Lack of Balance in the Board of Game.
Former members of the Alaska State Board of Game have asked Gov. Palin to ensure that the seven member board has a more balanced perspective, and includes more “non-consumptive users” in its ranks in the future.
Despite Alaska’s hunting and trapping cultural past, many Alaskans today are unapologetic lovers of living wildlife, and for them it has been a source of distress to see the governor stack this board with those whose main interest in wildlife is eating it, stuffing it or hanging it on their wall in one form or another. Wildlife issues in Alaska are a complicated dance of sport hunters, wildlife viewers, conservationists, subsistence hunters, and Alaska Natives vs. Non-Natives, which makes it difficult to achieve a balance that will make all residents happy.
But for too long now, this board has under-represented those who prefer to shoot Alaska’s wild creatures with a camera, and consume them with their eyes, and has over-represented those whose main concern is the “harvest” of game animals.
This mind-set has led us down the trail to some highly controversial wildlife management policies, that many believe were a deliberate goal for the Palin administration when appointing members to this board. Most notable of these policies is the aerial hunting of wolves, which offends not only conservationists, and potential income-generating tourists, but many Alaskan hunters as well.
Wade Willis, the Alaska representative for the Defenders of Wildlife said:
“For the tourism industry, decisions made by the Board of Game are the number one image maker in this state,” Willis said. “It’s not that somebody from the tourism industry is going to say, ‘No, we can’t do predator control,’ but they might say, ‘We need to package it in a way to minimize the negative impact it has on the tourism industry.’ “
Willis and Maier said non-consumptive users have largely been ignored by the board under the administrations of Palin and former Gov. Frank Murkowski.
Before Murkowski, vacancies on panel were advertised and nominations were solicited from various groups, according to the letter. The process is much more secretive now and nominations are not shared or scrutinized like they once were.
“Our perception now is that these practices no longer prevail and the rule seems to be that only input from hunting and trapping interests is valued,” the letter states.
So far there has been no comment from Governor Palin on this request. But despite the assertions from the current Board of Game that they are taking in to account various perspectives, this remains an issue of balance. And when those on one end of a controversial and contentious issue start to get too happy, and the other side doesn’t even bother to show up, that’s a sign that something needs to be fixed, and that voices are not being heard.
About time someone called her to the carpet on this, though Murkowski really started it.
yep, it all starts with details like this, which show and say things about how a person thinks and works, their belief system.
which also leads me to believe every practice a gov or official who is in the position of making appointments, every board, who’s appointed and how they are chosen should be looked at and not just accepted.
the way things are done says something
and the more secretive and nonpublic these decisions are, the more they need to be talked about and reviewed.
Who does one write to to address this problem? I have been struggling all the three decades I’ve lived in Alaska with how my ideas and feelings go against the Alaska norms, and I’d like to start putting my two cents in on some of these things, but there are so many issues and so much bombast on everything I’d need a few tons of cents. Don’t know where to begin! But I want to start somewhere! And at the same time, I don’t want it to be ALL I do! Yet it seems it might have to be if anything is ever going to change for the better!
Overwhelmed!
Hope
This is not an uniquely Alaskan problem. Last year, Colorado had a big argument over a law passed by the Legislature that reapportioned the number on members on the Oil and Gas Commission. It went from predominantly industry reps to include environmental, health, wildlife, tourism, plus county reps- those who are negatively impacted by extractive industries. This session the legislature will approve a major overhaul to the rules/regs that define procedures followed. Of course the industries are squawking, blaming the proposed changes on the downturn in activity, but the published analysis of the changes agrees that-for the most part- the new rules address each groups’ concerns.
This can be done for the AK Board of Game, since more people are impacted by decisions than just hunters. With representation of all groups, all needs/desires can be addressed.
BTW- a group I know (24) changed their vacation destination this summer from Alaska to British Columbia when they read about killing wolves. However, I’m not sure that would make a difference to SP, as any opinion besides her own is suspect.
Okay. I am amazed at the breadth of the issues you cover in this blog. Alaska is so lucky to have you keeping an eye on things and allowing discussion as you do. I think it’s closer to the way government ought to be run, and I hope everybody in the state logs in to check you out every day. Poor Sarah. She just doesn’t get it, but she could learn so much by reading and receiving what you write!
and you have got to be kidding me, please don’t let this gold mine owner throw waste into a lake and kill all the fish! when everyone knows that will happen……..that’s just stupid and wrong……get this guy out of the dark ages.
Supreme Court weighs in on mine tailings
KENSINGTON: Owner admits waste will kill all fish in nearby lake.
By MATTHEW DALY
The Associated Press
http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe5a1775776003747016&ls=fdf516737662027b71127073&m=fef911737c6706&l=fec5167371600074&s=fe34177077600074751475&jb=ffcf14&t=
(and wow, I’m not sure about this supreme court justice…….how does he know it’s going to stay there? how smart is this guy?)
“Isn’t it arguable that the best place for really toxic stuff is at the bottom of a lake so long as it stays there?” asked Justice Antonin Scalia.
(this decision will affect all of the United States folks……heads up)
The court’s decision in the case could set a national precedent for how mining waste is disposed in the streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands.
A ruling in favor of the mining company could allow such waste to be dumped into waterways throughout the United States, said Tom Waldo, a lawyer with the environmental group Earthjustice.
“The whole reason Congress passed the Clean Water Act was to stop turning our lakes and rivers into industrial waste dumps,” Waldo said.”
(okay, Chief Justice Roberts sounds like an idiot)
“Chief Justice John Roberts noted that the fish in question were not an endangered species, adding: “There are millions of them somewhere else, right?”
Jody – Sarah is reading this blog………learning…not so much .
The problem is a lot bigger than palin and just the last couple of years. Since the end of the Knowles administration things have really changed. Before policies were pretty much middle of the road, more user groups had a chance to at least be heard. Now the outdoor council and hunting interests/guide industry calls all the shots in wildlife management in the state govt., e.g. the legislature’s intensive game mangement areas and ramping up wolf control.
Say No TO Palin In PoliticsNo Gravatar (11:32:01) :
“Isn’t it arguable that the best place for really toxic stuff is at the bottom of a lake so long as it stays there?” asked Justice Antonin Scalia.
“Chief Justice John Roberts noted that the fish in question were not an endangered species, adding: “There are millions of them somewhere else, right?”
_________________________________________________________________
Remember who nominated these legal lightweights to the Supreme Court…and it wasn’t Obama. Sheesh. They are on there for life. gag.
hmmmmm……..want to talk about prop 4 anyone?
a comment from someone on ADN article on Lower Slate Lake and mining.
“Maybe I’m a little slow on the uptake on this one (there are so many disasters to folllow). I didn’t know until yesterday, after reading the trial transcripts, that Governor Palin has weighed the the State of Alaska in on the side of the outside mining company and not on the side of the Alaskans than are sueing to stop this project.
Is this what the majority of Alaskans want? I think not. Thanks for keeping us in the loop Governor. Thanks for acting like a 3rd world dictator.”
Acting like a third world sociopathic dictator.
“Isn’t it arguable that the best place for really toxic stuff is at the bottom of a lake so long as it stays there?” asked Justice Antonin Scalia.
Obviously, Scalia is on the Supreme Court because he is a pious fascist and not a scientist, but (pro business or not) there is no excuse for such stupidity.
Richard Nixon, who started the EPA, would be shocked at the ‘dumbing-down’ of the Republican Party-not that he would fit in with today’s Republicans.
nswfm CANo Gravatar (12:30:31) :
Acting like a third world sociopathic dictator.
———
At least now she can’t keep it under the radar – especially if she keeps jumping up and down, screaming, “Me, me me” every time a camera and microphone are nearby.
Say No TO Palin In Politics:
There is a problem of the education of our highly educated judges. They have never heard of leaching. Water goes where it will, and takes what it will with it. Water is a powerful force. It can save your life or kill you. Listen to the fish.
Once again we face the best judges money can buy. It is all political.
@ Hope (11:19:45)…….. Opportunities to weigh in on BOG issues come often. You can begin the process of spending your two cents the same way you might advise someone to go to, say, an Arts Council meeting.
For instance: The Homer Fish & Game Advisory Committee will hold its election meeting January 22nd at 6:00 pm at the KBRR annex. Also on the agenda will be preparation of comments for the BOG statewide proposals. For more information contact Marv Peters at 235-2468.
I’ll admit that It takes a while for the old guard to get used to new people, but,
at least in my town, ears are open .
Thanks, KittenStCyr! I’ll look into it.
Hope.
My 2 cents may not mean much as I am not an Alaskan resident but when my husband and I talk about travels we would like to make, both of us had agreed that Alaska was one of the places we both wanted to see. Probably via a cruise but we also wanted to see what other types of travel packages were available that might allow us to spend more time in Alaska and have more freedom of movement.
However, since the election and the knowledge we gained of Palin’s stewardship of the environment and wildlife in Alaska (I had nightmares for weeks after learning of her advocacy of the aerial hunting of wolves), we will pass for now. I think we prefer to wait to award our travel dollars to Alaska when the state gets rid of Palin and elects a more intelligent, truthful, and progressive governor.
AKM, I immediately got the picture of SP with her guns, planes, NRA, hunters and bleeding footless wolfs, on one side of the sea-saw and one lonely live wolf with a blogger in pj’s sitting way up in the air on the other. Just give us a moment and will get you down on the ground and join you in calling for more balanced and divirus representation on the Board of Game.
I do have to admit, that title “Board of Game” left me baffled as to what kind of game that could be?
only when one of ‘them’ direly ingests the tainted or breathes in the toxins, will the laws be changed and red tape disappear…those selfish bast**d politicians! we’re not a monarchy…they work for us…we hired ‘em, we can fire ‘em.
Scalia, didn’t grow up in Northern ID were they dump mine waste in the rivers and lakes for some 75 years. Want to guess how many millions it takes to clean up those messes? Not to mention the medical bills of the population that live near by. Where did the last Admin get their brains? Must of strained them through a toxic sieve. If they allow these guys to get away with this they need to be forced to bath and drink the water in that lake three times a day.
NEW THREAD ALERT!
Injuneau, are you sure, I can’t find any new thread?
UK Lady, try this: http://www.themudflats.net/2009/01/13/pick-your-house-candidate-for-2010/
Thankyou Injuneau, that is weird, doesn’t show on the refresh.
How odd. Sometimes the new threads don’t when they’re in transition to being posted… or maybe you need to go back to the home page to see it. I’ve had that happen a couple of times.
LoriNo Gravatar (13:49:24) :
My 2 cents may not mean much as I am not an Alaskan resident ………
Lori, you don’t have to be a resident to support people like Wade Willis and THERE is a particular upcoming Federal rule making process that you will surely be able to participate in that should have an impact on the effect the commercial hunting industry has over our resource management. Stay tuned in to what Wade/Defenders is trying to accomplish!
OHH and in case anyone missed it the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Advisory Board very recently supported sending a letter to Palin re: Board of Game diversity needed.
Vacancies on the Board of Game should be advertised and nominations selected from various groups as stated on the ADN today. This was the practice before Murkowski was elected governor. I just love the term “nonconsumptive” users, i.e., “non hunters”. Alaska should develop tourism programs so that people the world over could come and see the incredible beauty of Alaska, and what makes it such a special place, and that includes the wolves and the polar bears. Not to mention the fact that Alaska’s “wolf management” program should be based on scientific fact and not just an easy target for the “cowboys” who have to prove their manhood.
I do not advocate hunting any animal but I realize everyone does not share my view on this. However, even the National Rifle Association, of which Governor Palin is a card carrying member, does not advocate shooting wolves from helicopters.
Hopefully, the new Secretary of the Interior will do his job and protect the land and all the animals that inhabit this beautiful country of ours. I have written to the Transition Team at Change.gov on this very issue. But real change has to come from within Alaska. Hopefully, if 57% of Alaska citizens object the the aerial hunting of wolves, as was the case in 2006, they will elect a governor that has the same moral fortitude.
RE: Say No TO Palin In PoliticsNo Gravatar (11:32:01) :
This thread has already gone somewhat stale and this subject was kind of off topic to begin with. However, the issues involved here are significant and merit some attention and understanding. Moreover they are related to some important issues that have recently arisen in the lower 48 that most of you are probably aware of, namely the TVA fly ash sludge spill in KY. It all may be moot because of course the SCOTUS heard the case yesterday and are not likely to be influenced by anyone’s opinions. Then again a sufficient public outcry might have some beneficial effect.
Regarding the Kensington Mine a quick perusal of the oral arguments seems to indicate that the main contention of the lawsuit is valid, the permitting process was subverted to circumvent the clean water act. If the SCOTUS rules in favor of the mining company it will open up the possibility of a fairly vast amount of otherwise obviously toxic waste from mining operations being freely introduced into watersheds anywhere in the U.S.
This may sound like a broad and even somewhat absurd claim but it is not and this is why. The proposal as such refers to a slurry of mine production waste rock as either “fill” or tailings. It is neither, it is a slurry. Secondly the proposal refers to the lake in question as “an impoundment”. It is not, it is a lake. An impoundment is a deliberately constructed holding area usually, in fact almost universally, requiring a liner of clay or a combination of clay and other impermeable materials such that the water from the impoundment cannot migrate into the local aquifer or water table. By definition, a lake has communication with the local water table.
Dumping a slurry of mine waste rock into a lake will ultimately and inevitably lead to the mixing of high concentrations of dissolved elements with the otherwise pristine ground water local to the lake, the stream that drains the lake and consequently ground water downstream, virtually in perpetuity.
If this is permitted, then similar strategies will be employed wherever an extractive industry can save a few bucks by dumping their wastes without responsibly mitigating the effects anywhere in the U.S. Alternatives are readily available but they will increase the costs of mining to some extent and perhaps the Kensington mine will not be profitable if such costs were to be incurred, though I doubt that. I have not, admittedly, checked the watershed to see what exposure exists downstream from this project, perhaps said exposure is slight, perhaps not. That is not the point. The point is that the CWA was enacted to end wholesale and indiscriminate pollution of water resources. If it can be twisted by verbal tricks to allow this kind of transgression, then it will lead to a return to the wholesale destruction of water resources and the consequent enormous costs imposed on the population as a whole to mitigate such pollution or find alternative sources of clean water.
Admittedly, the issue of clean water may not be so great to many Alaskans, but consider for a moment the > 50 million people living in California with no where near enough clean water. Then consider whether a ruling in favor of allowing the arbitrary redefinition of terms such as slurry and fill might find some traction with respect to another industry, even more polluting and extensive than mining such as agriculture. The implications are profound.
And there are many other related issues…
I’ll leave it at that, I have just registered for the forum although I don’t have
enough opportunity to participate much, I would be happy to try to contribute to a discussion there that explores all these inter-related topics.
My goal is to inform.
Cheers,
For what it’s worth, my husband has always been an avid hunter. His “logic,” if you will, has remained respectful of God’s creatures, justifying what he does as being more humane than letting nature take its course. He claims that the animals die more horrible deaths from starvation and disease than they do from hunters. But, take heart…he has become very good at amateur photography (some of his photos have made it to our governor’s website) so I have hope that a change is coming. I’ll keep working on him. Just tell me that you’ll do the same for those you know. If you don’t have to live off the land to survive, then don’t.
Change the name from ‘Fish and Game’ to ‘Fish and Wildlife’ and start again. An outside hunter paying thousands of dollars for a guided hunt will always win out over the natural predators who have no voice… and that board is stacked with guides.