SCR 4-AVALANCHE AWARENESS MONTH    CHAIR GARY STEVENS asked for a motion to adopt the committee substitute (CS). SENATOR JOHN COWDERY made a motion to adopt CSSCR 4, \D Kurtz 3/6/03 version. There being no objection, it was so ordered. CHAIR GARY STEVENS asked Senator Green to present the resolution. SENATOR LYDA GREEN, resolution sponsor, explained on page 2, lines 17-18 the CS deletes reference to "Cleary Summit" and adds "Moose Mountain, Ski Land, Birch Hill." This is the third time a concurrent resolution regarding avalanche awareness month has been introduced. "This proclamation would proclaim November 2003 as Avalanche Awareness Month. This proclamation would raise public awareness of the hazards associated with avalanches, and the opportunities to participate in avalanche safety training at the beginning of the winter recreational season. It is hoped that public participation in avalanche safety programs will be increased and that this increased participation will result in saved lives during the winter." BILL GLUDE, director and lead avalanche specialist for the Southeast Avalanche Center, testified the center is a non-profit educational corporation based in Juneau. The corporation lends strong endorsement to the resolution and does particular educational events in November for Avalanche Awareness Month. This year they presented an evening program and did radio and television advertisements. Alaska loses more people to avalanches than any other state. Currently it's mostly recreational users who are lost, but there are also a number of workers and urban residents that are exposed to avalanches. He urged members to also support funding for avalanche education and forecasting programs. Senator Green has been most helpful regarding education funds, which have been put to good use. SENATOR COWDERY noted Senator Green is a valuable ally due to her position on the Finance Committee. CHAIR GARY STEVENS called on Aedene Arthur. AEDENE ARTHUR, a private citizen, testified via teleconference in support of the resolution. She spoke for the families and friends of the over 70 Alaskans that have died in avalanches since the mid 1980s. She and her husband lost their only son in the Turnagain Pass avalanche in March 1999. He was one of six who died in that avalanche. Three years ago she co-founded BART, a backcountry avalanche awareness group in her sons' memory. She urged members to pass the resolution. 4:05 pm CHAIR GARY STEVENS extended his condolences for her loss. He asked for a motion. SENATOR DYSON made a motion to move CSSCR 4 (STA) \D version from committee with individual recommendations and zero fiscal note.