Knik River public-use bill a good step

May 26, 2006

SPECTRUM/Bill Stoltz and Charlie Huggins

The Knik River Valley is a destination for an increasing number of Alaskans looking for outdoor recreational opportunities.

The area is utilized by a wide variety of Alaskans for activities from hiking, cross-country skiing, fishing, mining and camping, to snowmobiling and the use of off-road vehicles, aircraft and watercraft, to name a few. It also is home to area residents, who use or are affected by use.

Establishing the Knik River Public Use Area was a process that began last year. We introduced House Bill 307 at the end of last session to provide the public ample time to comment on the bill.

Public meetings were held with several hundred people in attendance. We also received numerous letters and e-mails throughout the process.

An important aspect of the process was the involvement of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The involvement of the public, DNR and the legislatures proved fruitful. The next step was the legislative committee process.

Through the committee process, the Knik River Public Use Area bill evolved significantly.

Many of the existing provisions were modified and new provisions added to reflect suggestions from committee members, DNR and concerned citizens who provided suggestions. Changes included reflecting more of the multiple-use purpose we originally intended for the bill, protecting access while addressing the habitat issues, and the need for additional enforcement.

All of these combined to make a better bill.

Management and enforcement has been virtually non-existent in the Knik River Valley. With this legislation comes a full-time DNR land manager to actively manage the area, and the framework to establish the management plan to tackle the destructive activities, land and usage issues, and prepare for the future of the public use area.

This will be done in a very extensive and open process in which DNR will conduct over the next two years.

During this time, input from residents, user groups and concerned Alaskans will be gathered and used to establish a management plan.

Enforcement was the one universal concern that everyone brought to our attention. The need for enforcement is a top priority for us, and we worked diligently on the enforcement section of the bill. The enforcement language was crafted by DNR and the Department of Law to allow DNR officials as well as armed enforcement (state troopers and park rangers) to enforce the regulations of the public use area.

To put teeth to the enforcement language, additional funding also was added. This additional funding will allow DNR to contract with state law enforcement agencies to patrol the area. The establishment of the Knik River Public Use Area is a first step in a lengthy and involved process. The involvement of all users and residents in the pending public planning process is just as important as the passage of the bill.

We hope this first step will provide a framework for future endeavors to maintain the diversity of users, protect fish and wildlife for everyone to enjoy, and insure future generations will still be able to use and enjoy the Knik River

Valley.

State Rep. Bill Stoltze and state Sen. Charlie Huggins represent the Valley.