HOUSE BILL NO. 307 An Act creating the Knik River Public Use Area. Representative Bill Stoltze, Sponsor commented briefly on the bill. He noted that his district experienced problems with land mismanagement and misuse. He pointed out the public meetings held to discuss this issue and noted changes made in the bill to reflect concerns expressed by the department and constituents. He expressed his intention to develop a multiuse management plan, maintaining current values of use. 9:55:38 AM CHARLOTTE SARTOR, MATSU, testified via teleconference in support of the bill. She thanked Representative Stoltze for improvements to the bill. She explained problems of land misuse, and proposed that good enforcement was key to addressing problems. She also suggested changes to line 13, and discussed the network of trail routes. She suggested adding a citizen's advisory board, and pointed out the need to safeguard wildlife. She urged funding for the bill. 9:57:46 AM BRIT LIVELY, CO-FOUNDER, BUTTE AREA CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS, testified via teleconference in support of the bill. She thanked the Sponsor for providing more troopers for the area. She applauded changes made by the House Resources Committee, but suggested that more changes were needed. She stated that dangerous activities in the area were still a concern, and urged funding for adequate oversight. She noted that they had not seen the fiscal note, but proposed an estimate of $250 thousand for the first year to make the area usable for families. She also noted the need for public restrooms, as well as for enforcement to prevent vandalism. She also suggested that a recreational area designation would help to protect the area, and that visitors would therefore pay a small fee for upkeep for the area. She urged support of this Alaskan resource. 10:02:16 AM Co-Chair Meyer closed public testimony for the day, but expressed his intention to continue on the following day. HB 307 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further consideration.