and this bill is meritless and doesn't benefit anyone.
He explained that the issue can be resolved by putting
restrictions and limitations on the people who use the resource.
The sports fishing industry has never been given legitimate
responsibility by the state of Alaska and he stressed the
importance of the industry. However, the state does nothing to
support it. He said that this is the responsibility of ADF&G.
The constitution gives first priority to subsistence use, the
second use is commercial, and the third use is recreational. He
stressed the need to enhance the sports fishing industry.
11:52:29 AM
CHRIS ZWOLINSKI, hunting guide, testified in support of SB 24.
He said that it is important to regulate the resource now in
order to prevent damage in the future. He suggested that more
public forums are needed.
11:54:20 AM
STAN MALCOM, Petersburg Charter Boat Association, testified in
support of SB 24. He noted that he was a member of the original
task force which generated the information leading up to SB 24.
He explained that the association has always supported the guide
license requirements and the log book program. A professional
service board is in the best long term interest of the industry,
the state, and all fisheries resource users. The bill, in
encompassing the non-guided sector, which is continuing to grow
in Southeast Alaska and is a huge resource user, would be a huge
step forward. The Sport Fishing Guide Services Board would
promote some self-regulation from within the industry.
11:57:08 AM
CO-CHAIR WAGONER announced the conclusion of teleconference
testimony.
11:57:26 AM
JOEL HANSON, Captain, The Boat Company, expressed concern that
some types of businesses are not being fairly represented within
SB 24. He said the company has been operating in Southeast
Alaska for 30 years. While they do not focus specifically on
sport fishing it is a critical component of their business. He
said that the sport fishing industry has a wide variety of
models both on salt and fresh water and the bill needs to be
expanded to include a larger group of concerned individuals.
12:01:00 PM
CO-CHAIR WAGONER closed public testimony on SB 24. [The bill was
held in committee.]
12:01:14 PM
At ease from 12:01 p.m. to 12:06 p.m.
12:06:55 PM
CO-CHAIR WAGONER called the meeting back to order at 12:06 p.m.
SB 44-SOUTHEAST STATE FOREST
CO-CHAIR WAGONER announced the consideration of SB 44.
12:07:14 PM
WADE ZAMMIT, President and CEO, Sealaska Timber Corporation,
testified in support of SB 44 on behalf of Ron Wolfe. He said
that there is an expected decline in the population of Southeast
Alaska and this is mirrored in the health of the timber
industry. He explained that Sealaska believes that the timber
industry is essential to the economy of Southeast Alaska.
Currently, a vast majority of the Southeast region is owned by
the federal government; with 87 percent of the area set aside as
parks, wildernesses, national monuments and other
classifications that preclude development. Development that
occurs on the remaining land must achieve resource protection
through various federal regulatory compliances. SB 44 will help
stabilize the timber from state lands and allow state forests to
be managed in a sustainable fashion. These lands will be managed
in accordance with the Alaska Forest Resources and Practices
Act, which has demonstrated to be working well to protect water
quality, anadromous fish habitats, and wildlife. He noted that
his testimony has also been submitted to the committee for full
disclosure.
12:10:03 PM
JEREMY MAXAND, representing himself, commented on SB 44. He
expressed concern that the vast majority of timber harvested
from the Wrangell Island would be round log exported to the
lower 48 or another country for value-added processing. He said
that he wants to see the trees in the state forest directly
benefit the communities they were taken from and are impacting.
Currently, by using the forest within a multi-use category the
community benefits from forest recreation and habitat. However,
if these forests transfer to state forests and are immediately
shipped out of the state there will be no incentive for Wrangell
to revitalize their timber economy for long term usage. He said
that he hopes SB 44, as it moves forward, will contain some very
strong language which would create incentives to keep the logs
in Alaska to be processed and used locally.
CO-CHAIR WAGONER asked if there is any effort in the community
to start a business which could use the timber instead of
exporting it.
MR. MAXAND replied that there is a ten-year proposed Tongass
sale that the community of Wrangell is looking into. He said
that they are concerned these trees will be cut down too fast.
Wrangell has a unique opportunity because there is mill site in
existence and, with the logs on the island, could be sustained
for a long time. However, if the incentive is to have a large
company come in, cut the trees down, and ship the logs out, then
that is what will happen. He asked what the state is doing to
help communities have a sustainable timber operation. He noted
that the community would love to help and support legislation
focused on that issue.
12:14:46 PM
CARL PORTMAN, Deputy Director, Resource Development Council
(RDC), testified in support of SB 44. He explained that
expanding the forest would help sustain the forest products
industry, save jobs, and help the economy. The state land
identified for inclusion into the new state forest has been
consistently managed for timber harvesting. Designation of these
forests would ensure that they would remain in state ownership
and support the forest products industry long-term in Southeast
Alaska. He noted that a majority of timber in Southeast Alaska
is on federal land; however federal timber sales have sharply
declined. Much of the new state forest contains young second-
growth stands and there is broad support for shifting timber
harvesting in Southeast Alaska from old growth to second growth.
The new state forest and proposed additional partials will help
provide a sustainable timber supply to local mills and
accelerate the transition to second-growth timber. He noted that
95 percent of the Tongass National Forest is closed to logging.
The Tongass itself comprises about 94 percent of the land base
in Southeast Alaska. He explained that as a result land
management in Southeast Alaska is weighted towards conservation
and non-development uses. Under the current Tongass Land
Management plan the annual harvest ceiling has been reduced from
527 million board feet to 267 million. He noted that only 30
million board feet of timber has been harvested annually in
recent years, which is less than 15 percent of the allowable
cut.
He explained that in regards to state land the Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) manages over 159,000 acres of uplands in
southern Southeast Alaska. Of this land, approximately one-third
would be in the state forest if SB 44 is enacted. He noted that
the remaining land is designated to other uses such as
recreation, water sources, and land sales.
12:19:06 PM
OWEN GRAHAM, Secretary, Alaska Forest Association, testified in
support of SB 44. He said that thus far Ketchikan has lost 85
percent of their employment in the timber industry, due to a
lack of timber supply. This piece of legislation will help with
this and they encourage any additions to the timber sales
program in the future. He noted that the association encourages
local manufacture and the best way to do so is by having enough
timber supply to sustain the mills. Most of the wood that the
state has sold in the last five years has been domestically
processed. However, he explained that the state needs to hang on
to log exports as a tool to manage their programs if the local
or domestic market is not doing well.
12:21:49 PM
ELAINE PRICE, Project Manager, City Council, testified in
support of SB 44. She said that part of the state forest
expansion would be in Coffman Cove and will provide a
sustainable base for timber management. She agreed with Mr.
Maxand that these forests should be locally beneficial by being
manufactured locally. Because of the way the Tongass National
Forest is currently being managed it is not dependable and every
timber sale has a law suit filed against it. She noted that the
Viking Mill currently employs 45 people directly in Klawock and
is a huge economic benefit to Prince of Wales Island as a whole.
12:23:43 PM
MIKE SALLEE, Owner and operator of a small saw mill, testified
in opposition of SB 44. He said one of the parcels proposed in
this bill is North Gravina which lies adjacent to his family's
homestead. He explained that the logging of Mental Health Trust
Land on other parts of Gravina has trashed numerous areas and
severely limits passage through them. He said that converting
parcels to state forest in order to realize the return on future
investments in thinning is not justified. The amount of
previously logged lands in the North Gravina parcel consists of
a very few steeply sloped areas in one small corner of the
parcel. He noted that another distressing aspect of SB 44 is the
contingent practice of round-log export. He explained that as a
mill operator he gets numerous requests for yellow cedar and he
finds it egregious that Alaska "allows the continued bleeding
away of wood-processing jobs with round log exports." He said
that SB 44, in its current form, primarily benefits a few large
scale timber operators.
12:27:01 PM
PAUL MCINTOSH, representing himself, testified in support of SB
44. He explained that he lived in Southeast Alaska from 1978 to
2001 and witnessed the closure of the pulp mills in Sitka and
Ketchikan. The majority of the land in Southeast Alaska is
federal land and one-third of the Tongass National Forest is
congressionally designated wilderness. He stressed that there
are no federal acres in Southeast Alaska that are permanently
designated for sustainable, science-based, and long-term timber
management. He questioned how a forest product business could
even consider this timber supply reliable or economical for
purposes of business planning. He urged the committee's support
of SB 44.
12:30:01 PM
ERIC LEE, representing himself, expressed strong concern about
SB 44. He said that the timber industry claims that round log
export can create jobs and there is very little money to be made
in the domestic market. However, round log export is only
valuable in the short-term, it is not sustainable. He explained
that when the trees are gone, the logging companies leave and
the jobs are gone. He said that on the other hand local value-
added processing creates jobs that are sustainable, stay in the
community, add to the local economy, and concern the forest for
subsistence uses. The notion that round log export is good for
the local economies is a myth. SB 44 is about gaining access to
timber that can be exported in the round because the laws on
such exporting on federal lands are much more stringent than on
state land.
12:33:40 PM
JOSEPH SEBASTIAN, commercial fisherman, expressed strong concern
on SB 44. He said that the real problem is that there is no
future in logging and exporting cathedral cedar trees. He
explained that the majority of sales will be exported. These are
trees that are 400 to 600 years old and are irreplaceable. He
noted that the wide distance between the proposed partials will
make it expensive and difficult to administer. He said that
"what were once federal deficit timber sales will now be state
deficit timber sales."
12:37:43 PM
CO-CHAIR WAGONER closed on-line testimony.
12:37:50 PM
SHELLY WRIGHT, Executive Director, Southeast Conference,
testified in support of SB 44. She said that the communities in
Southeast Alaska are struggling to survive and part of the
struggle is a lack of jobs. She explained that there used to be
a timber industry in Southeast that supported communities and
gave financial support for schools and infrastructure. She said
that she has been told that the timber industry is "a thing of
the past." However, an article in the Juneau Empire just
recently stated that the Alaska State Retirement Fund officials
are looking to invest in the timber industry in the lower 48.
She explained that the state forest will be a small way to
stabilize investments in the future for communities. The
existence of a timber industry in Southeast Alaska depends on
immediate action in order to provide a supply of economically
viable sales. She stressed that there are 17 million acres in
the Tongass National Forest and SB 44 will secure 48,472 acres
for timber harvest management by the Division of Forestry. This
is a small amount of land in the big picture, but it could go a
long way in maintaining the stability of Southeast Alaska's
people. She urged the committee to support the expansion of the
Alaska State Forest through SB 44 and stressed the importance of
opening the Tongass National Forest up to responsible resource
development.
12:41:55 PM
LINDSAY KETCHAL, Executive Director, Southeast Alaska
Conservation Council (SEACC), expressed concern about SB 44. She
said she serves on the Tongass Futures Round Table and described
discussions they had about how to maintain a viable timber
industry. She recognized that part of SB 44 is an attempt to
help sustain some of this existing industry, such as "ma and pa
businesses," Icy Straits, and Viking Mill. However, the
locations of some of the proposed parcels do not make sense in
regards to the location of these mills. The question that needs
to be addressed is: "how are we going to develop and sustain a
sustainable wood product industry in Southeast?" She said that,
ultimately, in order to tackle this issue it should be done
comprehensively and not in small pieces. The way that these
parcels are aligned the timber will most likely be exported and
will not go to small mills. She explained that there's a lot of
opportunity to create work in Southeast forests. She noted that
the Forest Service did announce that they are transitioning out
of old growth forests. She explained that the reason behind this
is that old growth forests hold important ecological values. She
said that she believes that a small old growth industry can be
maintained as well as the existing mills. This piece of
legislation will not solve this issue. She said "many of us
would prefer to work comprehensively at this."
CO-CHAIR WAGONER asked why the transition to working
comprehensively has not occurred yet. He said that this is a
very small amount of timber and is a method to save jobs that
currently exist in Alaska.
MS. CATCHALL replied that the distance of the parcel locations
needs to be analyzed. She explained that SEACC was involved with
the Kake community forest planning process in order to aid the
community in deciding what it wanted its landscape to be and how
to create jobs. She stressed that it is important to focus on a
community-by-community level, empower their voices, and continue
with the Round Table and other gatherings. She explained that
the reduction in the timber industry has been so severe that the
industry is in shock. It is difficult to then turn around and
accept a smaller and more agile business method. She said that
when she speaks with new entrepreneurs in the timber industry
such as Larry Jackson in Ketchikan, she sees them wanting to be
creative. She stressed that jobs in the woods are important for
everyone.
12:47:46 PM
FRED MORINO, representing himself, testified in support of SB
44. He said he has been involved in financing in the timber
industry since 1970. He explained that the United States Forest
Service has 27 billion board feet of harvestable old growth
timber. He noted that Alaska has not even harvested 100 million
board feet of timber yet. He said that "the state of Alaska is
the timber industry in Southeast Alaska now" and the state has
the responsibility to develop this timber for employment in
Southeast.
12:50:44 PM
CO-CHAIR WAGONER closed public testimony. [The bill was held in
committee.]
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Co-Chair Wagoner adjourned the meeting at 12:50 p.m.
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