Legislature(2015 - 2016)BARNES 124
04/06/2016 01:00 PM House RESOURCES
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| Audio | Topic |
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| Start | |
| Big Game Commercial Services Board|| Board of Game | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
April 6, 2016
1:20 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Benjamin Nageak, Co-Chair
Representative David Talerico, Co-Chair
Representative Craig Johnson
Representative Kurt Olson
Representative Paul Seaton
Representative Andy Josephson
Representative Geran Tarr
Representative Mike Chenault (alternate)
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Mike Hawker, Vice Chair
Representative Bob Herron
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION(S):
Big Game Commercial Services Board
Nicholas Jackson - Gulkana
Board of Game
Guy Trimmingham - Hope
Nathan Turner - Fairbanks
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
NICHOLAS JACKSON, Appointee
Big Game Commercial Services Board
Gulkana, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Big Game
Commercial Services Board.
DICK ROHRER
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Nicholas Jackson's
appointment to the Big Game Commercial Services Board.
SAM ROHRER, President
Alaska Professional Hunters Association (APHA)
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Nicholas Jackson's
appointment to the Big Game Commercial Services Board.
KAREN LINNEL, Executive Director
Copper River-Ahtna Intertribal Resource Conservation District
Glennallen, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Nicholas Jackson's
appointment to the Big Game Commercial Services Board.
MICHELLE ANDERSON, President
Ahtna, Incorporated
Glennallen, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Nicholas Jackson's
appointment to the Big Game Commercial Services Board.
JOE KLUTSCH
King Salmon, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Nicholas Jackson's
appointment to the Big Game Commercial Services Board.
KELLY VREM
Sutton, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Nicholas Jackson's
appointment to the Big Game Commercial Services Board.
AARON BLOOMQUIST
Tok, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Nicholas Jackson's
appointment to the Big Game Commercial Services Board.
ROBERT FITHIAN
Lower Tonsina, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Nicholas Jackson's
appointment to the Big Game Commercial Services Board.
GUY TRIMMINGHAM, Appointee
Board of Game (BOG)
Hope, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the BOG.
ROD ARNO, Executive Director
Alaska Outdoor Council (AOC)
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to the appointment
of Guy Trimmingham to the Board of Game (BOG).
NATHAN TURNER, Appointee
Board of Game (BOG)
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the BOG.
DICK ROHRER
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Nathan Turner's re-
appointment to the Board of Game (BOG).
SAM ROHRER, President
Alaska Professional Hunters Association (APHA)
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Nathan Turner's re-
appointment to the Board of Game (BOG).
JASON BUNCH
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Nathan Turner's re-
appointment to the Board of Game (BOG).
THOMAS KEEFE LAMAL
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to Nathan Turner's
re-appointment to the Board of Game (BOG).
VIRGIL UMPHENOUR, Chairman
Fish and Game Advisory Committee
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Nathan Turner's re-
appointment to the Board of Game (BOG).
MICHELLE ANDERSON, President
Ahtna, Incorporated
Glennallen, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Nathan Turner's re-
appointment to the Board of Game (BOG).
KAREN LINNEL, Executive Director
Ahtna Inter Tribal Resource Commission (AITRC)
Glennallen, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Nathan Turner's re-
appointment to the Board of Game (BOG).
JOE KLUTSCH
King Salmon, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Nathan Turner's re-
appointment to the Board of Game (BOG).
ROD ARNO, Executive Director
Alaska Outdoor Council (AOC)
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to the re-
appointment of Nathan Turner to the Board of Game (BOG).
LYLE BECKER
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Nathan Turner's re-
appointment to the Board of Game (BOG).
ROBERT FITHIAN
Lower Tonsina, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Nathan Turner's re-
appointment to the Board of Game (BOG).
KELLY VREM, Registered Guide
Sutton, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Nathan Turner's re-
appointment to the Board of Game (BOG).
RICHARD PERSON, Chair
South Central Chapter
Alaska Trappers Association
Chugiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Nathan Turner's re-
appointment to the Board of Game (BOG).
ROB STONE, Attorney
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to Nathan Turner's
re-appointment to the Board of Game (BOG).
MIKE MCCRARY
Chugiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to Nathan Turner's
re-appointment to the Board of Game (BOG).
AARON BLOOMQUIST
Tok, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Nathan Turner's re-
appointment to the Board of Game (BOG).
BIRCH YUKNIS
Matanuska-Susitna Advisory Committee
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to Nathan Turner's
re-appointment to the Board of Game (BOG).
MARK RICHARDS, Executive Director
Resident Hunters of Alaska (RHAK)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to Nathan Turner's
re-appointment to the Board of Game (BOG).
MARY SATTLER, Lobbyist
Alaska Regional Coalition
Bethel, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Nathan Turner's re-
appointment to the Board of Game (BOG).
BENJAMIN MALLOTT, Vice President
Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Nathan Turner's re-
appointment to the Board of Game (BOG).
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:20:34 PM
CO-CHAIR DAVID TALERICO called the House Resources Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:20 p.m. Representatives Seaton,
Josephson, Tarr, Olson, Nageak, and Talerico were present at the
call to order. Representatives Johnson and Chenault (alternate)
arrived as the meeting was in progress.
^CONFIRMATION(S):
CONFIRMATION(S):
^Big Game Commercial Services Board
^Board of Game
Big Game Commercial Services Board
Board of Game
CO-CHAIR TALERICO announced that the only order of business
would be the confirmation hearing for Nicholas Jackson,
appointee to the Big Game Commercial Services Board, and Nathan
Turner and Guy Trimmingham, appointees to the Board of Game
(BOG). He said the first appointment consideration would be
Nicholas Jackson to the Big Game Commercial Services Board.
1:22:26 PM
NICHOLAS JACKSON, Appointee, Big Game Commercial Services Board,
stated he was born and raised in Copper Center and now resides
in Gulkana where he has raised four children. Alaska has
remained his constant home, other than his stint Outside in the
military; 1958-64, he reported and reviewed his work history,
which includes 10 years with the Alaska Department of Fish and
Game (ADF&G) and 25 years with Ahtna, Incorporated, as a finance
and construction manager. Other notable services, he said,
include State Chairman of RurAL CAP [Rural Alaska Community
Action Program, Inc.]; member of the Advisory Board for ADF&G;
and two terms as President of Ahtna, Inc. Board of Directors.
CO-CHAIR TALERICO thanked Mr. Jackson for his interest to serve
on the board, and expressed the committee's appreciation for his
military service.
1:24:41 PM
CO-CHAIR NAGEAK stated he has known Mr. Jackson for a long time,
as well as served with on the Board of Game (BOG).
1:25:21 PM
CO-CHAIR TALERICO opened public testimony on Mr. Jackson's
appointment to the Big Game Commercial Services Board.
1:25:55 PM
DICK ROHRER, stated support for the confirmation of Mr. Jackson
to the Big Game Commercial Services Board, and said, although he
is not personally acquainted with the candidate, he trusts the
opinion and recommend that he has heard from outgoing board
member Brenda Rebne.
1:27:12 PM
SAM ROHRER, President, Alaska Professional Hunters Association
(APHA), stated official support for the confirmation of Mr.
Jackson to the Big Game Commercial Services Board, and said the
candidate will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the
board. He referred to Mr. Jackson's resume to underscore the
candidate's qualifications. Further, the candidate is highly
respected and recommended by the outgoing board member, Brenda
Rebne, he said.
1:28:38 PM
KAREN LINNEL, Executive Director, Copper River-Ahtna Intertribal
Resource Conservation District, stated official support for the
confirmation of Mr. Jackson to the Big Game Commercial Services
Board, and explained the scope of her organization, which
includes eight tribes associated with the Copper River watershed
area, as well as two Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
corporations. The purpose of the organization is to support
traditional stewardship of the land and includes habitat
improvement projects. She said she and Mr. Jackson have been
acquainted for a long time and have served together on various
boards, where she found him to be fair, objective, and willing
to dedicate time to thoroughly research the issues. She urged
the committee to confirm the appointee.
1:30:16 PM
MICHELLE ANDERSON, President, Ahtna, Incorporated, stated
official support for the confirmation of Nicholas Jackson to the
Big Game Commercial Services Board, and echoed the sentiments of
the previous speakers regarding his qualifications. His
executive land management experience brings an additional depth
of understanding, she said, and pointed out that he is also
adept at comprehending financial statements and situations, as
well as being skilled at networking. All of these capacities
will be of great benefit to the board, she opined.
1:32:29 PM
JOE KLUTSCH stated support for the confirmation of Nicholas
Jackson to the Big Game Commercial Services Board, and said the
appointees' credentials contain what is needed, especially
historical knowledge and abilities that will be applicable to
the board's working.
1:33:52 PM
KELLY VREM stated support for the confirmation of Nicholas
Jackson to the Big Game Commercial Services Board and said he
couldn't be more pleased to recommend the appointee. Mr.
Jackson's reputation is well known and well regarded, he said.
1:35:11 PM
AARON BLOOMQUIST stated support for the confirmation of Nicholas
Jackson to the Big Game Commercial Services Board and said he is
familiar with the appointees reputation and accomplishments from
his tenure with Ahtna, Incorporated. He credited Mr. Jackson's
leadership as the reason that the Ahtna Board has become a
forward thinking corporation in the areas of access, use, and
conservation.
1:36:20 PM
ROBERT FITHIAN, stated support for the confirmation of Nicholas
Jackson to the Big Game Commercial Services Board citing a 20
year acquaintance with the candidate relating back to the
initial days of the board. He echoed the sentiments of the
previous speakers, regarding the contributions and experience
that Mr. Jackson will contribute, and urged the committee to
support the confirmation.
1:37:29 PM
CO-CHAIR TALERICO closed public testimony on the appointment of
Mr. Jackson to the Big Game Commercial Services Board.
1:38:28 PM
CO-CHAIR TALERICO said the committee would next consider the
appointments of Guy Trimmingham and Nathan Turner to the Board
of Game.
1:38:48 PM
GUY TRIMMINGHAM, Appointee, Board of Game (BOG), introduced
himself as a lifelong resident of Hope, and a 40 year Prudhoe
Bay worker currently employed by British Petroleum. Holding no
affiliations, he said he believes he will be able to equally
serve consumptive and non-consumptive users. He described
himself as a family man, now with grandchildren, and a long
time, licensed, master guide. Guiding expeditions have taken
him through the majority of the mountain ranges of the state, he
said, and added that he looks forward to serving on the BOG.
1:40:20 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TARR questioned the candidate's opening comment
stating his interest to represent the views of both consumptive
and non-consumptive users. She said, "That's been one of the
points of contention as far as the membership goes." Drawing
from his experience as a guide, she asked how he envisions the
balance working out.
MR. TRIMMINGHAM cited the importance of tourism dollars to
Alaska and the unique aircraft orientation that exists. Having
game resources is critical to maintain good tourism, and it is
as important to be able to have roadside viewing as much as fly-
in or pack-in opportunities; many of which now focus on eco-
tourism versus the hunting industry. He said this is an avenue
that definitely needs to be fostered.
1:42:54 PM
CO-CHAIR TALERICO opened public testimony on Mr. Trimmingham's
appointment to the Board of Game.
1:43:52 PM
ROD ARNO, Executive Director, Alaska Outdoor Council (AOC),
stated official opposition to the appointment of Guy Trimmingham
to the Board of Game (BOG), opined that the BOG should be seated
by members who have risen through the advisory committee
process, and already have a history of bringing issues before
the board. The candidate stated in his confirmation hearing
before the Senate Resources Committee, that he has never
attended a BOG meeting. Additionally, the AOC finds the board
to be over weighted by the seating of commercial users.
1:46:22 PM
CO-CHAIR TALERICO, noting no further witnesses to testify,
closed public testimony on the appointment of Mr. Trimmingham to
the BOG.
1:46:40 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TARR questioned the accuracy of the "no" response
on the application section regarding conflict of interest, which
asked whether the applicant is willing to provide full financial
disclosure information data under AS 39.50.010.
1:47:07 PM
MR. TRIMMINGHAM responded that the "no' indication represents an
error he made while completing the form. He assured the
committee that he is willing to comply with the statutory
request.
1:47:50 PM
NATHAN TURNER, Appointee, Board of Game (BOG), provided a brief
biography, directing attention to the committee packet he
summarize from the prepared statement provided, which read as
follows [original punctuation provided]:
I was born and raised on a dairy farm in upstate New
York. From an early age I learned the values and
benefits of living a life close to the land, and
especially the risk, hard work, and rewards that
result from being dependent on the natural resources
for your livelihood. I am grateful for those early
years on the farm, and the important lessons that this
type of life had to offer.
In 1989, at age 17, my father and I headed for Alaska
with two pick-ups loaded with the essentials, the
result of his lifelong dream of trapping in the Far
North, and also a timely advertisement in Fur-Fish-and
Game magazine; Trapline For Sale in Alaska. It took
us 6 days to reach Alaska, and 10 additional days were
spent on the road system in the Interior, preparing
for our first winter on the Kantishna River. The
trapline we purchased had been unused for the previous
12 years, but had been started in 1926, and few but
the old timers in the country even knew where it was
at that time since the rivers of the Interior had
largely grown quiet by then. We were dropped off by a
local bush pilot from Nenana in mid-September, and for
the next ten months we learned a lot about Alaska.
The winter of 1989 and 1990 was record breaking for
the deep cold spells and snowfall - every winter has
been an easy one since!
The next year one of my brothers joined us, we began
in earnest to build our traplines in something that we
hoped could support our family for the years to come.
We started with the idea to treat trapping as though
it were a business, working 6 days a week, with our
cut-off period for trapping being 40 below. Three
years later we started an additional trapline 85 miles
to the west in the Nowitna country and during the next
23 years we have cleared over two hundred miles of
trapline trails for our dog teams and sno-gos,
operated subsistence and test fishwheels (for both
Fish and Game and the National Park Service), annually
grew large gardens for our winter needs, built log
homes and cabins for hire in the bush, and seasonally
guided big game hunters.
When we first arrived in the country, we were often
told that the days of life on the trapline were gone;
that this way of life wasn't possible anymore in
Alaska. Thankfully, we found that those opinions were
wrong. The country hadn't changed and the economics
of the life hadn't changed so much as the spirit of
the people seemed to have. We found that optimism,
faith that our efforts would pay off in the end, hard
work, and room to grown has enabled us to live a rich
and rewarding life directly from the resources the
country provides. Alaska has been generous to us, and
the "old ways" are still there waiting for the next
generation to arrive and take up the life again.
In 1996 I started working as an assistant hunting
guide in the Nowitna drainages for the neighboring
trapper who had a small guiding operation. We worked
together for 6 years, guiding hunters in our adjoining
trapping areas, before I started contracting clients
on my own in 2002. Since then, I have been fortunate
to share this guiding opportunity with other neighbors
in my part of the Interior - nearly all of us
currently live and trap close to the areas we hunt in.
We have been able to meet our annual subsistence
needs, while being paid to do so, much like the
trapline. The harvested meat is shared among our
families, and with less successful neighbors in the
region. These packing and guiding jobs are the only
means of employment for most of us, other than
trapping.
For 15 seasons I also worked as an assistant guide for
[hunting] Dall sheep in the Northern Brooks Range, and
for Brown Bear out of Cold Bay on the Alaska
Peninsula. In spite of having my own guiding
business, I continued to work as an assistant guide on
these hunts for many years since it allowed for me to
annually visit these remote parts of the State, which
have become very important to me, and also to simply
be 'a guide' and share in the daily adventure with the
hunters as the experience unfolds. Since this time, I
no longer work as an assistant guide, but do continue
to provide hunts for coastal Brown bear on the Alaska
Peninsula, Moose and grizzly in the northern and
western interior, and intend to continue guiding in
the Arctic if future opportunity allows.
1:54:11 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPHSON asked for elaboration on use of the
term "[grown] quiet."
MR. TURNER explained that not many people are choosing to pursue
the remote, subsistence, trapper lifestyle, leaving the area
quiet to a once dominant and prolific way of life.
1:55:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPHSON directed attention to Mr. Turner's
application and his statement reading, "[I] am the only
Registered or Master hunting guide to serve on this board since
March 2006." A perception exists that the board is comprised of
an abundance of commercial guides, he noted, and asked for
clarification regarding the delineation between guide
classifications.
MR. TURNER answered that a registered hunting guide has the
ability to market and contract for hunting opportunities, and
assumes the ultimate responsibility for the participants and any
employees throughout the hunt. The assistant guide provides
aide to the registered guide, without the same responsibility
level; however, the success of the hunt may reside primarily
with the assistant carrying out the ground work. The assistant
guide has a gun and a backpack, leading the clients, and the
registered guide ensures the legality and safety of the hunt, he
summarized.
REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPHSON related that he has received an email
from someone criticizing Mr. Turner's ethics as being too
extreme, and asked for clarification.
1:57:49 PM
MR. TURNER replied that he is not familiar with the comment or
what it may refer to specifically. He said he would take it as
a compliment not a complaint, and pointed out that his
livelihood is directly dependent on his ability to harvest
wildlife. This dependency makes him unique among the BOG
members. His years of involvement as a professional trapper and
guide, have only heightened the strong sense of ethics that he
was raised with, he said, and stressed the importance for
professionals to maintain the highest standards of performance,
as well as to hold the law in high regard. A sense of ethics is
something for which he holds strong convictions, he underscored
that ethical professionalism extends to sustaining these highest
standards as they relate to fair chase, respect for the animals,
and full utilization and care of the meat.
1:59:15 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TARR shared that a number of the opposing
responses have held a common theme of concern that his board
positions reflect the commercial interests of the guide industry
over resident interests. Specifically mentioned is Proposition
51, limiting guides competition from residents, in which he
demonstrated allegiance to the industry, she said, and asked for
comment.
2:00:15 PM
MR. TURNER replied that, since the passage of Proposition 51, a
higher level of anxiety has been expressed than what initially
arose during the board's consideration of the proposal.
Regarding his role, he said he does not view his position on the
board as being that of an advocate for the guiding industry, but
rather for promoting the preservation of traditional hunting
opportunities for everyone, with the same level of importance.
Residents have provided a clear voice of appreciation for
accomplishments he has attained, he said, particularly for
preserving historic ways of life and traditional values held in
Alaska. Game hunting is a highly regulated industry and
requires insights into all the working pieces, he elaborated,
which is what he tries to impart on the other board members for
their benefit in making decisions. He said his efforts are
primarily to preserve and ensure a viable resource for the
future. Proposal 51 was presented to the board by the
Professional Hunters Association and contained a particularly
confusing portion. Lacking an understanding of the intent for
that portion, the board chose to remove it, which in hindsight
may not have been optimal, he said, and predicted that the
proposal will be resubmitted. Addressing the point of second
degree, kindred issues, he said, it's been a common topic before
the board for the last decade. It revolves around limited
permit opportunities that are highly coveted by non-residents.
The permits are being passed to second degree kindred, which has
disrupted the original intent of the allocation structure set
forth by the board. He pointed out that other board members may
have a different opinion on what is causing the angst regarding
this topic.
2:04:30 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TARR said another issue relates to Dall sheep
management and that the board is perceived to favor the
professional guide industry over the interests of the residents.
2:04:54 PM
MR. TURNER said there are 41 members in the sheep working group
that is setup by the board to work through the advisory
committee system. He pointed out that the topic of Dall sheep
management tends to draw the best and worst out of people, as it
represents a contentious issue. The board is working towards
the goal of achieving maximum opportunities for Alaskan voices
to be heard. With that in mind, every avenue was pursued to
hear from non-government organizations, consumptive and non-
consumptive members of the public, and any other interested
parties that chose to express their opinion. He stated his
belief that the process was not dominated by the voices of
guides.
2:07:12 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPHSON asked for verification that there was a
significant number of guides, servicing non-residents, who
opposed Proposition 207.
2:07:26 PM
MR. TURNER answered yes, about 50 percent of the guides opposed
the proposal.
2:07:58 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TARR recalled the possibility that Proposition 51
may be brought back before the board, and said a continuing
sentiment exists that the board supports the guide industry over
resident interests. She asked how he, as a re-appointment to a
leadership position on the board, anticipates moving forward on
these issues in a positive direction.
2:09:09 PM
MR. TURNER replied that he gained an understanding of the
omitted portion, after the meeting was adjourned. He said he
would look forward to having it brought back for further
consideration. In moving forward, he suggested that there is
always more behind a story than is immediately apparent and he
expects honesty can be brought to the arguments by identifying
and bringing forward points that have not yet been laid on the
table. Many arguments may not be honest, he opined, and said it
it's not necessary to malign anyone. Resolving the competitions
between the various aspects of the industry may be beyond the
scope of the BOG. However, a transparent, honest approach
throughout the board process should ally the majority. As a
member he strives to be approachable and available, and to
demonstrate true compassion. He provided an anecdote of a
recent working group that was formed to address a specific
complaint, how it maintained a transparent process, ensured that
everyone was heard, and resulted in a satisfactory outcome.
2:13:12 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TARR referred to the competition between the two
aspects of the guiding industry; the transporters and the
guides. Although not limited in a legal sense, there is a de
facto limitation practiced because some of the transporters will
not bring residents into areas which are unofficially reserved
for commercial guiding.
2:13:45 PM
MR. TURNER acknowledged being aware of the de facto claim;
however, there are many excellent transporters in the state who
ensure that residents are able to access areas that otherwise
could not be hunted. Ethical standards and responsibilities are
required of registered transporters. The competition he was
referring to pertains to a minority of the air taxi transporters
who would like to see the guiding industry go away. These
opponents may not say outright that they would like the guiding
industry to go away, but it's in their best commercial interest
to see it dissolved.
2:15:26 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPHSON asked for clarification on the final
vote taken on Proposition 207.
2:15:36 PM
MR. TURNER responded that the vote changed, as there were a
record number of board hearings on the proposal. He recalled
that the final vote was 4-3.
2:16:07 PM
CO-CHAIR TALERICO asked for clarity regarding Mr. Turner's
position and approach on the Denali National Park and Preserve
buffer zone.
2:16:43 PM
MR. TURNER related that false rumors of his stance and voting
history have been circulated; however, the buffer zone issue has
not come up while he has been on the board, thus he has no
comment or vote on record. The question that did arise had to
do with scheduling the topic on the board's agenda. The board
meetings have been altered from a three to a two year cycle,
which required reconsideration of the original timeline for the
issue to be heard. Mr. Turner offered that placing the BOG
meetings on a two year cycle has not been an improvement but
rather become detrimental in many ways and particularly to the
public process.
2:19:03 PM
CO-CHAIR TALERICO opened public testimony.
2:19:21 PM
DICK ROHRER stated support for Nathan Turner to be re-appointed
to the Board of Game (BOG), and said that, through his regular
attendance at board meetings, he is well acquainted with the
appointee. Two words characterize Mr. Turner, he opined:
ethics and integrity. During the recent BOG meeting, he
reported, Mr. Turner was personally attacked by several
witnesses, however, his response to them remained respectful and
he thanked them for their testimony. He has been a great asset
to the board, he maintained, and urged confirmation.
2:21:33 PM
SAM ROHRER, President, Alaska Professional Hunters Association
(APHA), stated official support for Nathan Turner to be
reappointed to the Board of Game (BOG), and paraphrasing from a
prepared statement he spoke as follows:
The APHA strongly supports the re-appointment of Nate
Turner to the Board of Game (BOG). To be a good BOG
member one needs to approach each proposal and the
board process with an open mind. You need to
carefully consider the long and short term
implications of each board action and you need to
listen and carefully consider all of the public
testimony. That is the type of board member Mr.
Turner is. Mr. Turner's fair minded, he asks
questions of all the testifiers in an effort to gain
knowledge of specific issues, and he truly cares about
the resource and about all the resource users. Mr.
Turner's wide range of experience, as a trapper,
subsistence user, and hunting guide provides him with
the ability to understand how decisions the board
makes affects the users in the field. This knowledge
is invaluable.
One of the things that I particularly appreciate about
Mr. Turner is that he doesn't always vote the way I
would prefer he vote, and he doesn't always vote in
favor of my associations' proposals. This might
surprise some of you that I would appreciate a board
member not voting the way I would like them to vote.
But it goes to show an important character trait of
Mr. Turner. Mr. Turner is beholding to no individual
user group or association. In fact, to the best that
I can see, he is only beholding to two things: the
long term sustainability of our wildlife resources;
and to all Alaskans in general. This is as it should
be.
Lastly, I want to briefly address what is currently
one of the biggest threats to resource users in Alaska
and the hunting way of life: federal overreach. Mr.
Turner has been at the forefront of the effort to
combat this, both in his professional life as a
hunting guide and a refuge special use permit holder,
and in his capacity as a BOG member. In fact, Mr.
Turner probably has more experience dealing with
federal issues than any other current BOG member. The
federal government, through the Parks Service, Fish
and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, and Bureau of
Land Management is constantly trying to erode state
authority on matters related to wildlife management.
The BOG is unquestionably at the forefront of the
fight to push back against this type of federal
overreach. With Mr. Turner's experience with these
issues, he's undoubtedly the right person for this
job. It is primarily for this reason that the APHA
strongly supports Mr. Turner's re-appointment to the
BOG.
Lastly, just as a side note, I wanted to mention that
through some of the e-mails you've hear in opposition
to Nate, there's been some fairly strong accusations
of the guiding industries too close ties to Nate. Or
the APHA's too close of ties to Mr. Turner. I would
love to have the opportunity to answer any questions
of the committee if there are some of you who feel
this may be the case.
2:24:57 PM
JASON BUNCH stated support for Nathan Turner to be re-appointed
to the Board of Game (BOG). As a member of the Kodiak advisory
committee, he said he has firsthand observations of the
appointee, and reported that Mr. Turner demonstrates good
leadership skills, is attentive, and consistently unbiased and
thoughtful in his responses. Additionally, he is representative
of a good steward of Alaskan resources, he opined.
2:26:05 PM
THOMAS KEEFE LAMAL stated opposition to Nathan Turner's re-
appointment to the Board of Game (BOG), and paraphrasing from a
prepared statement he spoke as follows:
Running for these boards and commissions is a
difficult task, because of all the negative
conversation that comes to light on the candidates.
Some is true, some is speculation. Your constituents
voted you into office because they felt you would
confirm the best candidates to protect the rights of
Alaska residents and keep the boards balance with
diversity. The Board of Game (BOG) is a perfect
example of your ignoring the request of the public and
succumbing to the requests of lobbyists and commercial
operators. The BOG is incredibly unbalanced and it
has been for years. It is shameful, and residents of
other states can't believe how you treat your fellow
Alaskans. Please look at how other western states
allocate their resources to their residents. For
years the BOG has been referred to as the "Board of
Guides." I'm not going to go into unpleasant
politics, but Nate Turner is a guide and Alaska does
not need another guide on the BOG. Both candidates,
for the BOG this year, are guides and, if both are
confirmed, there will be three guides on the board,
one person from a guiding family, and a chair that
totally supports the guides over the residents. Who
is responsible for this situation? You need to talk
to the people on the street; the ones that elected you
and understand main stream sentiment. I have seen
many letters written to Governor Walker, state
senators, and state legislators, requesting a balanced
BOG where residents will have some representation.
You can't keep confirming people that make a living
off BOG decisions. I am requesting that you don't
confirm Nate Turner. I think there should be one
guide on the BOG, not three or four. These decisions
should be made with Alaska residents as your number
one priority.
2:28:17 PM
VIRGIL UMPHENOUR, Chairman, Fish and Game Advisory Committee,
stated official support for Nathan Turner to be re-appointed to
the Board of Game (BOG), and said a good board member must bear
three things in mind, which are: 1) the constitutional mandate
of sustained yield; 2) conservation of the resources; and 3)
development of the resources. It's important to be fair,
honest, and open to the public, he said, which Mr. Turner has
demonstrated in his past service. There's been controversy over
some recent proposals and, regardless of how you vote as a board
member, one side is going to be happy and one will be unhappy.
The most vocal will be heard. Mr. Turner is doing a very good
job, he opined and urged his confirmation.
2:30:43 PM
MICHELLE ANDERSON, President, Ahtna Incorporated, stated
official support for Nathan Turner to be re-appointed to the
Board of Game (BOG), and said she is a regular attendee at the
board meetings. She pointed out the power and position that the
BOF holds in the critical decisions that must be made and the
effect those decisions have on many people who depend on game as
a primary food source. Mr. Turner makes ethical decisions,
based on experience, in a respectful and responsible manner,
extending beyond his human interactions to include the animals
he harvests and the land he hunts. In her observations, she
said he is rational, calm, well conducted, and ready to hear
others express their opinions prior to deciding his own mind.
She invited the BOG and the House Resources Standing Committee
members to visit Game Units 11, 12, and 13, during hunting
season, to view firsthand the adverse impacts that the BOG
decisions have on the area.
2:34:06 PM
KAREN LINNEL, Executive Director, Ahtna Inter Tribal Resource
Commission (AITRC), stated official support for Nathan Turner to
be re-appointed to the Board of Game (BOG). The commission was
formed to be the coordinating body for subsistence resources in
the Ahtna traditional use area, comprising eight tribes and two
Native corporations. The AITRC fully supports the retention of
Mr. Turner as he provides a balanced and rational voice on the
board, listens to all sides, does his research on issues, and
makes informed decisions. Representing subsistence users, the
AITRC finds Mr. Turner to be fair and unbiased regarding the
guiding industry and balancing what is best for the resource.
She reported having attended the BOG meetings on a regular basis
and observed first hand his ability to handle difficult
situations. Further, he chaired the community working group,
which she sat on, and found him to be very fair and equitable.
Multiple sheep proposals have come through, she reported, and
more study may be necessary to come to a decision that will best
serve the resource.
2:37:58 PM
JOE KLUTSCH stated support for Nathan Turner to be re-appointed
to the Board of Game (BOG), and said the qualities he is
familiar with in the appointee include: integrity, honesty,
fairness, and possessing an unbiased opinion. The welfare of
the resource is what comes first, he underscored, and Mr. Turner
has that interest at heart. The issue at hand appears to be the
methods and means of airplane use, he opined, and said the fair
chase/same day aircraft use concern has been ironed out to the
benefit of all users. He maintained that much of the negativity
is being generated by hunters who want to use aircraft to spot
animals and pursue via air chase, which is not considered a fair
chase method. Mr. Turner is a good man, he finished.
2:41:09 PM
ROD ARNO, Executive Director, Alaska Outdoor Council (AOC),
stated official opposition to Nathan Turner's re-appointment to
the Board of Game (BOG), and reported AOC as having about 10,000
resident members. He said that the board has reached a
contentious level, among Alaskan resident hunters, that has not
been seen before. The federal land managers are imposing
restrictions which favor subsistence hunters and minimizes the
areas available for other residents. The council would like to
see a more balanced board with representation from "folks who
have come up through the advisory committee process in non-
subsistence areas," he stressed.
2:43:00 PM
LYLE BECKER stated support for Nathan Turner to be re-appointed
to the Board of Game (BOG). He described himself as an active
trapper in Game Unit 19, and previously in Game Unit 7. Despite
the rich history of trapping in Alaska, finding someone with the
depth of understanding that Mr. Turner holds on the topic is
uncommon, he opined. People without a connection to the woods
and the realities of trapping have an unrealistic approach when
imposing management restrictions. He suggested that anyone
would find it enlightening to listen to a random sampling of
testimony at any of the BOG meeting, to hear which board member
asks thoughtful, intentional questions. He maintained it will
likely be Mr. Turner requesting clarity and elaboration on a
given topic. Many of the questions Mr. Turner asks are
deliberately designed to draw out additional information and to
ensure that the witness is fully heard. Finally, he said, "Nate
is pretty sharp for a Bush Rat." For someone who spends the
majority of his time in the Bush, Mr. Turner is thoughtful and
articulate which, he underscored, is unusual for a Bush Rat.
2:46:16 PM
ROBERT FITHIAN stated support for Nathan Turner to be re-
appointed to the Board of Game (BOG). He described his
background as serving both federally and within the state in
various conservation fields. He said:
Please know that the Alaska Board of Game (BOG)
process represents the most democratic process of
wildlife conservation that exists anywhere in the
world. I can safely assure you of that. ...
I've known Mr. Turner and his family for many years
and have watched him closely as he's dedicated much of
his life to the BOG process. I find him to be a most
respectful and respected Alaskan. One who's lived
close to what many of us hold dear regarding our
wildlife and wild lands.
His advocacy from the BOG to address usurping the
state authority by the federal land agencies is
resilient and strong. This situation represents one
of our greatest conservation challenges, and he's
often lead the way in communications with the AG's
(attorney general's) office to find and promote our
strengths. Nate is not a party line person. He
believes and thinks with the best interest of the
whole, and respectfully considers and communicates
with people or groups who do not believe in our
constitutional mandates of wildlife conservation. He
is a good communicator, he takes the time to make sure
that the board process does not leave a board member,
or a public member, misunderstanding the concern, or
process, or actions. He does not march to the drum of
certain special interest groups who, in my opinion, do
not represent the best interest of the whole for
Alaska.
He stands strong on fair chase and high ethical
standards of hunting, which I and many others believe
represents one of the most critical aspects of
protecting our future hunting opportunities.
We're very fortunate, as a state, to have balanced
people of integrity donating their time and lives to
Alaska's best interest and Mr. Turner is no exception
to this. A non-confirmation of this man, I believe,
would be a blemish on the integrity of the board
process and on our state as a whole. I strongly
encourage his continuation within the board process.
2:49:06 PM
KELLY VREM, Registered Guide, stated support for Nathan Turner
to be re-appointed to the Board of Game (BOG). Mr. Turner is
his own man and not swayed by special interest groups, he said.
Despite being a guide, he hasn't always voted in the best
interests of the guiding industry. Mr. Turner's integrity is
beyond reproach, he opined. The negative comments are at high
levels, but naysayers often want to reserve the sole right to
decide what is best. Mr. Turner holds the interests of the
natural resources of Alaska "in his heart."
2:50:24 PM
RICHARD PERSON, Chair, South Central Chapter, Alaska Trappers
Association, stated official support for Nathan Turner to be re-
appointed to the Board of Game (BOG), and said he appreciates
the representation that the appointee brings to the board as a
trapper, as well as the lifestyle that he lives. It's
significant and important to have someone serving whose life is
integral to the wildlife being managed. Mr. Turner is
reasonable and fair minded, he said, and urged confirmation.
2:51:55 PM
ROB STONE, Attorney, stated opposition to Nathan Turner's re-
appointment to the Board of Game (BOG). He described himself as
a second generation pilot and a founding member of the Resident
Hunters of Alaska group. He voiced opposition for three
reasons: 1) the BOG is too heavily weighted with commercial
interests; 2) an ethics complaint has been filed against the
appointee; and 3) Mr. Turner is a staunch supporter of
Proposition 207. Elaborating on the third point, he explained,
that Proposition 207 "keeps resident pilots, out of the
mountains, competing with guides like Mr. Turner." Most
alarming, he stressed, is Mr. Turner's disregard for input from
the public. The supporters have stated that he listens to the
public and holds no special interest biases; however,
Proposition 207 was created behind closed doors in collaboration
with a small interest group. This measure is best described as
an anti-pilot, anti-resident proposition, he opined. Once this
proposition was passed, the overwhelming public testimony
opposing the measure was ignored, he explained and named the
various organizations who submitted oppositional statements to
the board, which included: the Alaska Airmen, many advisory
councils, the Alaska Professional Hunters Association, many air
carriers, and the Bow Hunters Association. The Alaska State
Troopers deemed that the proposition would be unenforceable.
The merits of Proposition 207 are no longer the concern, but
rather that Mr. Turner disregarded the overwhelming opposition
presented by the public and used a closed-door meeting to craft
the policy. He reported that, sitting as a member of the 41
member working sheep group, there was a common lack of trust
regarding the BOG because of its disregard for public input, as
demonstrated through the handling of Proposition 207. He
maintained that Mr. Turner has lost the trust of Alaskans and
urged the committee to deny his re-appointment.
2:55:39 PM
MIKE MCCRARY stated opposition to Nathan Turner's re-appointment
to the Board of Game (BOG) for the same reasons that Mr. Lamal
and Mr. Arno have described, and added that Mr. Turner displays
a clear lack of recognition for the financial interest he
personally holds regarding harvesting of wildlife. Mr. Turner
considers himself to be entitled to earn his living off of the
public resource and treats the guiding industry similar to
subsistence, which is a bona fide entitlement. The guiding
industry receives protections from Mr. Turner's board
activities. Finally, he opined, there is too much commercial
representation on the board, and he urged that the committee
oppose the re-appointment.
2:58:38 PM
AARON BLOOMQUIST stated support for Nathan Turner to be re-
appointed to the Board of Game (BOG). As a regular attendee at
the BOG meetings, he reported that he has brought many proposals
before the board to which Mr. Turner has been a primary vote of
opposition. Despite Mr. Turner's lack of support for his
proposals, he said, "I've always felt like I've gotten a fair
shake." He urged members to grant the confirmation and said
much of the opposition is isolated to a few who have gone so far
as to file false ethics claims against Mr. Turner.
3:01:05 PM
BIRCH YUKNIS, Matanuska-Susitna Advisory Committee, stated
official and personal opposition to Nathan Turner's re-
appointment to the Board of Game (BOG). On behalf of the
committee he said it voted unanimously against the re-
appointment of Nathan Turner, at their regular meeting on March
2, 2016. Mr. Turner's support of Proposition 207 was cited as
the major stimulus for the opposition. In supporting the
proposal, Mr. Turner ignored the vociferous, statewide,
oppositional response generated by the public. Speaking
personally, he opined that Mr. Turner is looking out for his own
agenda and not the best interest of the state residents. The
sheep working group would not be necessary if the board
incorporated the advice of the advisory committees and the
public. The big game guides are the supporters behind the re-
appointment, but not the public, he maintained.
3:03:R12 PM
MARK RICHARDS, Executive Director, Resident Hunters of Alaska
(RHAK), stated official opposition to Nathan Turner's re-
appointment to the Board of Game (BOG), and paraphrased from a
written statement, which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
We want to make clear that we believe there is nothing
wrong with having a guide sit on the Board of Game
(BOG). Or someone with a guiding background. Guides
and those with a guiding background have a valuable
perspective and experience to share. There is also
absolutely nothing wrong if a guide member of the
Board of Game should have a conflict with certain
proposals before the Board. That is why we have
ethics disclosures and rules about conflict of
interest. But a guide like Mr. Turner who also books
hunts for other guides and whose booking services
include nearly all big game species creates a negative
set of circumstances whereby most of the proposals
that come before the Board more than likely will
create a conflicted environment. The problem that we
have with Mr. Turner is that he has not been
forthcoming about his guiding and hunt booking
activities in his ethics disclosures and he has been
allowed to deliberate and vote on proposals before the
Board that clearly have a financial benefit or loss to
him.
RHAK filed an ethics complaint against Mr. Turner at
the start of the Statewide 2016 BOG meeting in
Fairbanks last month. Our goal was to point out these
facts in the hope that Mr. Turner would recuse himself
from deliberating and voting on the numerous statewide
sheep proposals before the Board asking, among other
things, to limit all nonresident sheep hunters to draw
only hunts with a set allocation level. He was also
falsely claiming that he held exclusive guiding rights
in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Mr. Turner
was also involved as a member of the Alaska
Professional Hunters Association (APHA), with APHA's
Non-Resident Hunting Preservation Fund. Mr. Turner
advertised that program on his website and his clients
pay into that program to preserve their non-resident
hunting opportunities. After the complaint APHA has
taken that page down from their website.
We brought these issues before the Board, with the
intention that Mr. Turner would disclose these issues
and recuse himself from deliberating and voting on the
number of proposals before the Board seeking to limit
or restrict non-resident guided sheep hunting
opportunities. Instead of doing so, however, Mr.
Turner responded to the complaint by basically saying
nothing on his website was true because it was old
information that hadn't been updated. He doesn't
really sell Dall sheep hunts for $17,500 for the 2016
season, as his website states. He doesn't hold
exclusive guiding rights in the Arctic refuge, as his
website claims. He isn't being compensated for acting
as a hunt booker for other guides. And other guide
members of the APHA are also involved with the non-
resident hunting preservation fund. The kicker,
however, in Mr. Turner's response on the record about
his website, was when he said he did not feel it was
inappropriate for his website to still be up and to
claim all this information.
Mr. Turner was allowed to deliberate and vote on the
sheep proposals before the Board, two weeks ago, after
nearly a decade of the public asking the Board to
limit non-resident guided sheep hunters who are taking
60-80 percent of our sheep in some areas. The Board
really only took action on, and passed, two proposals
from the APHA that limited non-resident next of kin
hunters and the Alaskan resident relatives who take
them hunting. Unbelievably, Mr. Turner helped pass an
APHA proposal that forces resident Alaskan hunters,
who take a relative hunting for a must be guided
species to punch their tag if an animal is harvested.
So now if, for example, I want to bring my non-
resident brother up here to hunt sheep with me, we
both don't have an opportunity to harvest a sheep,
only one of us can harvest a sheep.
It appears that commercial guiding interests are
having an unfair influence on the BOG. Mr. Turner is
a primary example of that influence. His guiding and
hunt booking activities and affiliation with the fund
to preserve non-resident hunting opportunities have
never been disclosed, as they should have been.
We hope members of this committee and other members of
the legislature will weigh this information carefully
before you vote to confirm Mr. Turner and we ask that
you appose his re-appointment.
3:07:59 PM
MARY SATTLER, Lobbyist, stated official support for Nathan
Turner to be re-appointed to the Board of Game (BOG), and said
the Alaska Regional Coalition, for whom she speaks, is comprised
of five regions hosting 100 tribes. Mr. Turner hears all
opinion, does his homework, and does not favor any one segment
of Alaska or Alaskans, she offered. Further, he is fair and
open minded, and excellent in all aspects. Public policy can be
very contentious, she acknowledged, when it includes finite
resource allocation, and passion is often a factor when lobbying
issues before the board. However, Mr. Turner puts forth an
excellent effort to make the best decision possible for all
Alaskans. The Bethel Native Corporation has also added their
voice of support, she said and offered to make their written
comments available to the committee.
3:10:05 PM
BENJAMIN MALLOTT, Vice President, Alaska Federation of Natives
(AFN), stated official support for Nathan Turner to be re-
appointed to the Board of Game (BOG), and said AFN is comprised
of 183 tribes, representing more than 120,000 Alaskan Natives.
On behalf of AFN he urged the re-appointment of Mr. Turner as a
competent, rational, and highly effective board member. He
added that AFN also supports the confirmation of Nicholas
Jackson to the Big Game and Commercial Services Board.
CO-CHAIR TALERICO closed public testimony on the appointments of
Mr. Trimmingham and Mr. Turner to the Board of Game.
3:11:25 PM
CO-CHAIR TALERICO reminded members that the hearing process is
to vet the nominees for these positions. Signing the reports
regarding appointments to boards and commissions in no way
reflects individual members' approval or disapproval of the
appointees, and that the nominations are merely forwarded to the
full legislature for confirmation or rejection.
3:12:23 PM
CO-CHAIR NAGEAK moved to advance the confirmation of Nicholas
Jackson, appointee to the Big Game Services Board, and Guy
Trimmingham and Nathan Turner, appointees to the Board of Game,
to a joint session of the House and Senate for consideration.
There being no objection, the confirmations were advanced.
3:13:06 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Resources Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 3:13 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| CFEC CSHB112 ver P 4.3.16.pdf |
HRES 4/6/2016 1:00:00 PM |
HB 112 |
| CS HB 112 Opposing letter UFA.pdf |
HRES 4/6/2016 1:00:00 PM |
HB 112 |
| CSHB112 ver P 4.3.16 CFEC opposing letter.pdf |
HRES 4/6/2016 1:00:00 PM |
HB 112 |
| HB 112 Explanation of Changes W to N.pdf |
HRES 4/6/2016 1:00:00 PM |
HB 112 |
| HB 112 Hearing Request RES.pdf |
HRES 4/6/2016 1:00:00 PM |
HB 112 |
| HB 112 Legal Memo.pdf |
HRES 4/6/2016 1:00:00 PM |
HB 112 |
| HB 112 opposing letter SASA.pdf |
HRES 4/6/2016 1:00:00 PM |
HB 112 |
| HB 112 Sectional N.pdf |
HRES 4/6/2016 1:00:00 PM |
HB 112 |
| HB 112 Sponsor Statement Ver N.pdf |
HRES 4/6/2016 1:00:00 PM |
HB 112 |
| HB 112 Support Admin Order 279.PDF |
HRES 4/6/2016 1:00:00 PM |
HB 112 |
| HB 112 Support LB&A CFEC Audit.pdf |
HRES 4/6/2016 1:00:00 PM |
HB 112 |
| HB 112 ver N.pdf |
HRES 4/6/2016 1:00:00 PM |
HB 112 |
| Honorable Mike Chenault re AO 279 022916 (2).pdf |
HRES 4/6/2016 1:00:00 PM |
|
| Big Game - Jackson.pdf |
HRES 4/6/2016 1:00:00 PM |
|
| Game - Trimmingham.pdf |
HRES 4/6/2016 1:00:00 PM |
|
| Game - Turner.pdf |
HRES 4/6/2016 1:00:00 PM |
|
| Turner Supporting documents.PDF |
HRES 4/6/2016 1:00:00 PM |
|
| Turner Opposing documents.PDF |
HRES 4/6/2016 1:00:00 PM |
|
| BOG BGCSB Letter of Support.pdf |
HRES 4/6/2016 1:00:00 PM |
|
| HSE RES 4.6.16 Nathan Turner - Bethel Native Corp - LOS.pdf |
HRES 4/6/2016 1:00:00 PM |
Board of Game |