HB 6-JONESVILLE PUBLIC USE AREA  2:48:02 PM CO-CHAIR JOSEPHSON announced that the final order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 6, "An Act establishing the Jonesville Public Use Area." 2:48:24 PM SCOTT LAPIENE, President, Mat-Su Trails Council Inc., informed the committee the Mat-Su Trails Council is a nonprofit trails organization that has been in existence for about 20 years. Mat-Su Trails Council has a long history in the Eska area, assisting in the development of multi-use trails, construction of a hiking trail, rebuilding sections of the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trail and signage for multiple use: hiking, ATV, and off-road vehicles. The council also brushed trail between Sutton and Buffalo Mine Road. He provided brief information on his personal experience. Mr. Lapiene recalled the original intent of the [Jonesville/Slipper Lake Action Committee] that proposed this legislation was to address public safety from uncontrolled shooting. Attendees from the Alaska State Troopers (AST) and the Division of Mining, Land & Water, DNR, explained AST is "spread thin" and DNR has no enforcement authority for activities in the area. Mr. Lapiene advised the Knik River Public Use Area was held as an example of a formerly out-of- control area for which legislation was passed and a management plan was created, with a fiscal note, authorizing DNR with specific enforcement authority and thereby improving recreation and use of the area. He observed the members of the Slipper Lake committee do not want to change or restrict activities in the area; furthermore, a mining reclamation group has invested several million dollars creating campgrounds, and the council has counted over 400 campsites around the lake on a busy weekend. The majority of campers are recreating with ATVs, motorcycles, and other vehicles. 2:52:34 PM CO-CHAIR JOSEPHSON asked whether Mr. Lapiene supports the bill. MR. LAPIENE expressed support for HB 6 and urged the committee to leave the motorized components of the bill as originally drafted. REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked for the reasons Mr. Lapiene opposes the forthcoming amendments. [The referenced amendments were not before the committee.] MR. LAPIENE referred to a forthcoming amendment containing the language "on trails designated and constructed for their use." He said there are 10 miles of trails in the Mat-Su Borough constructed for ATV use; the existing trails are from legacy mining, forestry, and trapping, and it is unlikely trails will be constructed specifically for motorized use. He cautioned an additional forthcoming amendment containing the language "to correct existing damage and minimize future" may deny access or limit the opportunity to create new trails because of the expense. CO-CHAIR JOSEPHSON surmised there is no money to enforce the proposed new management plan, thus the amendment is aspirational. MR. LAPIENE warned if the language is included in the bill it would be law, and could be interpreted as such. He suggested the aforementioned language would be more appropriate in a management plan. 2:56:51 PM LYNNE WOODS urged support for HB 6 because members of the Sutton community will benefit from the legislation as will all users of the public lands in the Jonesville area. She said she is a lifelong resident who lives on the Jonesville Mine Road. Creating a public use area will provide DNR, the Mat-Su Borough, and the community a tool to effectively manage the area. She related her experience at the time the Knik River Public Use Area was created, which was in response to "the very same concerns." Ms. Woods stated the legislation is needed and urged for its passage. She expressed regret at the lack of funding. REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked Ms. Woods to explain why a public use area designation is needed to accomplish her stated goal. MS. WOODS explained with the authority of a public use area [designation], a management plan can be established. She recalled in the past access to various recreation areas have been realized after DNR was granted a public use area and has the tools to proceed with the help of the Mat-Su Borough. 3:02:04 PM [CO-CHAIR JOSEPHSON announced HB 6 was held over with public testimony open.]