01.08.16

Sullivan deeply concerned over USFWS proposed changes to wildlife management on Alaska refuges

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) expressed deep concern over the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) proposed regulatory changes to wildlife management on national wildlife refuges in Alaska, which would restrict access and limit hunting, fishing and trapping activities, preempting the State of Alaska’s authority and science-based management regime. In all, Alaska has 16 national wildlife refuges comprising 76,774,229 acres.

The proposed rule would erode state wildlife management in contravention of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act and the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act, by restricting certain state-approved sporting practices, limiting public input in the management process, and expanding closure procedures.

“It continually surprises me how little regard the federal government has for our state and its people,” Senator Sullivan said. “We in Alaska understand the land. We drink its water. We hunt and fish and trap on it. We live on it and we, not the federal government, are best able to decide how to manage it. Further, I’m extremely troubled that the USFWS is trying to change policy without going through Congress. These regulations are not based on any conservation need, but are just one more example of the federal government trying to restrict Alaskans’ way of life.”

While this rulemaking is specific to refuge lands in Alaska, many of its impacts could later be replicated nationwide. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water and Wildlife within the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Senator Sullivan will continue examining this rulemaking in the coming months.

Below are statements about the proposed rules from resource experts in Alaska:

 

“The responsibility of Alaska State Board of Game is to ensure healthy and viable wildlife populations under the sustained yield principle for the benefit of all Alaskans. The proposed rule by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service circumvents the Board’s authority, violates scientific conservation principles and creates a new refuge system that turns federal public lands into quasi preservation units. This is not what federal law specifies under ANILCA, and not what Congress intended.”

Ted Spraker

Chairman, Alaska Board of Game

 

"SCI supports conservation based on sustainable management principles and believes the North American Model for Wildlife Conservation remains the best plan for perpetuating wildlife species in the world. That plan is under assault, not only from zealots in the anti-hunting community, but with the recent moves by the National Park Service and now, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it is obvious that our own government has joined ranks with the zealots and are attacking America's first conservationists, the American hunter. Implementation of these rules will ensure the loss of state management and with it the loss of opportunity for all hunters, including those in rural communities that hunt to feed their families. Acquiescing to this bureaucratic tyranny is not an option."

Eddie Grasser

SCI Vice President

Co-Chair SCI Government Affairs Committee

Chair Hunter Defense Fund

Chair Task Force on Partnerships

 

“Alaska’s Professional Hunters Association (APHA) is deeply concerned by USFWS’s proposed regulatory changes. APHA members are among the world’s most experienced hunting guides who make their living safely accompanying sportsmen and women from around the world on fair chase, wilderness hunts. Hunters from across the country, indeed the world, book their trips years in advance. Now USFWS proposes to add “natural diversity, biological integrity, and environmental health” to why they can bar hunters from their lands. At the same time they are seeking to extend closures 3 times (300%) longer. Alaska's is proud of its thriving game populations yet USFWS proposes to close refuges to sportsmen if there is somehow not enough “natural diversity.” APHA members spend tens of thousands of days afield every year yet none of us understands how to manage for “natural diversity or biological integrity.” All sportsmen and women, whether they intend to travel to Alaska as one of our guests or not, should question why USFWS wants to make it easier to close their federal public lands. Alaska is home to 80% of America’s refuge lands, having the Alaska's refuges “closed, we’ll keep you posted” would be great loss to all American sportsmen and women.” 

Thor Stacey

Alaska Professional Hunters Association Inc.

Director of Government Affairs

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