Alaska State Legislature
News from the House Majority

Jerry Ritter, House Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-3804
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

Vote Protects Against Arbitrary Closures

Senate Joins House in Protecting Traditional Rights of Access

For Immediate Release: April 22, 1998 Contact: Rep. Beverly Masek at (907) 465-2679.

Juneau -- The Alaska Senate Wednesday voted to ensure that Alaskans continue to have reasonable access to the land and resources they own. On a reconsideration vote, the Senate gave final approval to House Bill 168, which protects the public from arbitrary closures by the Department of Fish and Game and the Boards of Game or Fish.

"Time and time again at public hearings, Alaskans have told us they support access, including motorized access, for hunting and fishing," said Representative Beverly Masek (R-Willow), the sponsor of HB 168. "Yet, at its November meeting, the Board of Game appointed a special committee to explore this issue further. What for? Actions such as that of the Board of Game last November simply feed the public's fears that those accessible lands still remaining will be closed," Masek said.

HB 168 requires that, if there is not sufficient sound evidence pertaining to either public safety or biological concerns, there must be legislative approval of closures. HB 168 is intended to support House Bill 23, which deals with public lands, and Senate Bill 35, which deals with state park lands. Both bills passed the House and Senate by solid majorities.

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