SENATE BILL NO. 57 "An Act relating to hunting in marine park units of the Alaska state park system, amending the area within designated marine park units of the Alaska state park system, and adding marine park units to the Alaska state park system." Senator Elton, sponsor, highlighted SB 57. The bill adds 14 islands adjacent to Juneau and to the existing Marine Parks. They range from Lincoln Island in the north to Portland Island in the south. The islands are frequented by locals and Southeast Alaska residents and are used for many purposes. The islands are an integral part of the tourism economy. It is expected that outdoor groups, especially the Territorial Sportsmen, will add amenities to the park system. Senator Elton reported that the bill was developed in consultation with the Division of Parks, Juneau Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, the Juneau State Parks Advisory Committee, local tourism companies, and the City and Borough of Juneau. It excludes private landholdings but protects private landholdings already on the islands. The bill is supported by CBJ, Territorial Sportsmen, Goldbelt Native Corporation, Anytime Charters, Juneau State Parks Advisory Board, Southeast Alaska Land Trust, and Southeast Alaska Conservation Council. Senator Elton noted that in the previous committee a 10-fathom bathymetric line was added in order to protect areas adjacent to the Marine Park. The bill says that the commissioner cannot prohibit hunting and fishing in the Marine Park. 9:49:09 AM Senator Olson asked if trapping is allowed. Senator Elton referred to Section 2 to show that trapping cannot be prohibited. Senator Olson asked if commercial fishing is included in the section. Senator Elton said it was. Co-Chair Stedman commented that 10 fathoms was selected because it is easy to see on all electronic charts. Co-Chair Hoffman asked how many acres the park encompasses. Senator Elton deferred to the Department of Natural Resources. 9:50:48 AM MIKE EBERHARDT, DIVISION OF PARKS, DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, replied that he does not know the total acreage of the Marine Park. He thought there was approximately 1,500 acres of land. Senator Stedman requested more information, broken down by land and water. Senator Olson asked how much of the park was on private land. Mr. Eberhardt replied that there were only three private landowners and they have been contacted. Senator Olson asked if they are supportive. Mr. Eberhardt said they have not voiced opposition. Co-Chair Stedman asked if the three private parcels have waterfront access. Mr. Eberhardt replied that they do. Senator Elton noted a letter of support from one of the landowners. Senator Dyson assumed that the property rights of the landholders are not diminished. Mr. Eberhardt said that is correct. 9:54:39 AM GARY MILLER, JUNEAU STATE PARKS ADVISORY BOARD, reported that the park consists of 12.1 square miles of land and 11.5 square miles of water, which would be somewhat reduced by the 10-fathom boundary. Co-Chair Stedman asked if most of the land is on Shelter and Lincoln Islands. Mr. Miller said yes and added that hunting and trapping are available on both islands. 9:56:32 AM Senator Elton MOVED to CSSB 57(FIN) out of Committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. CSSB 57(RES) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "no recommendation" and with a new fiscal note by the Department of Natural Resources, and with a new zero fiscal note by Department of Fish and Game. 9:57:07 AM At-ease 10:01:38 AM