The Problem:
On March 5, 2010, the Alaska Board of Game
voted 4-3 to eliminate all buffer zones around Denali National Park. These
zones, established in 2000, were intended to protect members of the park's
wolf packs whose ranges go slightly outside the park.
The Board of Game's seven members all hunt.
Several are also trappers. The present board is strongly anti-predator as
is evident in many recent decisions.
The net effect of this buffer zone decision
is that now trappers can set their snares, leg-hold or body traps right up
to the park boundaries, boundaries which wildlife do not understand.
Who is Al Barrette?
Mr. Barrette is the most recent appointment
to the Board of Game. His was one of the 4 votes eliminating the buffer
zones.
With this vote he ignored the wishes of over
100,000 park visitors and Alaskans to favor 3 or 4 recreational trappers.
Because Al Barrette has not yet been
approved by the Legislature, he is vulnerable to being removed from the
Board when the Joint Legislative Session is held at which appointments are
acted upon.
Some points of consideration
about Mr. Barrette and the BOG are:
- The BOG creates all aerial hunting
regulations.
- Mr. Barrette is proud his was the first
such permit.
- The BOG creates all trapping regulations.
- Mr. Barrette has patented and
manufactures a wolf trap.
- Mr. Barrette owns a fur tannery in
Fairbanks.
- Mr. Barrette is yet another hunter on a
board meant to represent all Alaskans, not just the hunter/trapper
residents.
- Mr. Barrette's perspective on wildlife
management does not use the wealth of scientific data and methods
available (see Shannyn Moore's article Skinning
the Truth for Mr. Barrette's perspective on how "original
sin" and wildlife management are connected).
What Can You Do?
If you are a resident of
Alaska, using the above talking points (as well as others you
might derive from your own views) you should:
Additional useful contacts include:
If you are not a resident of
Alaska, you should contact Governor
Parnell and the Tourism Board.
Tourism is Alaska's second largest revenue source and many businesses in
Alaska depend on it.
Do not underestimate the power
of your email or phone call!
The Legislature usually receives little
public input on appointments so you may have more effect than you realize.
Please forward this
e-mail to those you know who might be interested.
John Toppenberg
Director
Alaska Wildlife Alliance
P.S. A very sincere thank
you, to our many Alaskan members who responded to our
request for comments in support of the Denali buffer issue. The Board of
Game heard our voices, and it is imperative that we continue to speak up
for Alaska's wildlife.
PO Box 202022
Anchorage, AK 99520-2022
907-277-0897
"Wilderness
without wildlife is just scenery." – Lois
Crisler |
