Sponsor Statement for SB 250

By: Senator Sharp

In 1994, the Eighteenth Alaska State Legislature passed Senate Bill 77, legislation implementing intensive game management. Since that time, the Department of Fish and Game and The Board of Game have had difficulty interpreting and implementing this legislation.

Senate Bill 250, narrows down and defines legislative findings that provides for high levels of harvest for human consumption consistent with the sustained yield principle. It further states big game prey populations should be managed biologically. This is accomplished by amending AS 16.05.255(g) and adding a new definition for sustained yield.

The Board of Game is further instructed to establish harvest goal and seasons for managing big game prey populations to achieve a high level of human harvest. And the Commissioner by delegation of the Board shall cooperate and assist by implementing regulations, management plans and other programs to accomplish these goals.

To further assist the Board and the department, the bill contains definitions for harvestable surplus and high levels of human harvest. These are terms that are in existing law and it has become evident they beg for clear definition.

Thank you.