HCR 10-RESTORATION OF RIPARIAN HABITAT   CHAIR SEATON announced that the next order of business would be HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 10, Relating to restoration of riparian habitat that is vital to the fisheries resources of the state. Number 2558 REPRESENTATIVE KELLY WOLF, Alaska State Legislature, speaking as the sponsor of HCR 10, offered the historical perspective that in the early 1990s habitat wasn't talked about within communities or in departments [as it is today]. He said that understanding the importance of riparian habitat has grown over the past 8 to 10 years. He indicated that HCR 10 asks that state agencies, federal agencies, communities, and organizations understand that the fishery resource is an important part of Alaska's traditional consumptive use and enjoyment, and provides income to the state, saying that HCR 10 asks for recognition of this via "working together." Number 2466 REPRESENTATIVE WOLF said a key phrase that he liked to use was "it's easier to educate than it is to regulate." He said that HCR 10 promotes stewardship through communities and allows agencies - federal, state, municipalities, and boroughs - to expand their ability to protect riparian habitat for all user groups. He explained that this resolution is about promoting agencies' understanding that there are options for partnerships with community groups that would bring in corporate funding, and promote restoration and the protection of the riparian habitat. Number 2392 REPRESENTATIVE GUTTENBERG inquired about the correlation between HCR 10 and Executive Order 107 (EO 107), saying that HCR 10 was based on healthy habitat and fisheries, while EO 107 was eliminating that program. Number 2350 REPRESENTATIVE WOLF replied that EO 107 involved moving the Division of Habitat and Restoration from the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G) to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), while HCR 10 was focused on agencies working together to raise the awareness of the importance of the riparian habitat. He noted that the governor has acknowledged the importance of habitat and resources. He said he would like to keep HCR 10 as far away from EO 107 as "China is from Alaska" or even further. Number 2300 REPRESENTATIVE GUTTENBERG commented that he didn't know if it were possible [to separate the issues]. Number 2280 REPRESENTATIVE WOLF asked if the committee wanted to view a portion of a videotaped TV program that was developed by a program that he [Representative Wolf] used to run. He said that the videotape demonstrates what can be accomplished from cooperation and working together. [The committee watched a few minutes of a videotape entitled "Bringing the Nation to Alaska."] Number 2142 REPRESENTATIVE WOLF said that riparian habitats involve partnerships, and he explained that this particular project was done in 2001 as part of the "DOT Highway Improvement Project" and was done between mile 39 and 45 in Cooper Landing, involving the development of the gravel pit as a source of gravels. He said the project involved some 29 different agencies working together. He said the Youth Restoration Corps was involved due to corporate support and that it involved 137 sponsors, nationwide. There were 84 teenagers from around the nation, involving 10 states including Alaska - all promoting stewardship. He added that there was no state money involved whatsoever. Number 2090 REPRESENTATIVE OGG moved to report HCR 10 out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying zero fiscal notes. There being no objection, HCR 10 was reported from the House Special Committee on Fisheries.