SJR 20 - SAVE THE BEAVER IN WASH D.C. CO-CHAIR SANDERS announced that the first item of business would be CS for Senate Joint Resolution No. 20(RES), relating to the removal of beaver from Washington, D.C. Number 0090 MEL KROGSENG, Legislative Assistant to Senator Robin Taylor, Alaska State Legislature, came forward on behalf of the sponsor to explain the resolution, noting that Senator Taylor was in Washington, D.C. She recounted how first one and then three beavers had inhabited the tidal basin in Washington, D.C., and were gnawing down "alien cherry trees" planted there that were in bloom. Senator Taylor had felt that because these beavers apparently had been eradicated from the area some years ago, they should be allowed to inhabit the area. MS. KROGSENG stated, "After all, in Alaska, we've had our timber industry shut down to protect various birds, and in other areas of the Western states, there have been many projects that have been stopped, and people have been removed to protect endangered species in those areas." Acknowledging the somewhat tongue-in-cheek aspect, she said there is a serious situation, where numerous projects have been stopped by the National Park Service. She concluded, "The feeling is: If it's good enough for Alaska, then it should be good enough for Washington, D.C." Number 0259 REPRESENTATIVE BARNES asked how the beavers may have arrived back. MS. KROGSENG replied that from the large amount of information obtained from supporters of the resolution, news articles said the National Park Service believes the beavers floated down the Potomac River on some brush during a flood. She added that U.S. Representative Helen Chenoweth of Idaho has asked the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to begin a study of these animals, to determine whether this is a unique subspecies that should be placed on the endangered species list. Number 0502 REPRESENTATIVE JOULE recounted a trip to New York City, where he witnessed a gay-rights parade attended by people who were thoroughly disgusted. He had wondered why, if those people were really disgusted, they were at the parade. He suggested the best statement of disapproval would have been not being there. He equated that situation to this resolution. Noting the important issues that need to be addressed, he concluded, "We don't need to be here with this." Number 0665 REPRESENTATIVE BARNES agreed there are many important issues. However, she believes it is important to make a point to Washington, D.C., she said, that Alaska has important issues relating to the Endangered Species Act and fish and wildlife, for example. While this is a bit tongue-in-cheek, she believes it does really send a message. Number 0792 REPRESENTATIVE BARNES made a motion to move CSSJR 20(RES) from the committee with individual recommendations and the attached zero fiscal note; she asked unanimous consent. There being no objection, CSSJR 20(RES) moved from the House Resources Standing Committee.