HB 125-TRAPPING CABINS ON STATE LAND  3:31:59 PM CO-CHAIR GIESSEL announced the consideration of CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 125(RES) "An Act relating to trapping cabins on state land; and relating to trapping cabin permit fees." 3:32:21 PM CO-CHAIR GIESSEL opened public testimony. 3:32:47 PM PETER BUIST, Former President, Founding Member, Alaska Trappers Association (ATA), Fairbanks, Alaska, testified in support of HB 125. Forty years ago as President of ATA, he worked with former Alaska State Representative Red Swanson to introduce the original legislation that addressed the critical need for trappers to obtain critical winter shelter on state land trap lines. Later, as a former Department of Natural Resources (DNR) employee, he helped administer the first trapper construction permit. It has been a popular permit, experiences scarce abuse, and helps prevent trespassing cabin issues. It is supported by both urban and rural trappers among ATA members. There is common support around the need for effective and lifesaving winter shelter for all long trap line trappers. Over the years, it has become known to the trapping community and DNR that legislative changes are necessary. ATA worked in concert with DNR to craft legislation to address most administrative problems that have recently impacted the program. Almost ten years ago, DNR determined that statute would not allow the renewal of trapping permits, creating a web of problems. The new legislation allows renewals, increases the yearly permit fee, and recovers security to the permitting system. Concerns about the unfairness of recreational use during off-cabin season have been expressed. 3:35:50 PM MR. BUIST stated that trapper shelters contain firewood, food, gear, and other life-saving materials during the winter trapping season. Allowing recreational use could put the permitted trapper in a bad situation and result in liability issues. The use of cabins for trapping is already established in statute, so allowing alternative uses would create an increase in demand and a plethora of problems. 3:36:46 PM AL BARRETTE, Member, Alaska Board of Game, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified in support of HB 125. He noted that although he is a member of the Alaska Board of Game, his testimony does not represent the agency. Southcentral and Interior Alaska are experiencing below-freezing temperatures, but a great number of trappers depend on a warm and dry place to stay during trapping activities. The expansion of urban populations has pushed trappers to more remote areas. 3:38:13 PM CO-CHAIR GIESSEL closed public testimony. 3:38:23 PM CO-CHAIR GIESSEL held HB 125 in committee.