News from the Senate Majority

Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540
http://www.akrepublicans.org

For Immediate Release: February 25, 1997 Contact: Senator Bert Sharp 907/465-3004

Senate Measure Amends Board of Game Qualifications for Appointees

Juneau -- The Alaska State Senate Tuesday passed legislation by a vote of 15 to 5 that will stiffen the qualifications for Board of Game appointees in an effort to improve the dedication and commitment of future Board members.

Senator Sharp, prime sponsor of SB 22, said this measure inserts an additional qualification for people to be considered for appointment to the Board of Game. This qualification would require people to have held an Alaska hunting or trapping license during at least five of the previous seven years immediately preceding their appointment to the board.

"People who have purchased licenses and engaged in the harvest of Alaska’s fish and game resources have a direct interest in the status of the resource and an understanding of Arctic game resource management," said Sharp. "I feel they would be more inclined to promote enhancement of the resource back from periods of scarcity to abundance in a more reasonable fashion than appointees who have not participated in the harvest of Alaska’s fish and game."

"In the past, some who have served on the Board, have disrupted or ignored scientific advice because it contrasted with their personal philosophy. This research cost the state millions to assimilate through studies and observations made by Department of Fish and Game scientists. It should provide a launching point for fish and game management decisions," Sharp said.

"Critics say this bill limits the pool of applicants," said Sharp. "I hardly consider a substantial pool of 100,000 Alaskans a limiting number to draw from when filling Board of Game vacancies."

Sharp noted that several states require this "licensed" qualification when appointing their state wildlife boards.

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